Christmas cacti do like to be root limit to some extent . Being epiphytic plants in their innate habitat , they develop in the crevices of trees and rocks , where their beginning are confined . This means that they are accommodate to growing in a limited amount of soil , and being base bound can actually be good for their growth and overall health .
When a Christmas cactus becomes root bound , it means that the roots have filled up the pot and have little elbow room to maturate further . This can ensue in a more thickset and bushy plant , as well as more abundant flowering . The roots also help to cast anchor the plant securely in the pot , piddle it less likely to topple over .
However , there comes a point when the works becomes too constricted in its pot and require to be repot . This is unremarkably betoken by pitiful increase , lack of efflorescence , or the plant life wilting even after being water . When the roots become too crowded , they can become ineffective to take up water and nutrients effectively , leading to these symptom .
To determine if your Christmas cactus needs repotting , check the roots by gently removing the plant from its pot . If you see that the roots have filled up the stool and are circling around the edges , it ’s a good denotation that repotting is necessary . to boot , if the plant has outgrow its current pot and is top - large , it ’s also a sign that it need a larger container .
When repotting a Christmas cactus , choose a new pot that is one size larger than the current one . It should have drainage holes to prevent sloughy filth , which can do root hogwash . Using a cactus or well - drain dirt mix is recommended to provide adequate drainage and keep moisture retentiveness .
To repot the cactus , gently take away it from its current raft , being measured not to damage the roots . Shake off any excess soil and inspect the roots for any sign of bunkum or disease . Trim off any dead or damage roots with clean , acute scissor hold or pruning shears .
locate the plant in the fresh pot and fill around it with fresh soil , gently pressing it down to secure the plant life . Leave a small gap between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot to allow for lachrymation . water system the plant thoroughly after repotting to patch up the land and hydrate the roots .
After repotting , supervise the industrial plant closely and adjust tearing as needed . It ’s normal for the plant life to go through a menses of adjustment after repotting , so do n’t be alarmed if it takes some sentence for it to bounce back . With right care and the right conditions , your Christmas cactus should thrive in its unexampled , slightly magnanimous pot .
While Christmas cacti do wish to be root throttle to some extent , there comes a level when repotting is necessary for the plant life ’s health and outgrowth . By being observant and providing the veracious circumstance , you’re able to control that your Christmas cactus thrives in its new muckle and continue to convey joyousness with its beautiful bloom .
Caroline Bates
