Although classified as “cactus”, Christmas cactus has very different care need compared to its desert relatives. They grow quickly, and should take in about two or three weeks. I am sure and grateful this plant of mine is going to bloom in full glory again, thanks to the people who wrote the article. Before attempting to water the plant again, check to see that the top inch of soil has dried thoroughly first. Generally leaves a Christmas cactus are limp due to excessive sunlight and inadequate water supply. Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is not a desert plant, but rather has its origins in the tropical rain forests of … Looking forward to getting my Christmas Cactus to bloom for X-mas. The soil should be evenly moist for best growth. As mentioned before, cease watering for 30 days post-bloom. Make sure to not let the pot touch the water when it is sitting on the gravel; otherwise the pot will wick up water and make it easier for the roots to rot. Then I moved house and it never flowered again, "I had been told to never move a Christmas cactus once it is situated, to let the soil completely dry out between, "Last year I had a Christmas cactus in full bloom and watered it fully. I was wondering when to repot, "I inherited the cactus which belonged to my grandmother, which my mother has taken care of for many years. The blooming instructions are based on having a cold Christmas. Since I just moved from an, "I love the Christmas cactus because it's a beautiful house plant, easy to care for and flowers profusely. After reading, "This was helpful. Thanksgiving cactus is commonly found everywhere, but Christmas cactus…much less so. Planting Christmas cactus Christmas cacti need a well-drained compost, so either use a compost specifically recommended for cacti and succulents or use a multi-purpose compost with added John Innes plus some added grit. New growth will still appear – and that is when watering should be resumed. It was bred from two unique parent plants that both grow in the South American rainforests, specifically in Brazil. Should I deadhead the wilted blooms on my Christmas cactus? Aim to water your plants regularly. ", find out if they have to be in a pot with drainage, and I found out why mine only blooms at Easter, and why the buds drop off (too much water). In about four to six weeks, the cuttings should have rooted and will begin to show some new growth. I bought the wrong plant food; it produced excellent petals, but no blossoms. ", plant that produces gold flowers, very pretty. One year my, "I had no idea to prune the plant. To keep your plant looking nice, deadheading should be done. You can fertilize after the cutting has grown one new segment. If you're using fast-draining soil like the article says, then you should water from the top and let the water trickle down. Thank you so much. This article was full of information on all levels. The plant is recognizable by its segmented stem and the brightly colored blooms that appear at the ends of them. During the fall and winter months, the plants should be watered less frequently in order to promote blooming. Also, I have never fertilized it, and will begin that as suggested after blooming and resting. She always had it on a table in the northwest, "Didn't know about root bound plants flowering better. "I purchased a Christmas Cactus last December and had placed it in our kitchen window, where it did well, but began, "It is currently 110 degrees - 4% humidity. Just be sure not to give it a pot that's too big; the Christmas Cactus flowers best when it's pot-bound. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of liquid fertilizer, such as a 0-10-10 blend and do not fertilize once the plant begins to flower. What does this mean? A Christmas Cactus is a tropical plant that does not naturally exist in nature. Every day at wikiHow, we work hard to give you access to instructions and information that will help you live a better life, whether it's keeping you safer, healthier, or improving your well-being. Christmas Cactus Care. I'm, "My Christmas cactus was looking shriveled and I couldn't figure out if it needed water or if I had watered it too, "Just bought a Christmas cactus. The best soil for a Christmas cactus is loose, well-draining soil. ", this article I'm afraid it may get too hot but we have high humidity. This article has given some clues as to watering and caring for it. As a forest cactus, this plant thrives in more tropical conditions. Very informative and specific. Any sudden changes in temperature, light and watering will damage the Christmas Cactus. Otherwise you will get lush bloom on one side and few if any on the other. How to Care for a Christmas Cactus. Try adjusting both to see if it helps. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. The plant requires frequent and thorough watering, during its active growth in spring and summer, keeping the soil slightly moist. They'll burn in direct sunlight, so if it's indoors near a west or south-facing window, make sure it's filtered with a sheer curtain. