Expert: Maureen - 2/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have a friend that has a Christmas Cactus and wants nothing but Arizona cactus potting soil he wants to know where can he purchase this product.

ANSWER: Sorry this has taken me awhile to answer.  I have talked with, emailed a number of folks from Arizona and none have heard of Arizona cactus potting soil.  One did know about a fertilizer called
Arizona fertilizer.

The most important thing in my opinion, is to transplant you plant into well draining soil.  I use 1/2 peat moss(or sterilized) and 1/2 perlite.  Everyone has their own recipe.  Moisten it just enough so that it crumble when you try to squeeze it in a ball.  Plant in the next size up pot unless it is completely root bound, then you can go up two sizes. Make sure the pot has good drainage.  I put screening over the hole rather than stones or crockery. Check the roots to make sure they are white and healthy, remove dead ones  and most of the old soil.  If the roots have wrapped around the pot loosen them.  That means they've been trying to find nutrition and can't as it's been exhausted.  These plants need more water than your average cactus so after about a week I'd water thoroughly and then continue on your regular schedule if it  works for you.  Don't let the pot sit in water.  Protect it from direct sunlight till it acclimates. Perhaps you can find that Arizona fertilizer.

Sorry I couldn't find your soil, but as long as you have a good, well draining medium your plant  will do well.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: where can I purchase Arizona fertilizer

Answer
I don't know where to purchase Arizona fertilizer.  What are you using now?  If your plant is healthy keep using that.  Any good soluble houseplant fertilizer like Schultz 10-15-10 once a month is fine.  The most important thing is not to let the plant soil become bone dry and don't put it in direct sun.  It comes from tropical jungles so treat it accordingly.

If I could ask you a question, what is the importance of ingredients coming from Arizona?  Where do you live?