How Often Do You Water Easter Cactus?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Water them anywhere from

every 3-6 weeks

depending on the temps, the mix it’s in & the size & type of pot it’s planted in. You want to keep the temps between 50 & 65 degrees F. 50-55 degrees is best at night. If your temps are warmer, they’ll require a longer period of darkness.

How do you water an Easter cactus?

Care and Feeding: Easter cactus will thrive in bright, indirect light (sun or shade) and to get it to bloom on cue, put it in a spot where daytime and night temperatures fluctuate by as much as 20 degrees.

Water it when the soil feels dry to the touch

and give it a balanced fertilizer twice a month.

How do I keep my Easter cactus blooming?

Unlike dessert cacti, they need cooler temperatures, even during the day, and will bloom for months in nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees F. (13-16 C.). Keep the soil lightly

moist

and allow it to dry out before watering again. Good Easter cactus care means repotting the plant every two years in spring.

How often does Easter cactus bloom?

The cheery Easter Cactus, or Spring Cactus as it’s commonly known these days, is sold in bloom

throughout March and April

. That bloom can extend well into May depending on the conditions your plant is growing in. But wait, don’t give your cactus the old heave-ho after it’s done blooming.

How many times a week should I water my cactus?

In general, a slow, deep watering is

sufficient once per week

. This may translate to soaking a container until moisture runs out the drainage holes or using a garden hose set low to steadily drip water to the root zone of the plant for several hours.

Why is my Easter cactus limp?

Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by

a lack of water or too much direct sunlight

. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.

Why is my spring cactus not blooming?

If the plant doesn’t form flowers it mean that the Easter cactus

was kept in too little light and/

or the night temperatures were too high. Don’t expose the plant to sudden changes in temperature or move it around too much. Doing this will cause the buds to drop before opening.

How do you get a cactus to flower?

  1. Proper temperatures.
  2. Plenty of light.
  3. Feed or Fertilize.
  4. Water.
  5. The right medium.
  6. To encourage flowering, the plant needs to enter a period of dormancy. …
  7. Limit the amount of water.
  8. Provide a period of darkness.

Why is my Easter cactus turning yellow?

Improper watering – Yellow Christmas cactus leaves may be a sign that the

plant has a disease known as root rot

, which is caused by excessive watering or poor drainage. … To prevent root rot, water only when top 2 to 3 inches (5-7.6 cm.) of soil feel dry to the touch, or if the leaves look flat and wrinkly.

Is Easter cactus poisonous to cats?

Fortunately, the Christmas Cactus (or its relative, the Easter Cactus) plant

is not toxic to dogs

in either its parts or flowers. The same applies for cats. However, fibrous plant material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.

What does an overwatered cactus look like?

How do you tell an overwatered cactus? … The cactus

will appear to rot or decay

. The leaves and stems will start changing color by turning brown or black. The base will also start turning black.

Does cactus need sunlight?

Cacti and succulents thrive with

good light sources

, and it is best to place cacti and succulents in a bright place. A south facing position will provide good sunlight. However, be careful to not put them in direct sunlight because the intense light can make the plants turn a yellow colour.

How do you know when a cactus needs water?

  1. The Cactus stems and leaves will start changing color. Usually black or brown.
  2. The base of the Cactus will start turning brown or black.
  3. The Cactus will become mushy and start leaking.
  4. The Cactus will start to appear as if it is rotting or decaying.

What does an overwatered Easter cactus look like?

In case you didn’t remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be

limp leaves

, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off. Prevention is simple.

Why is my Easter cactus turning brown?


Root knot nematodes can cause damage to the hairlike roots of your cacti

. This results in portions of the plant turning reddish-brown in color. Growth may be stunted, and the plant can wilt.

How do you prune an Easter cactus?

Break off the top leaf at the joint on each stem, beginning at the bottom of the plant and working to the stems at the top. If a stem doesn’t break off cleanly at the joint, cut it off at the correct spot with

a pair of clean shears

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.