Caring for a Christmas Cactus
- Keep your Christmas cactus away from drafts, heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air. Move an indoor plant...
- Provide a source of humidity if you live in a dry environment. After all, these are tropical cacti. Put a tray of...
- Use a well-draining container and well-draining soil. Cheap nursery planters will work well as...
How do you take care of a Christmas cactus plant?
Water a Christmas Cactus with care. When watering, thoroughly water the plant. Before attempting to water the plant again, check to see that the top inch of soil has dried thoroughly first. Mist leaves as well as watering the soil.
How do you keep a cactus alive for a long time?
If the cactus is kept somewhere that doesn’t get down to around 55 degrees at night, it will need a minimum of 12 hours of darkness each night for about six weeks before they will bloom. Make sure the pot has good drainage. Don’t overwater, but also keep in mind that this type of cactus doesn’t retain water like its succulent colleagues.
Can you put a Christmas cactus in water?
Never let your cactus sit in water, however, as this can lead to root rot. Christmas cacti love bright, indirect sunlight—but be sure to avoid direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. To get the bright flowers to bloom, your cactus needs short days and long nights.
Can you keep a Christmas cactus all year?
Many people treat Christmas cactus like poinsettia and amaryllis: as a one-time holiday houseplant. But Christmas cactus can be kept as a houseplant year-round, and given good care, it's a long-lasting succulent that can easily live for 20 to 30 years—even up to 100 years or more!
Should I let my Christmas cactus dry out?
Allow Christmas cactus moisture levels to drop and dry out some between watering intervals, but never completely, and never let the plant sit in water, as this will lead to root and stem rot.
How do I overwinter my Christmas cactus?
They like humidity, so if your house is dry indoors in winter, put it on a tray of pebbles, or place it near other plants. Water when the top surface feels dry, and never let them sit in water. Christmas cacti prefer daytime temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees, and evening temperatures of 55 to 65 degrees.
Where is the best place to put a Christmas cactus?
The key to keeping a healthy plant is making sure it is placed in the right location and only watering when the soil mix is dry. Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, with a temperature between 70° and 80℉.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
2 days agoWater the Christmas Cactus from the bottom so the water can get down to the plant's roots. Keep pouring water into the soil until water is dripping through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This soaks the soil. Once the soil is completely soaked, make sure that there's no standing water underneath the pot.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Increase humidity around the plant. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
What is the coldest temperature a Christmas cactus can withstand?
Although the Christmas cactus responds better to lower temperatures in fall when it's beginning to set flower buds, it still cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 50 F. Buds won't form if the temperature is too high or if the plant receives too much light.
How old is the oldest Christmas cactus?
145-year-old Christmas cactus passed down through family | News | bozemandailychronicle.com.
How often should you water a Christmas cactus?
every 2-3 weeksHow to Care for Christmas Cacti. Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
How do I keep my Christmas cactus blooming?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. The “trick” to getting Christmas cactus to bloom in the following years after purchase comes down to two things: light and temperature. These two are the keys to the flower kingdom.
Is Miracle Grow good for Christmas cactus?
Fill the new container ⅓ full with Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix, which provides excellent drainage and a little bit of food to help your Christmas cactus thrive right off the bat.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Regardless of which one you have, they can re-bloom more than once a year. Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference: Guide To Watering Indoor Plants.
How to get humidity for Christmas cactus?
Either mist the plant or place a tray of pebbles sitting in the water beneath the plant to help boost its humidity levels.
How to get a cactus to bloom?
To have your holiday cactus bloom exactly at holiday time, you will probably need to force it by first sending it into dormancy and then coaxing it out. Follow these steps, starting in mid-fall. In mid-October, reduce your watering.
How much light do cactus need?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin to limit the amount of light the plant receives. The plant can remain in indirect light during the day, but it will need at least 12 to 14 hours of total darkness at night in order for flower buds to develop.
What is the holiday cactus?
Enter: the holiday cactus. While it may seem like an unusual winter holiday plant , the holiday cactus becomes flush with bold blooms, making it a welcome sight in the middle of winter . There are many legends surrounding the holiday cactus—one in particular comes out of Brazil, where the plant is native. As the story goes, a poor little boy out in ...
How hot should a cactus be?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
How big is a cactus in inches?
Botanical Name. Schlumbergera buckleyi. Common Name. Holiday cactus, crab cactus. Plant Type. Cactus. Mature Size. 6–12 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
Unlike the desert-loving cacti many of us are used to, the Christmas cactus is a native of tropical rainforests and needs regular water to remain healthy. The flattened leaves are actually stemmed segments that hang and drape from containers and baskets. Flowers will form at the ends of these stems, so the more stems your plant has, the more flowers it will boast. Traditionally the cactus blooms red, but you can now find Christmas cacti in a myriad of flower colors, including red, pink, purple, and orange
How to keep Christmas cactus from burning?
