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The Christmas cactus, with a scientific name Schlumbergera, They are a genus of succulent plants of the Cactaceae family, very popular in interior decoration due to their characteristic flowering, which occurs in cold months, hence their name.
This plant is also called Santa Teresita cactus, Santa Teresa feathers or Easter cactus. Its care is not difficult, but if your Christmas cactus does not seem healthy and its leaves are wrinkled, at Ecologist Verde we will tell you the possible causes that you have a Christmas cactus with crumpled leaves and what to do to help it be healthier so it continues to grow and flourish well.
Lack or excess watering
Like all succulents, the Christmas cactus accumulates water in its structure. This genus of plants in particular accumulates water in their stems, so when we talk about the leaves of the Christmas cactus are wrinkled, we are actually referring to its stems that look like this.
The most common when this occurs, and we see that the stems seem to deflate and wrinkle, or simply become limp in the early stages of discomfort of the plant, it is because it has lost or consumed much of the accumulated water, which It gives that poor health look.
East bad watering of the Christmas cactus It can be both by excess and by default. When it comes to what the cactus is dehydrated, the leaves shrink because the plant does not have enough water to store in its reserves and, when forced to consume it, its stems shrink. Do not forget that although the Christmas cactus is a cactus and is adapted to drought conditions, it still needs a certain amount of water.
It can also happen that the leaves are wrinkled by a too frequent watering or in excessive quantity. Most cacti and succulents have roots that cannot tolerate excess moisture. This causes its roots to rot and, at first glance, it may seem that the plant needs just the opposite: more water. Take a good look at the stems and whether the tips of the leaves appear to blacken or rot: this is the sign that you are over-watering your Christmas cactus. If, in addition, the soil seems damp to the touch, you can be sure that this is the reason.
We recommend that you also read this other post on When to water the plants.
Too much sun
Not all cacti are prepared to withstand direct sunlight in a hot climate. For example, the sun in some hot countries, especially in the summer months, can cause wrinkled leaves on a Christmas cactus. A excess high intensity sunlight It will cause the cactus to lose water despite its retention mechanisms. If you become dehydrated, its stems will wrinkle and dry, especially if the plant does not receive enough water.
Plant age
Plants age like other living things. Christmas cacti also notice the passage of time, and your older stems and leaves will wrinkle with the passage of time even if the plant is in good health.
Therefore, if you know that your plant is many years old, do not be surprised to see some wrinkled or somewhat withered parts. On the other hand, if you see that it is a large part of the plant, pay attention to the rest of the possible causes of this problem, since, leaving aside age, the rest of the problems that we discuss here can also affect it.
Inadequate fertilizers or water
Finally, a use of unsuitable fertilizers or from water with too many additives It can also cause this effect on the stems or leaves of this plant. The salts of some fertilizers rich in these or those that the tap water itself contains in some places can be the cause.
We recommend you read this article about What are fertilizers and their types.
What to do if my Christmas cactus has wrinkled leaves
We tell you What to do if your Christmas cactus has wrinkled leaves depending on the cause:
- If it is an excess of watering, simply let the substrate of your Christmas cactus dry completely before watering again, while if it is lack of watering, gradually increase the water you provide to the plant, always being careful not to overdo it or flood it.
- In the case of heat stroke, move your Christmas cactus to a location that is bright but protected from direct sunlight, at least during the noon hours.
- If your plant is of a certain age, remove its stems and leaves once they have completely dried and see if it gives new shoots: if it does, everything is fine.
- Finally, in the case of fertilizers, do not use fertilizers rich in sodium and, if possible, use them specifically for cacti. Use rainwater or low-sodium water for watering, and if you don't have access to it, let it sit for at least 24 hours before watering with it.
Christmas cactus care
These are the Basic Christmas cactus care or Easter cactus:
- Irrigation: abundant in the growing season, scarce after flowering. Pot with drainage holes.
- Light: needs a lot. It can be direct in mild climates.
- Location: put in a cool place after flowering and reduce watering to let the plant rest. In summer, semi-shade. Keep it protected from drafts.
- Substratum: special for succulents, very loose, light and well draining.
- Fertilizer: specific to cacti and succulents.
However, if you want to learn more, here we show you a video with a guide on care, which you can also consult in this written guide on How to care for a Christmas cactus, and we also recommend you read about How to reproduce the Christmas cactus.
If you want to read more articles similar to Christmas cactus with wrinkled leaves: why and what to do, we recommend that you enter our category of Cultivation and care of plants.
