Christmas Cactus Fertilizer Guide (+Best Fertilizers)

Sharing is caring!

Christmas cactus plants, popular for holiday decor due to their vibrant flowers, require proper fertilization for optimal growth and care.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to fertilizing your Christmas cactus so it looks its best this holiday season. You’ll also find recommendations for the best fertilizers to help you choose.

Let’s get started!

For those who want to dive deeper into the benefits and specifics of each product, be sure to read on for more detailed information. We’ve included our top picks at the beginning for quick reference, but there’s much more to explore below!

Here Is What to Look in Before You Choose a Fertilizer

When we choose the best fertilizer for a Christmas cactus, there are a few key features to think about.

Nutrient Content

• N-P-K Ratio: Look for a balanced ratio like 20-20-20.
• Micronutrients: Ensure it also has micronutrients like magnesium and calcium.

Type of Fertilizer

• Liquid: Easy to mix and apply.
• Granular: Slow-release and convenient.
• Organic: Good for the environment, and gentle on plants.

Ease of Use

• Mixing: Check if it’s easy to mix with water.
• Application: Consider how often you need to apply it.

Safety

• Plant Safety: Make sure it’s safe for indoor plants.
• Pets and Kids: Double-check if it’s non-toxic, especially if you have pets or children.

Cost

• Budget: Balance between cost and quality.
• Quantity: Larger packages might be more economical.

Best Fertilizers For Christmas Cactus

We’ve rounded up the best fertilizers for your Christmas cactus to keep it thriving all year round. Let’s check out our top picks!

TPS Plant Foods Christmas Cactus Liquid Fertilizer

This fertilizer really brings out the best in our Christmas cacti.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Helps plants bloom
• Quick results

Cons

• Small bottle
• Pricey

We found the Christmas Cactus Liquid Fertilizer extremely simple to use. Just a small amount mixed with water and our cacti were looking healthier and more vibrant in no time.

Early results were fantastic. Within a few weeks, our plants had more blooms and brighter colors. It’s clear this fertilizer does its job well.

One downside is the bottle size; it doesn’t last very long, especially if you have a lot of plants.

We also noticed it’s a bit on the pricey side and requires frequent use. Despite these minor issues, the benefits definitely outweigh the cons.

The Grow Co Succulents & Cactus Plant Food

If you have succulents or cacti, you should definitely give this plant food a try for healthier plants.

Pros

• Easy to use, just sprinkle or poke holes
• Long-lasting effect, up to 9 months
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

Cons

• Small bag size
• May be a bit pricey

We used the Succulents & Cactus Plant Food for our Christmas cactus and were very pleased with the results.

The granules are easy to apply, and we just poked a few holes in the soil around our plant. It took almost no time at all which was super convenient.

Our cactus seemed to respond quickly, and within a couple of weeks, we noticed brighter, more vibrant colors. This product works well whether you keep your plants indoors or out, which is a big plus for us as we have cacti in different spots.

Though the bag size is on the smaller side, the fact that it lasts for 9 months helps justify the cost. Overall, we think this plant food is a solid choice for anyone looking to give their succulents and cacti a boost.

Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food

We highly recommend this product for anyone looking to boost the health and growth of their succulents and cacti.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Works quickly
• Suitable for many types of succulents

Cons

• Slightly pricey

If you want an easy and efficient way to feed your succulents, Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food is a great choice.

We love how simple it is to either squirt it directly onto the soil or mix it with water for a more even spread. Just apply it every two weeks, and you’ll see your plants perk up quickly.

Some users have reported that the small bottle doesn’t last long, particularly if you have many plants.

The price is a bit higher than some other fertilizers, which might be a drawback for those on a tight budget. Even though these drawbacks exist, the results make it worth considering.

We’ve seen a significant difference in our own plants’ health and growth after using this product. It’s not just about the instant feeding—it’s about how vibrant and lush our plants have become. The convenience and effectiveness make it an excellent option for any succulent enthusiast.

EarthPods Organic Succulent Plant Food Spikes

We highly recommend this product for anyone looking to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and vibrant.

Pros

• Easy to use
• No unpleasant smell
• Long-lasting supply

Cons

• Capsules may be hard to break
• More expensive than some alternatives

Using EarthPods’ Organic Succulent Plant Food Spikes has been a game-changer for us.

The ease of pushing one capsule into the soil is unmatched. No mess, no measuring, and definitely no odor make it extremely convenient.

We noticed our Christmas cactus showing more vibrant colors and robust growth within a few days of application. These spikes break down slowly, providing nutrients over time, so we don’t have to worry about frequent applications.

These capsules are a bit tougher to break open, which can be a hassle for some users. Additionally, the cost is somewhat higher compared to other fertilizers on the market.

However, the benefits and visible improvements in our plants make it worth the investment.

Next Shop the Essential Accessories Required

1. Garden Apron:

2. Garden Tools:

2. Garden Gloves:

Important things To know Before Fertilizing Your Christmas Cactus

Type of Fertilizer to Use

For a Christmas cactus, a balanced liquid fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK 20-20-20) is ideal. Additionally, a fertilizer high in potash can also be beneficial.

Should You Fertilize the Christmas Cactus?

Yes, fertilizing your Christmas cactus is important for promoting healthy growth and abundant flowering. Regular feeding ensures the plant receives the necessary nutrients to thrive.

When to Fertilize Your Christmas Cactus

You should start fertilizing your Christmas cactus in late winter to early spring, continuing through summer. It’s best to fertilize once a month during this active growing period. Stop fertilizing in late summer to early fall to encourage blooming.

How to Feed a Christmas Cactus

1. Dilution: Dilute the liquid fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilization.
2. Application: Apply the diluted fertilizer directly to the soil around the base of the plant.
3. Frequency: Feed the plant once a month from late winter through summer.
4. Alternate Feeding: On alternate weeks, you can use a teaspoon of Epsom salts per gallon of water to provide magnesium, which is beneficial for the plant.

When to Stop Fertilizing the Christmas Cactus

You should stop fertilizing your Christmas cactus in late summer to early fall. This cessation helps promote flower bud production in the fall.

Specifically, it is advisable to halt fertilization around late September to mid-October, as this is when the plant begins preparing for its blooming phase and dormancy period.

Sharing is caring!