Give your Christmas Cactus bright but indirect light. Keep the plant in a well-lit location (like near a window) away from direct sunlight – too much heat and light can stunt growth and burn the leaves. [1]
Why do my Christmas cactus buds drop off?
Bud drop can be caused by several different conditions. Usually it's because of over-watering, but it can also be due to a lack of humidity or insufficient light.
What causes Christmas cactus to drop flowers?
Any sudden changes in temperature, light, and watering will damage the Christmas cactus. Drafts and temperature extremes can cause the flower buds to drop from the plant before they have a chance to open. Introduce changes gradually.
Why do my sage leaves fall off?
Too much watering will cause spots from white rot to appear on the leaves, and the leaves will likely fall off. The soil should be evenly moist for best growth. The rule of thumb is less water is better than too much water. When watering, thoroughly water the plant.
What to do when your flower buds are forming?
When you see flower buds forming, increase light and humidity. The "dark ages" are over when your plant starts budding. At this point, increase humidity, light, water (not too much, of course), and the temperature. In other words, continue as you were a few months ago. [14]
Why do I love Christmas cactus?
Jun 22, 2017. "I love the Christmas cactus because it's a beautiful house plant, easy to care for and flowers profusely. I have a plant that produces gold flowers, very pretty. The plant is so easy to propagate, which makes it a nice plant to share with others.
What to use when repotting a plant?
When replanting or repotting, use new, fresh soil. It's worth the few extra dollars since it will probably be sitting in that soil for a long time. Your plant is a living thing like you, so it deserves the best.
How long do Christmas cacti live?
Actually, there are reports of Christmas cacti living more than 100 years, so there’s a chance that grocery store plant could outlive you. Here are some tips for making that happen (or at least keeping it healthy).
How long does it take for a cactus to bloom?
If the cactus is kept somewhere that doesn’t get down to around 55 degrees at night, it will need a minimum of 12 hours of darkness each night for about six weeks before they will bloom.
What does it mean to keep an indoor plant alive?
Keeping an indoor plant alive means providing it with what it needs on a long-term basis. Keeping…
Do Christmas cacti need sunlight?
First of all, Ingram explains that Christmas cacti are what those in the plant business call “short day plants”—meaning that for them to produce flower buds, they need reduced sunlight and cooler temperatures. This works outdoors in Brazil, where the cacti are native, but not so much indoors in the winter.
How should I care for Christmas cacti?
Maximize your specimen's blooming period by paying attention to these six key factors: Soil: Use a quality soil rich in humus and other nutrients.
How long do Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas cacti bloom just in time for the holidays (hence their name), and they're pretty stunning too. The hanging branches, which are made up of flat, glossy green segments, can grow to up to 3 feet long. Flowers in red, white, yellow, pink, or purple appear at the tips of these branches and measure up to 3 inches long with several tiers of petals. Each bloom lasts for several days, and the entire flowering period of most cultivars will span several weeks. But in order to keep these plants looking beautiful, you need to follow all the steps involved with proper Christmas cactus care.
Can a Christmas cactus survive in darkness?
Plus, it needs extended periods of darkness before it can begin flowering.
Do Christmas cactus like hot or dry weather?
One common mistake that most people do when caring for their Christmas cactus is exposing their plant to too much sunlight. Although you may think that because they have the cactus name that these plants like hot and dry weather — that’s not the case at all. In fact, Christmas cacti are at their best when they are in some humidity and mostly have indirect sunlight.
What to use to add soil to cactus?
If you need to add soil, use a cactus mix.
Where do cactuses come from?
To know the basics of caring for one, it’s important to know that these cactuses come from the mountains of South America. There, they grow in cool forests under the shade of giant trees. They receive scattered sunshine, cool mountain breezes and light rain.
Can you repot a cactus?
Don’t rush to repot your cactus. These plants do well in tiny pots. Repotting can shock them, so don’t do it until it’s necessary.
How Do I Keep My Christmas Cactus Blooming?
So, after you’ve encouraged your Christmas cactus to bloom, by using the 50/50 light/dark method, how do you keep those beautiful flowers coming?
How Often Do You Water A Christmas Cactus?
As tropical plants, Schlumbergera don’t like to get too dry, and shouldn’t be treated like typical cacti. Water them when the soil feels dry to your fingers. Let any excess water drain onto the saucer beneath the plant pot, then empty it: the Christmas cactus does not like having “wet feet”.
Are Christmas Cactus Poisonous To Cats & Dogs?
The good news is that Christmas cactus isn’t poisonous to your cat or dog. This makes it a great alternative to that other holiday favorite, the poinsettia, which is.
Why are my Christmas cactus leaves turning brown?
Problems caused by overwatering include stem rot and root rot, and too much humidity causes a type of gray mold called Botrytis Blight.
How to keep a Schlumbergera plant in the sun?
