When should I bring my Christmas cactus inside?
- Spring - Fertilize after flowering.
- Summer - Move outdoors to shady area. Maintain water and fertilizer.
- Fall - Move indoors before frost. Maintain drier soil.
- Winter - Put it in a location where it will get four to six hours of indirect sunlight. Keep soil moist.
When should I Bring my Cactus indoors for winter care?
Your cactus care may include a summer vacation in the garden, but you'll need to bring it indoors before winter arrives.
Can you leave a Christmas cactus outside in the summer?
But unlike desert cactuses, the Christmas cactus won’t tolerate the intense full summer sun. Full direct sun will give the plant severe sunburn. Place the plant outdoors in a shaded location where it receives bright indirect sunlight. You can leave it out into early fall when night temperatures range from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where should I Put my Christmas cactus?
If you live in a warmer region, you can keep your Christmas cactus outside, provided it’s not in direct sunlight (in the dappled shade from trees is a good spot). When Should You Put A Christmas Cactus In The Dark? Do you want your Christmas cactus to bloom in time for the holidays? You may need to trigger this yourself.
When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
When to Repot Christmas Cactus. Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.
What temperature is too cold for Christmas cactus?
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.
Should I bring my Christmas cactus indoors?
Answer: Bringing your Christmas cactus inside is a good idea, as our nights are now getting down into the 40s. They can't tolerate temperatures much below 40 for any length of time. Christmas (and Thanksgiving) cacti form flower buds in the autumn as day length decreases and darkness increases.
When should I bring my Christmas cactus in from outside?
During summer months place plants outside in a shady location. Bring plants back inside before the first frost. Water: Christmas Cactus prefer moist soil, but not soggy. After flowering, stop watering for 30 days.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you've neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
How do you take care of a Christmas cactus in the winter?
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 should I put a Christmas cactus indoors?
Given its home climate, it won't surprise you that Christmas cacti thrive in indirect light and humid conditions. Growing your Christmas cactus in a north- or east-facing window is ideal, but wherever you end up putting it, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
bottomWater 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.
Should I water my Christmas cactus when it has buds?
Water a Christmas cactus with care. If the soil gets too dry, the flowers buds will drop, and the plant will wilt. Water when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Once you water the plant, let it dry about three-quarters of the way before you water it again.
Does Christmas Cactus Like Sun or Shade?
Christmas cactus, or ‘Schlumbergera’ to use its Latin botanical name, likes indirect sunlight. So if it’s indoors, a sunny room is good, ideally near an east or west-facing windowsill.
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”.
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 Big Does A Christmas Cactus Get?
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!
What Do You Feed A Christmas Cactus?
Look out for a potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus fertilizer, and feed it to your cactus once or twice a month during its growing season. A fertilizer that dissolves in water makes it easier to feed. You can also give it a dose of Epsom salts (more about this in a moment).
How Long Do Christmas Cactus Live?
The oldest Christmas cactus on record lived for 111 years! Most don’t live that long, but if you care for yours, it could survive for two, even three decades.
What Kind Of Soil Does A Christmas Cactus Need?
Your Christmas cactus needs well-draining, aerated soil to prevent its roots from rotting. You could also use a mix of regular potting soil and sandy (two parts to one part).
4. You may not need to repot your cactus
While most plants will need to be repotted once every year or two, Schlumbergera actually does better when they’re a bit root-bound. In fact, repotting them too often can cause damage, as the segments can snap off, and the plants are easily stressed by a lot of movement.
5. A Christmas cactus must go dormant to flower
If you want your plant to flower, you have to mimic the environmental triggers that cause it to enter a period of dormancy.
6. You can multiply your Christmas cactus plants for free
Propagating Christmas cacti is simple to do, and it’s a great way to add to your collection, grow gifts for friends and family, or even fill in skimpy plants for free.
7. You can put your Christmas cactus outside
Our attention often turns to these plants during the holidays, but when the weather outside warms up, you can move them outdoors.
8. Christmas cactuses have sensitive skin
Did you know your Christmas cactus can get a sunburn just like you? These plants are native to Brazil, where they grow in the branches of trees shaded by the canopy above. They grow in bright light that filters through the leaves above them.
9. Christmas cactuses are pet friendly
Unlike many popular plants, Christmas cactuses are nontoxic to dogs and cats. When it comes to holiday plants, the list of nontoxic plants is incredibly short.
10. Christmas cactuses can outlive you
Another reason it seems everyone has a holiday cactus is because of how long they live. If properly cared for, it’s not uncommon for these plants to live for decades. The internet is littered with local news stories of massive Christmas cactuses a hundred years old or older.
What is a Christmas cactus?
