FAQs

How Often Do I Need To Repot My Christmas Cactus?

We recommend to repot all Tropical Cacti once every three years, using a fresh batch of potting mix with the next sized pot. The only time that you may need to repot more often is if your plant is suffering from root rot. (Read the third question)

Can I Repot My Christmas Cactus in the Autumn or Winter?

Yes! Repotting Tropical Cacti during the colder months of the year is safe practice & doesn't increase the likelihood of transplant shock or root rot (compared to transplanting in spring or summer).

Is This Potting Mix Suitable for A Tropical Cactus with Root Rot? 

Yes! So, it's advised to repot your Tropical Cactus (like the Christmas Cactus or Queen of the Night) as soon as symptoms of root rot arises. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing or shrivelling leaves, browned new growth that doesn't emerge, and soil mould. We recommend to take the plant from the pot and scan the outer edge of the potting mix. Root rot will look like brown, flat/deflated and can easily be pulled off from the soil (with little difficulty). There could be a slight 'earthy' smell to the soil, too. Healthy roots will either be a cream, light-brown or red colour and will feel plump when lightly pinched. Follow the next steps to repotting your root rotted plant with one of the options;

Option 1: If more less than 20% of the roots have rotten, remove the dead roots with scissors and replant it back into its original pot, using fresh new Olive Tree compost.
Option 2: If roughly between 20% - 80% of the roots have rotten, We recommend removing the dead roots and repot into a smaller pot. One that is around 3-5cm smaller in diameter is best, along with using this potting mix. You can also prune each stem back by around a third to help the plant re-root.
Option 3: If more than 80% of the roots have rotten, it's recommended to take stem cuttings and root them in either water or soil to 'restart' the root system. You can use this potting mix to root your new cuttings in, too. 

Should I Water My Tropical Cacti (like Christmas Cacti) Before or After Repotting?

We always recommend watering your houseplant around 12 hours before potting so that the plant is hydrated and strong enough for its repot. If you forget to water beforehand, it's not the end of the world as long as you're very gentle with the root system. It's also advised to wait two days before giving the plant another water again, just so it gives enough time for your plant to settle into its new home.

How Often Do Christmas Cacti Flower Indoors?

All types of Tropical Cacti will flower once a year indoors. Christmas Cacti will flower during the festive period, whereas Queen of the Night & Orchid Cacti will flower during the springtime. 

How Do I Get My Christmas Cactus to Flower Indoors?

Christmas Cacti (and all other Tropical Cacti) are best grown in a bright windowsill with either morning or evening sunlight. After acing its lighting requirements, the best way to encourage flowers during the festive period is by reducing watering from July onwards. Only rehydrate the soil once it become fully dry in between waters, so that the drier conditions dehydrate the very tips of each vine (where the flowers will develop). Watering too often between July and December will encourage more leaf growth instead of flowers, so it's important to essentially 'forget' about them at this time of year. Feed your Christmas Cactus once every third water using a 'houseplant' labelled fertiliser to provide nitrogen and potassium for the flower production. 

How to Store This Potting Mix

It's best to keep the lid of the potting mix slightly ajar by around 20% to help it have aeration while in storage. The best place to store the potting mix is in a cool, dark shelf or cabinet until you need it next.