Fertilizer for Orchid Cactus

Regular applications of fertilizer help the orchid cactus grow and blossom

Orchid cactus, also known as Christmas cactus for its spectacular bright red, pink and white blooms, thrives with regular feeding with a cactus-specific or all-purpose plant fertilizer. Plant-care experts differ on the specific formula for the fertilizer but agree that regular feeding maintains plant health and encourages the orchid-like flowers.

Fundamentals

The orchid cactus got its name from its colorful orchid-like flowers

Orchid cacti are native to the rain forests of Central and South America. The orchid cactus got its name for its orchid-like flowers and the fact that it grows in the wild in the same tropical rain forest areas as orchids. It benefits from well-drained soil that is kept moist and frequently fertilized, according to Orchid-cactus.com. Orchard cacti do best with plant food designed specifically for cactus.

Orchid cacti bloom naturally from April through July and thrive when left outside if temperatures are above about 55 F and humidity is between 50 and 80 percent, according to Orchid-cactus.com. If kept at lower temperatures through the spring, they will bloom in winter. Their spectacular blooms in red, white, pink or coral have made them holiday favorites and, with proper use of light and nutrients, the cactus can be forced to bloom during the holiday season.

Fertilizers

Regular fertilizing encourages new blooms and growth

The three fertilizer chemicals most needed by plants are nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (also called potash), according to the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. Plant food labels list nitrogen as N, phosphorous as P and potassium as K. The three numbers listed on plant food labels reflect the concentrations of N, P and K, in that order.

Nitrogen is necessary for leaves and the green outer skin of succulents. Phosphorous benefits flowers and seeds; potassium maintains strong stems and the interior structure of cacti.

Expert Insight

Orchid cactus should be fertilized from spring through fall, but not in winter

Generally, plant experts and enthusiasts encourage the regular use of a watered-down cactus or all-purpose houseplant fertilizer in spring and summer. The Cactus Collection website suggests using a solution of half water and half all-purpose houseplant food with every second or third watering during spring and summer.

Ed Hume Seeds recommends using a liquid fertilizer with a 0-10-10 ratio in late October and early November, then using it again in February. From April through September, an all-purpose houseplant food with a nitrogen level no higher than 10 can be used. Orchid-cactus.com suggests using a liquid fertilizer with a 5-1-4 ratio from early spring to fall.

Soil

Orchid cactus can do well in an all-purpose potting soil with some sand added to keep it loose, according to Orchid-cactus.com. The plants also can be planted in commercial potting soil designed specifically for cacti.

The soil should never dry out nor be soggy, according to Orchid-cactus.com. The orchid cacti do best near windows with morning or afternoon sun but will not tolerate full sunshine. They prefer high humidity, but can do well in less humid environments if sufficiently watered.

Shape

The height and shape of the fast-growing orchid cactus can be controlled by trimming and tying. Orchid-cactus.com suggests removing all new growth other than those leaves growing from the base of the plant. Tall growth can be staked and tied for support and to control the direction of growth. Orchid cacti produce new leaves year-round, sending out new growth from cuts, breaks and the base of its flowers.

References

• Cactus and Succulent Society of America: Fertilizer
• Orchid Cactus: Planting and Growing Instructions
• Cactus Collection: Cacti Information
• Ed Hume Seeds: Care of Christmas Cactus
• Plant Care: Orchid Cactus