Cultural Tips for Christmas Cactus
Grow Christmas Cactus in a sterilized media on raised benches. Any light, well drained, well aerated soil mix should be adequate. If necessary add dolomite to bring ph to 5.0 - 6.5 (6.0 optimum).
Christmas Cactus like a constant feed using a soluble fertilizer with trace elements such as 20-20-20, diluted to 1 lb. per 100 gallons of water. Water heavily to leach, to prevent a build up of soluble salts. A Solu Bridge reading of .07-.09 milihos/cm, should be maintained. Nitrogen level should be between 25-40 ppm, not exceeding 75 ppm; phosphorus 4-5 ppm; potassium 15-25 ppm using simplex soil test. Supplemental *iron treatment may be necessary several times during the growing season (use CAUTION when trying a new *iron product on your Christmas Cactus and use LOW rates). This problem shows up as a marginal chlorosis with a cupping effect on new growth. Sequestrene 330 is NOT recommended since it can cause blistering of foliage. Upon receipt, plant liners into pots as soon as possible. Use a broad spectrum fungicide soil drench. Four inch pots are spaced and finished pot to pot. Grow in a shaded house maintaining 1500-2000 foot candles, the optimum temperature range is 70 - 85 degrees, however, they will tolerate temperatures up to 95 degrees.
Zygocactus are thermo photoperiodic in their flowering response. Christmas Cactus buds initiate with short days and lower temperatures. Maintain a night temperature of 50 - 60 degrees during the short day bud initiating period. In addition, let Christmas Cactus
dry out more between watering. Do not fertilize during this bud initiating period. If you wish to delay bud initiation and have crop bloom later, use supplemental lighting to counteract normal short days. You use the same technique that's used for mums. Start lighting September 1.Upon appearance of some tiny buds on crop, resume normal watering and a night temperature of 65-70 degrees. If you use a low nitrogen formula your Christmas Cactus will get a higher bud retention. The 20-20-20 formula will give your Christmas Cactus faster bud development, but not as high a bud set.
Caterpillars, spider mite, fungus gnats, thrips and mealy bugs can be potential pests, use appropriate *insecticides, AVOID Diazinon as it can cause leaf burn.
Major Christmas Cactus disease problems include Fusarium, Erwinia, Helminthosporium, Pythium and Phytophthora with the first three pathogens being foliar while the latter two cause a basal and root rot. Again appropriate measures should be taken to prevent and control these problems. (Daconil F or Domain F for foliage, Subdue or Truban for drench.)
* test a sample area before using on entire Christmas Cactus crop.
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