As an experienced gardener and plant enthusiast, I can share my knowledge about Christmas cactus and their pot preferences. Christmas cacti, also known as Schlumbergera, indeed tend to thrive better when slightly potbound. This means that they prefer to be in a pot that is just the right size for their root system, without too much extra space.
In my own experience, I have found that Christmas cacti bloom more abundantly when they are slightly rootbound. This is likely because having a snug fit in the pot encourages the plant to focus its energy on producing flowers rather than growing more roots.
When I first got my Christmas cactus, it was in a 6-inch grow pot, and it bloomed beautifully. However, as the plant started to grow and outgrow its pot, I decided to repot it into a slightly larger 8-inch pot. I was initially concerned that the larger pot might hinder its blooming, but to my delight, the Christmas cactus continued to produce vibrant and plentiful blooms.
That said, I have also observed older Christmas cacti that have been thriving in relatively small pots for years and still produce stunning blooms. This suggests that these plants can adapt and thrive in shallow pots as long as they are given the right care and conditions.
When choosing a pot for your Christmas cactus, it is important to ensure that it has at least one drain hole. This is crucial for preventing waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot and other issues. The pot’s drainage hole allows excess water to escape, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not overly saturated.
Christmas cacti generally prefer to be slightly potbound, meaning they bloom best when their roots have a snug fit in the pot. However, they can adapt and thrive in shallow pots as long as they receive proper care and have good drainage. So, if you notice your Christmas cactus is outgrowing its current pot, consider repotting it into a slightly larger one with adequate drainage to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
