While caring for a Christmas cactus may not be too different from other types of houseplants, they still require a little extra maintenance. Nothing that’s too much work, however, as long as you keep some key things in mind. Putting these tips into practice will hopefully help you keep your cactus in tip-top shape throughout the holiday season. If this is your first time attempting to grow one, we wish you a healthy, happy plant!
Christmas cacti are a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Brazil. They can be started indoors any time of the year and then transplanted outdoors in the summer. With proper care, they should grow quickly and flower at the start of winter. Here are a few tips to keep your cactus healthy and blooming this season.
First of all, place your Christmas cactus in a cool room, preferably one that does not get freezing temperatures. You should aim to have it in full bloom by early November. To maintain a healthy plant, water it well every few weeks, or every two weeks. Once you start seeing flowers, feed it once or twice a month.
Christmas cactus needs low light and low temperatures for proper blooming. In its native habitat, it grows on tree branches in shady rain forests. It thrives in a climate with temperatures between 35 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if these temperatures are not maintained consistently or you have exposed it to direct sunlight for extended periods, you can move it indoors.
When replanting a Christmas cactus, choose a container that is one to two inches wider than the current pot and includes a drainage hole. For potting mixture, use Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. This product provides excellent drainage and just the right amount of food and moisture.
When it comes to watering, the Christmas cactus requires slightly more water than other cacti. It stores a small amount of moisture in its stem segments. During the summer months, water it twice a week. In the winter, water it every week and a half. The Christmas cactus also likes a bit of humidity, so humidifiers can be helpful.
It’s important to prevent mealybugs and other pests that can damage your holiday cactus. Symptoms of mealybug infestation include small white dots that are low on the leaf surface. Mealybugs feed on the sap of the plant and leave a sticky substance called honeydew. If you see these tiny bugs, spray your cactus with insecticidal soap to prevent their spread.
A Christmas cactus can live for decades with proper care. Pruning it is not a difficult task and should be done as soon as the first flowers appear. Branches can be pruned every two to three years and the process is quick and easy. Once these branches have blossomed, you can repeat the process on other stems.
A Christmas cactus can be difficult to find if you live in a tropical area. In the Northern Hemisphere, this plant thrives in cooler temperatures than in the Southern. It will not produce flowers if the weather is too hot or too cold. For this reason, Christmas cacti need to be kept indoors, where the temperatures are a little cooler.
In the winter, Christmas cacti are easy to find in grocery stores or garden centers. They grow well indoors and make great houseplants. In addition, Christmas cacti are easy to propagate and will last for several months in your home.
Christmas Cactus Care Result
If you follow these simple steps, you should have a happy and healthy Christmas cactus this winter. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional flowers, the addition of this holiday plant to your home this season is sure to impress.
