It could be pure to gravitate towards a cactus and succulent possibility, however Schlumbergera is a rainforest epiphyte, not a desert cactus. Such a product normally incorporates perlite or vermiculite, the water hogs of the amendments.
Transferring alongside in your purchasing, you’ll discover choices designed for orchids.
Most orchids are additionally epiphytes, and merchandise for them typically include coconut coir or bark chips.
Bark is the quickest drying of the water-absorbing supplies. Each bark and coir disintegrate and compact over time, however work properly when mixed with different substances.
Why not make the most of the most effective options of merchandise made for each cacti and orchids, and modify their tendency to oversaturate with a 3rd additive?
A useful components for a soilless potting combine, preferrred on your Christmas cactus is:
1 half cactus and succulent combine
1 half orchid combine
1 half horticultural pumice, sand, or positive gravel
Totally mix and fill a container with satisfactory drainage holes.
This mix is texturally-rich, so it’s ethereal and light-weight. This provides the roots room to breathe, and extra water drains away with ease.
The place to Purchase
Able to make your personal soilless potting combine? Right here’s the place to get the substances:
There are quite a few cactus and succulent merchandise obtainable, however I notably like Tank’s-Professional Cactus and Succulent Combine.
Tank’s-Professional Cactus and Succulent Combine
This product combines horticultural pumice, coconut coir, and natural compost.
Discover Tank’s-Professional Cactus and Succulent Combine now in 1.5-cubic foot packages from Arbico Organics.
For the orchid combine, this all-natural product incorporates a mix of charcoal, coconut chips (coir), pine bark, and sponge rock (perlite).
Orchid Potting Combine
Yow will discover all-natural Orchid Potting Combine in four-quart packages from Excellent Vegetation Nursery.
And to optimize aeration and drainage, horticultural pumice is a perfect possibility.
Horticultural Pumice
Yow will discover horticultural pumice in quite a lot of package deal sizes from Rurtsva through Amazon.
A Customized Match
It’s similar to with folks. Typically, one measurement simply doesn’t match all – particularly when your identify says cactus, however you’re actually an epiphyte unaccustomed to having your ft within the filth, not to mention when it’s moist. Geez!
With a nutrient-rich, aerated, well-draining substrate for assist and sustenance, tailor-made particularly to its wants, your Christmas cactus can get pleasure from its greatest indoor life.
Do you utilize a soil-based or soilless potting combine on your Christmas cactus? Share your ideas within the feedback part beneath!
For those who discovered this text informative, you’re certain to get pleasure from these extra articles on Christmas cacti subsequent:
© Ask the Consultants, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for extra particulars. Initially revealed December 11, 2020. Final up to date November 23, 2025. Product pictures through Arbico Organics, Excellent Vegetation Nursery, and Rurtsva. Uncredited pictures: Shutterstock.