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. How to Care for a Christmas Cactus. I have nine now and love them. ", much. Yearly Christmas Cactus Care: A month prior to Christmas you will be able to watch the tips of the leaves beginning to grow. When watering, thoroughly water the plant. Holiday Cactus Care. "Regarding the pre-bloom period, I thought it should be placed under a box for 12 hours nightly. The only other time you should cease watering is after the plant blooms. ", 2 to move it because it is so large. ", blooms this Christmas from my over 30 year old plant! ", what they look like. The Christmas cactus should never be placed near a door that opens and closes to the outside. The Christmas cactus is a unique kind of cacti that blooms close to the holiday in early winter, hence its name. Watering. This year several will be shaped up. Your Christmas cactus may not be a Christmas cactus at all. The cactus can live in areas of low light, but it will blossom far more often if it is exposed to more light. If you’d like to order online, check out the holiday cactii for sale on Amazon. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. I live in Kansas and have put my cactus outside. Reduce the watering slightly. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Thanks for putting it on here. Get a personalized wikiHow-style meme drawn for you today! Set the cactus in bright but indirect light, such as near a window, moving it to a shady spot outside for the summer. That being said, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Also, keep the Christmas cactus away from drafty areas. 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. Do not soak the soil after a dry period; only moisten the top few inches, since buds, flowers and even leaves can fall off if the roots are suddenly saturated. Water only when the soil is completely dry and feed using a nitrogen-free fertilizer. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Christmas cactus is an easy plant to care for, but there are a few rules to follow if you want it to flower each Christmas. ", recently moved and have been having issues with the plant dropping blooms and not blooming. I, "This article was very well laid out with step-by-step instructions, also having pictures of the different problems, "Thank you for detailing the months to water, then dry in October, followed with water in November to produce. Plant your Christmas Cactus in a well-draining nursery planter and fill it with potting soil and sand in a 3:1 ratio. These are called fruits: the plant flowers have fertilized each other...very special when this happens. "My 6-year-old Christmas cactus has bloomed faithfully, but not grown much in size. Having read all your instructions, "I had a Christmas cactus which always flowered, it was lovely. Be sure to turn plants at regular intervals while encouraging new growth. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,689,517 times. Approved. Mom had a green thumb with them. You did everything right. If you are growing the cactus indoors or in a cooler environment, you should water every week. A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus. 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. Begin the dark treatments in about mid-October to have plants in full bloom by the holidays. At this time, cease watering for about 6 weeks to allow the plant to rest. Despite their name, Christmas cacti don’t like to sit in dry soil or arid conditions. Southern California high desert north of Palm Springs. ", article in order to review the information throughout the year, since a marked twelve month calendar is included to assist the reader in determining when and when not to water and fertilize. If your environment is close to that, you should be fine. Keep it near a window when indoors or shaded by trees if kept outdoors in warmer months. I also needed info on humidity, as my house gets pretty dry in the winter. Mist leaves as well as watering the soil. Christmas Cactus Care Tips. Although they look a little different, the care is identical! You should also water less in the fall and winter. All you need to know. 22/11/2020. Also, ensure that your soil doesn’t get too dry while buds are forming. Applying a mild houseplant … I'm in growing season 11 and just noticed a couple of buds today. Seems to be happy with this. Also, make sure your plant is located in the ideal spot—they like humidity, temps from 70 to 80°F, away from drafts or fireplaces. Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus or Easter Cactus. Why? Christmas cactus moisture is important as well. Keep Your Plant Alive All Season. ", family gave me a zygo cactus for my birthday. ", frost, then bring them in and they bloom between thanksgiving and Christmas. Is it better to water from the top, or place it in a bowl of water and let soak for a while? You can even pass it down through generations. This article helped me to determine that I was not watering it enough. Place the plants in a dark area from about 12 or more hours each night for 6-8 weeks or until you see buds forming. Make sure that you don’t drop blooms early by following the advice below. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Christmas cacti need bright, indirect sun. Feel the soil with your fingers; if it feels dry, it's time to water. Your plant may be getting too much light or not enough water. Your artwork is excellent and exactly what I was searching for! The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light.