Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera) are stunning holiday succulents known for their vibrant blooms that come alive during the holiday season. While they are easy to care for, providing proper nutrients can promote better and longer-lasting blooms for your festive plant.
Coffee grounds make an excellent fertilizer for the Christmas cactus; however, they should be used correctly and at the appropriate times for the best results. Ahead, experts share the benefits coffee grounds offer Christmas cacti, and provide easy tips to ensure you fertilize it the right way.
Benefits of Fertilizing Christmas Cactus with Coffee Grounds
Coffee grounds have several benefits for your Christmas cactus, serving as both a fertilizer and soil additive. “Used coffee grounds can be helpful to your Christmas cactus in small amounts,” says Rachael Kemery, founder of Rising Iris Farm. “They have a little nitrogen in them, which can support healthy new growth, and they’re slightly acidic—something Christmas cactus actually prefers.”
The Christmas cactus originates from forests, not deserts, and thrives in organic materials like fallen leaves and bark. “Coffee grounds sort of mimic that environment, especially if they’re dried out first and mixed into the soil, or added to compost,” says Kemery.
In moderation, coffee grounds can boost plant growth, improve flower color, and strengthen root formation. Coffee grounds also improve soil structure, aiding in aeration, water retention, and aggregation.
When to Fertilize Christmas Cactus
While it might be tempting to add coffee grounds to your plant every time you brew your morning cup, there are optimal times to use them as a fertilizer. Ankit Singh, ornamental horticulture educator at the University of Maine Extension, recommends fertilizing Christmas cactus with coffee grounds every four to six weeks during spring and summer.
How to Fertilize Christmas Cactus with Coffee Grounds
While coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer for Christmas cactus, Singh recommends using them sparingly and correctly for best results. Here, he shares three methods for fertilizing your Christmas cactus using coffee grounds.
Singh advises against placing wet coffee grounds directly on the soil surface, as they can encourage mold growth.
Method 1: Mix Coffee Grounds Into the Soil
Not only is this method straightforward, but it’s also the safest option, according to Singh.
Spread used coffee grounds on a plate and let them dry completely.Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of dry grounds into 1 cup of potting soil.Add this mixture as a top dressing or work it gently into the top inch of soil.Repeat once every four to six weeks during the growing season.
Method 2: Make Coffee Ground Tea
This method encourages creativity and is a “very mild and safe way to use coffee grounds,” Singh notes.
Mix 1 teaspoon of used coffee grounds into 1 cup of warm water. Let the mixture sit overnight.Using a strainer, strain out the grounds.Water the plant with the liquid fertilizer once per month during the growing season.
Method 3: Make Compost
This is the best long-term method for fertilizing your Christmas cactus, Singh says. It helps control acidity and provides more balanced nutrition to your plant.
Add used coffee grounds to your compost pile.When the compost is finished, use it to refresh the top layer of the plant’s soil.
When to Stop Fertilizing Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus has important care periods, according to Singh. By following these schedules, you will ensure proper fertilization and the longevity of your festive plant.
Blooming period: Do not fertilize during the blooming phase, which occurs from late November through January. “Fertilizing at this time can cause buds to fall off,” Singh says. Instead, simply enjoy their vibrant display.During bud formation: Give one final fertilizer application in early September, but stop fertilizing altogether after mid-September to encourage bud development, says Singh.
Comments are closed.