Find When to Stop Watering Christmas Cactus, mainly in the fall dormant phase, to promote healthy growth and pretty blooms in the holiday season.
Christmas cactus is loved for its pretty blooms in the holiday season. To help this plant flourish, it is essential to understand when to Stop Watering Christmas Cactus for plenty of blossoms. The watering pattern makes a huge difference between a healthy blooming plant and one that struggles.
Christmas Cactus Growth Cycle
This festive plant has an active growth phase in spring and summer. At this time, it focuses on producing new leaves and storing energy. In the fall season, the Christmas cactus enters a dormancy, where growth slows down and it prepares for flowering.
In winter, the plant starts flowering around November to January, hence the name Christmas cactus derived.
Watering Needs of the Christmas Cactus By Season
When the plant is growing actively in spring and summer, more water is needed to support its growth. Water the Christmas cactus regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
Always let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering.
In the fall (usually starting around October), the plant enters a resting phase. This is the time when you should reduce watering significantly. Let the soil dry out more between waterings, but don’t let it dry out completely. Water the plant sparingly—just enough to keep the plant from drying out too much.
This reduction in water encourages the plant to prepare for blooming.
As winter approaches and buds start forming, you can increase watering again. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid overwatering.
Once the Christmas cactus starts blooming, water it as you did in spring and summer. Allow the top layer of soil to dry out between waterings.
When to Stop Watering Christmas Cactus
The key time to stop or reduce watering your Christmas cactus is during the fall dormancy period (around mid-October to early November). At this stage, the plant is not actively growing and does not need as much water.
If you continue to water it like you did in the spring and summer, it can lead to root rot or poor blooming.
Reduce watering to about once every 3 to 4 weeks, just enough to keep the soil slightly moist.
Signs that Indicate You Must Stop Watering
As fall approaches, you’ll notice your cactus stops producing new leaves, and the growth slows down. When flower buds start to form, this signals the plant is transitioning to its blooming period.
Always check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the pot. If the soil feels dry up to 2 inches deep, it is time for a light watering. If it still feels damp, wait before watering again.
Watering the Plant After Flowering
After the Christmas cactus finishes blooming, typically around January, you should reduce watering again. The plant will naturally enter another resting period. Keep the soil dry during this time until active growth resumes in the spring.
