see continuation on next page. Coffee Grounds. Coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, a critical nutrient that boosts plant growth and promotes new buds. Let them cool from the heat, then slowly sprinkle a small amount in the soil every two weeks. They’ll add nutrients to the substrate and subtly acidify the soil — just like the cactus appreciates it. Crushed Eggshells. Eggshells contain plenty of calcium, which strengthens the plant’s cell walls and nourishes healthy roots. Dry and grind them into powder, then add powder to top soil layer. Egg Boiling Water. Don’t pour out the water when boiling eggs! Use it to water your cactus once cooled. The substance can be found in some minerals and calcium that help to promote growth and blooming. Banana Peel Tea. Bananas are an excellent potassium source — the primary nutrient for flower production. For example, if you mash a ripe banana, soak it in a liter of water for 48 hours. Put strain on the liquid, and use it as a natural fertilizer every two weeks. Rice Rinse Water. When you wash rice before you cook, save that cloudy water — it is high in the starch and minerals that can softly nourish your plant. Water your Christmas cactus with it once a month, to help encourage flowering. Unsweetened Tea. Tea also contains a bit of nitrogen and potassium and is a natural tonic for great. Let the tea cool completely and replace plain water every few weeks. A few steps to success. These natural fertilizers are mild and efficient, but not too strong. One can suffocate roots or introduce fungal growth by adding too much organic matter at once. Always try to test a small amount first and see how your cactus reacts for a couple of days. Don’t allow the pot to sit in standing water, and let it drain well — soggy roots are the Christmas cactus’s nemesis. A Blooming Masterpiece for the Holidays. Give a little attention — and maybe a little kitchen magic — and your Christmas cactus will deliver dozens of bright, cascading blossoms, just the time it needs to reach Christmas Eve. It will add a living sparkle to your holiday décor, help spread a little bit of winter sunshine, and remind you that beauty is often found in the simplest of things — a banana peel, some rice water or a sprinkle of coffee grounds. Allow nature and tradition to work together this season to create your most stunning Christmas centerpiece thus far: an alive bloomed, vibrant thriving cactus.
Make Your Christmas Cactus Bloom Right on Time for the Holidays with a Simple Kitchen Ingredient