Keep it in indirect sunlight, such as in an east-facing window, and water it when the soil feels dry. Mist it occasionally to keep it humid. Ideally, the room stays at around 60 degrees or at least, has no massive fluctuations. You can also treat your Schlumbergera to some potassium-rich fertilizer once a fortnight (when it’s not in bloom).
How big can a Christmas cactus grow?
Because a well-loved Christmas cactus can live for years, they can reach a decent size. The hanging branches can reach lengths of two to three feet. Time to put it on a higher ledge or invest in a hanging basket!
How hot does a Christmas cactus need to be to bloom?
A Christmas cactus needs temperatures of about 60 to 65 degrees to produce its gorgeous pink/purple blooms. It can survive, although not thrive, if the temperature dips into the 50s, but not for prolonged periods. A frost will kill it, so if your cactus has spent its summer on the patio, bring it indoors in the Fall.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
The average lifespan of a Christmas cactus is between twenty and thirty years, but some have been known to live for a centennial!
Why do my Christmas cactus buds drop off?
If your Christmas cactus suffers from bud-drop, the culprit is usually high temperatures. Optimal temperatures are sixty to eighty degrees. Anything over that can cause buds to fall off before they bloom. Over 90 degrees can be deadly. Too much direct sunlight will also cause the buds to drop off too soon.
Why are my Christmas cactus leaves changing colors?
If your Christmas Cactus leaves are changing colors, it is alerting you to problems with your plant’s health.
Why are my leaves dropping off my potted plants?
The cause of leaf drop is typically due to overwatering . Leaves may also appear limp if the plant is getting too much water. Be sure to have a drainage hole in the pot and only water when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch. When you do water, let it flow through to the drainage hole, then pour off the excess.
How to trim a sage plant?
Using sharp scissors or shears, cut a piece of stem with up to four segments and leave it in a cool, dry place for a few days. Cut right between the sections. You should be able to trim four or five pieces or more from a lovely healthy plant.
Where do Christmas cactus come from?
Christmas cactus prefer sandy soil, low light, and moderate temperatures. Originating in the rainforests of Brazil, they are succulent and do well in areas of high humidity.
When do Easter cactus bloom?
Sporting scalloped edges on the leaves, the flowers are star-shaped, and they bloom in spring. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus bloom in December-January.
How to bloom a Christmas cactus?
To bloom at its best, place your Christmas cactus in a room that receives plenty of bright, indirect lighting. Direct sunlight, especially through a sunny window can actually injure plants. Place plants in well lit rooms but away from windows. Preferably in a more humid room with moderate temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long do Christmas cactus roots last?
These plants with tropical roots can survive for 50 years or more with just a little car e. Even more, cuttings can easily be rooted to create additional plants.
What color are cactus blooms?
And with bloom colors ranging from deep red and white, to purple, pink and salmon, there is a variety to fit any decor. But these beautiful houseplants live on well past the holiday season. In fact, many, with minimal care, survive for decades.
What temperature should I plant Christmas cactus?
The ideal temperature will be between 50 and 55 degrees. A cool dim basement or semi-heated garage works perfectly. When re-potting plants, choose containers slightly larger than the previous pot. This keeps roots close together, which is important for the Christmas cactus plant.
How to keep renegade plants in shape?
Prune plants back a bit in the spring to help keep their shape and form. Remove renegade branches or any damaged foliage. Do not over prune at this point, just help the plant keep its shape. Place healthy cutting into moist potting soil to generate new plants easily.
Where does the Christmas cactus come from?
The Christmas cactus actually hails from a tropical Brazilian environment.
When do cacti bloom?
And true to their name, they usually come into bloom right as the Christmas season arrives .
How to propagate Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus is easily propagated by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Make certain, however, that the cutting is taken from healthy plant foliage only. Plant the segment approximately a quarter of its length deep in slightly sandy soil. Moisten evenly and place the cutting in a well-lit area, staying away from any direct sunlight.
How long does it take for a Christmas cactus to rebloom?
Once the Christmas cactus has ceased all flowering (usually by fall), or about six to eight weeks before you want the plant to rebloom, you should allow the plant to begin its dormancy cycle by cutting back on Christmas cactus moisture and reducing both light and temperature.
What is the scientific name for Christmas cactus?
While the Christmas cactus may be known under various names (like Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus ), the scientific name for Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgessii, remains the same – while other plants may differ. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting.
How to plant a segment of a sage?
Plant the segment approximately a quarter of its length deep in slightly sandy soil. Moisten evenly and place the cutting in a well-lit area, staying away from any direct sunlight. To root cuttings for new plants, cut back shoots from the tips, cut at the second joint of each tip.
Can a Christmas cactus grow in low light?
The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light. That being said, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Christmas cactus moisture is important as well.
Is a Christmas cactus easy to grow?
This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for but propagates easily too, making it an exceptional candidate for holiday gift giving. Let’s look at how to plant Christmas cactus and care for it.
