Repotting your Thanksgiving Cactus doesn’t have to be a daunting task! Despite often being confused with Christmas Cactus, the process for repotting these stunning epiphytic jungle cacti remains the same. In this article, we’ll delve into everything you need to know about repotting these plants, ensuring they thrive for years to come.
Does Thanksgiving cactus prefer being root bound?
Yes, it does! In fact, being root bound can even encourage a better flower display. However, there comes a time when your plant will require a larger pot, or else it will start to deteriorate.
You're reading: Repotting Thanksgiving Cactus: A Simple Guide with Step-By-Step Photos
When should you repot a Thanksgiving Cactus?
Several indications signal that your Thanksgiving Cactus needs a bigger pot. Some of the things to look out for include:
- When the surface of the soil feels like a hard mat of roots.
- Roots growing out of the drainage hole.
- The soil drying out much more quickly than before.
- Stunted growth.
- The plant being in the same pot for over 2-3 years.
If you identify with at least one of these signs, it’s likely that your plant is root bound. The best time to repot is immediately after the blooming period ends, although it can be done at other times of the year if necessary.
What type of soil should you use for Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving Cacti are epiphytic plants native to the jungles of southeast Brazil. Being epiphytes, they grow on trees and require a well-draining potting mix. Various mixes can be used as long as they offer sharp drainage. Personally, I prefer using a good cactus mix to which I add some perlite or pumice to enhance porosity and drainage.
Repotting Thanksgiving Cactus
1. Remove the plant from its pot and loosen the root ball
Read more : Can Your Overwatered Christmas Cactus Be Rescued?
Removing plants from their pots can sometimes be tricky. If your Thanksgiving Cactus is planted in a rigid pot like terra cotta or ceramic, take an old knife and insert it into the inner edge of the pot. Work your way around the entire perimeter, loosening the root ball and making it easier to remove the plant. For flexible, plastic nursery pots, simply squeeze the edges to loosen the root ball. Tip the pot over on its side, grasp the base of the plant, and gently pull it out.
Next, loosen the root ball by digging your fingers into the bottom and around the sides, gently teasing the roots apart. Don’t worry if you break a few roots along the way. Your plant will be fine, and this process will benefit its growth.
2. Choose a pot
Stick to the rule of going up only one pot size. For example, if your plant is in a 6-inch diameter pot, choose an 8-inch diameter pot. Avoid using pots that are much larger as they can lead to issues like root rot. Additionally, always make sure the pot has a drainage hole.
3. Pot up with a well-draining potting mix
For my holiday cacti, I recommend using a mix of 2 parts Espoma Cactus Mix with 1 part 1/4 inch pumice. You can also use other mixes or substitute pumice with perlite. The key is to amend your mix with materials that increase drainage and porosity.
Read more : How to Save an Overwatered Christmas Cactus in 5 Simple Steps
Add a small amount of potting mix to the bottom of the new pot, adjusting the amount to ensure the plant sits at the same height as before. Fill the perimeter of the pot with potting mix, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Leave about half an inch of space between the soil line and the rim of the pot. This space acts as a water reservoir during watering.
Leave about a half inch between the rim of the pot and the soil line. This photo was taken before watering, so the soil level settled down a bit more.
Avoid filling the pot completely to the top, as it can lead to messy watering situations. Finally, water the plant and let the excess water drain away before placing it back in front of its window.
For a hanging pot option, I highly recommend the Mkono 8-inch hanging planter available on Amazon. These planters feature a sturdy construction and come with a plastic plug at the bottom, allowing for easy drainage. They also include a built-in polyester rope for hanging. There are different sizes available, and they’re a great addition to any home.
For more detailed care and flowering tips for your Thanksgiving Cactus, check out my blog post. You can even watch my corresponding YouTube video for a step-by-step guide on how I repotted my Thanksgiving Cactus.
Do you have a Thanksgiving Cactus? Share your experience in the comments below!
Source: https://designsofapril.com
Category: Succulent
