Christmas Cactus Fertilizers can make or break the plant – so it is important to pick a good one to ensure it stays healthy and blooming!
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful holiday bloomer that thrives when given the right care and nutrients. Fertilizing your plant correctly can significantly affect its growth, flowering, and overall health. Choosing the right fertilizer ensures lively blooms and lush green foliage. Here is a detailed look at the 12 most potent fertilizers you can use for your Christmas cactus.
12 Most Potent Christmas Cactus Fertilizers
1. Worm Castings
Worm castings are often called “black gold,”. They are a nutrient-rich organic fertilizer perfect for Christmas cacti. This organic plant food improves soil structure, increases nutrient availability, and encourages healthy root growth.
Mix a small number of worm castings into the potting soil or sprinkle them on top every few months for long-lasting benefits.
2. Compost Tea
Compost tea is a natural fertilizer that provides an array of nutrients and beneficial microbes to your Christmas cactus. To make compost tea, steep a bag of well-aged compost in water for 24 to 48 hours.
Use the nutrient-rich liquid to water your cactus once a month. It is an eco-friendly way to keep your plant healthy and thriving.
3. Epsom Salt Solution
Epsom salt is rich in magnesium, a crucial nutrient for Christmas cacti. A lack of magnesium can cause the leaves to turn yellow or pale. To use Epsom salt, dissolve one teaspoon in a gallon of water and feed your plant once a month during the growing season.
Be careful not to overdo it, as too much magnesium can cause nutrient imbalances.
4. Organic Fish Emulsion
Fish emulsion is an excellent organic fertilizer that delivers a rich mix of nutrients to Christmas cacti. It is particularly high in nitrogen, which helps the plant develop strong, healthy foliage.
Because fish emulsion is gentle on plants, you can apply it every two to three weeks without the risk of burning the roots.
5. Seaweed Extract
Seaweed fertilizers, either liquid or powdered, are packed with trace minerals and natural plant hormones that promote vigorous growth. They are gentle enough for regular use and improve overall health and resistance to stress.
Apply a diluted seaweed solution every two to four weeks during the growing season for lush foliage and better flowering.
6. Bone Meal
Bone meal is an organic source of phosphorus and calcium, making it an excellent fertilizer for Christmas cacti during the flowering stage. It helps develop strong roots and encourages beautiful blooms.
Add a small amount of bone meal to the soil when repotting, or apply it as a top dressing once a year.
Commercial Fertilizers
7. Schultz Cactus Plus 2-7-7 Liquid Plant Food
It provides a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium with a 2-7-7 ratio. This fertilizer helps promote blooms, strong root development, and overall healthy plant growth.
To use, mix 5-7 drops into a quart of water and apply every two weeks during the active growing season, which runs from spring through early fall.
8. Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food
This water-soluble formula (NPK 0.5-1-1) with added micronutrients is specially designed for succulents. It enhances flowering, improves soil quality, and supports robust plant health.
To use, mix 1-2 teaspoons per gallon of water and feed every two weeks during the growing season. Avoid using it during the dormant winter period.
9. Espoma Organic Cactus Plant Food
This fertilizer has a 1-2-2 NPK ratio and is infused with beneficial microbes. The slow-release formula promotes healthy flowering and vibrant foliage.
Mix 1/2 capful per quart of water and apply every two to four weeks during the active growth period. Reduce the frequency in the fall and stop using it during winter.
10. Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Flower & Vegetable
This fertilizer has a balanced NPK blend with a smart-release mechanism that provides a continuous nutrient supply, which encourages bigger blooms and robust growth.
To use, sprinkle one tablespoon per 4 square feet of soil surface area, adjusting for pot size. Apply in early spring, as it can last up to 4 months. Avoid using it during the dormant period in late fall and winter.
11. Jack’s Classic Blossom Booster
This fertilizer has a high-phosphorus formula with a 10-30-20 NPK ratio. It is specifically designed to boost flowering while maintaining overall plant health.
To use, mix one teaspoon per gallon of water and apply every other watering during the growing season. Avoid using it during the dormant period.
12. Fox Farm Liquid Nutrient Trio
This three-part nutrient system includes Grow Big, Tiger Bloom, and Big Bloom. It offers a customizable feeding schedule that promotes lush growth and enhances flowering.
To use, mix 3-4 tablespoons per gallon of water. Begin application as buds appear and continue through the flowering period. It can also be used throughout the growing season to repair root damage and improve nutrient uptake.