Image by joloei. Christmas cactus is a jungle cactus that prefers humidity and moisture, unlike its standard cactus cousins, which require a warm, arid climate. A winter-bloomer, Christmas cactus displays flowers in shades of red, lavender, rose, purple, white, peach, cream, and orange, depending on the variety.
What kind of soil should I use for Christmas cactus?
You can also use a mixture of two-thirds regular potting soil and one-third sand.
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.
How long does a sage tree bloom?
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.
Can a Christmas cactus survive in darkness?
Plus, it needs extended periods of darkness before it can begin flowering.
When should I move cactus indoors?
Though some hardy cacti can overwinter in the garden, move frost-tender species indoors when outside temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the cactus carefully for pests. A cotton swab dipped in alcohol quickly wipes off sap-sucking insects like mealybugs and scale.
How often should I fertilize Christmas cacti?
Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, but stop fertilizing Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti in the fall. After they flower, begin fertilizing again. To encourage the holiday cacti to flower, cover the plants for 13 hours every night to keep them in a solid, unbroken darkness.
What is the name of the cactus that produces tiny flowers?
It's the Blossfeldia liliputana — smaller than a penny, it lacks spines and produces tiny flowers ranging from white to pink. Hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10, this tiny cactus is better suited to indoor life than the giants of the desert. Get the Best Mortgage Rate for You | SmartAsset.com. Loading.
How to grow cactus in a container?
Transplant into larger containers by carefully moving the cactus and its root ball into a slightly larger pot. Wear gloves and wrap the plant in newspaper to protect your hands.
What zone do cactus grow in?
Cactus growing zones include U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 12, depending on the species. When selecting cactus to grow in your garden or indoors, you may think of the arid desert — but some cactus species are tropical and need extra humidity to thrive in your home. Your cactus care may include a summer vacation in ...
How many cactus are there?
About Cactus Species. With more than 2,000 cactus species, there's a cactus for nearly every garden. While all members of the Cactaceae family are succulents, not all succulents are cactus. As the University of Minnesota Extension points out, succulents (including cactus) have thick stems or fleshy leaves where they store water.
How much light do desert cacti need?
The desert cacti generally require bright light or direct sunlight for six or more hours daily. Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends placing desert cacti near south or west facing windows, or adding a grow light or fluorescent fixture a few inches above the cacti to ensure sufficient light.
Advice for Keeping Christmas Cactus Plants Outdoors
If you’re going to try to keep a Christmas cactus outdoors at all, then you’re going to want to keep it in a hanging basket. This will give you a chance to move the plant somewhere safe when the weather isn’t going to be warm enough.
When to Water the Christmas Cactus
Watering the Christmas cactus is another important part of keeping it alive outside. You should be sure to check the soil to see how things are going before watering it.
Watch Out for Pests
Watching out for pests is going to be an important part of keeping a Christmas cactus alive outside as well. A Christmas cactus might have to deal with problematic bugs such as mealybugs and aphids.
Final Thoughts
Keeping a Christmas cactus outside is possible, but you’ll want to be careful. It’s easier if you live in a warm climate, but even then you might want to bring the Christmas cactus inside sometimes.
How hot do Christmas cactus get?
Christmas cacti prefer temperatures from 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the spring and summer, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension. The leaves may be burnt by direct sunlight, notes NC State Cooperative Extension, so whether the cactus is indoors or out, make sure the plant has some shade.
When do cactus bloom?
Once October arrives, move your cactus to a place where temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit to initiate flower development. In about six weeks, you should start to see blooms arriving just in time for the holidays.
How to tell the difference between Christmas and Easter cactus?
It is easy to tell the difference between Easter cactus vs Christmas cactus because of their different flowering periods, and the two fall and winter flowering cacti can be distinguished by the shape of their stems. Christmas cactus stems have rounded edges, while Thanksgiving cactus stems are more saw-toothed.
Is a Christmas cactus cold hardy?
Often gifted among friends and relatives around the holidays, Christmas cacti are cold hardy only in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 to 11, according to Gardening Know How. The list of cactus species similar to Christmas cactus includes Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus, and all three of these holiday cacti can be taken outside ...
Do cacti need cold or warm weather?
Although Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti prefer warm temperatures in the summer, they need long nights and cool temperatures to set flowers. Cold hardy to a certain degree, all holiday cacti should be moved indoors before freezing temperatures arrive in the fall.
Can you move a Christmas cactus inside?
Moving Christmas Cactus Inside. It's important to move your Christmas cactus back inside before freezing temperatures set in, as the cold can cause permanent damage to the plant tissues. Christmas cacti cannot tolerate frost or snow, and frozen stems and leaves may eventually rot and drop off the plant.
Can a Christmas cactus be moved outside?
Christmas cactus is grown as a houseplant in most areas of the United States, but it can be moved outside to a shady spot in the summer.