The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular houseplant that is often grown indoors. It is a succulent, meaning that it stores water in its leaves, and is native to the Brazilian rainforest. The Christmas cactus is not actually a cactus, but is instead a member of the genus Schlumbergera, which includes several other popular houseplants such as the Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus. The Christmas cactus blooms in the winter, and its flowers can range in color from white to pink to red.
Yes, Christmas cactus are succulents. They are part of the family Cactaceae and are native to South America.
Do Christmas cactus need a lot of sun?
Christmas cacti are native to Brazil, so they’re used to a warm, humid climate. When growing your Christmas cactus, it’s important to mimic these conditions as much as possible. That means keeping it in a spot with indirect light and high humidity. A north- or east-facing window is ideal, but if you can’t find one of those, just make sure to keep your cactus out of direct sunlight.
Christmas cacti are easy to care for and make great houseplants. They are drought tolerant and only need to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks. However, 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.
Should I use succulent soil for Christmas cactus
A lightweight, well-drained potting mixture is critical for Christmas cactus; look for a commercial mix for bromeliads or succulents. You can also use a mixture of two-thirds regular potting soil and one-third sand. Repot into a pot only slightly larger than the current container.
The Christmas cactus is a member of the Schlumbergera family, which includes the Thanksgiving cactus and the Easter cactus. These plants are often labeled as Zygocactus, which is a generic name for any holiday cactus. The main difference between the Christmas cactus and its relatives is the bloom time.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
To encourage bud set, provide bright light, temperatures between 55 F and 65 F, and 13 hours or more of continuous darkness each day.
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for and can bloom for many years. These plants make great gifts and can add holiday cheer to any home.
Should I be misting my Christmas cactus?
To keep your cactus happy, mist it with a spray bottle every day instead of watering it like a traditional plant. You should only water the base of the plant when its soil is completely dry to the touch.
Christmas Cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they’re doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.
Where is the best place to put a Christmas cactus
These plants do best in a location with partial shade and a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They need bright, indirect light and should be protected from drafts and excessive heat.
Schlumbergera, or Christmas cacti, are best propagated directly in soil. While roots may develop faster in water, you still need to plant them once they develop. Christmas cacti are delicate and break easily, so the less handling they receive, the better.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
This will help to trigger the cactus’ natural blooming process. Be sure to give the plant plenty of bright light during the day during this time.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
Do Christmas cactus stay alive all year
If you want your Christmas cactus to last for many years, it’s important to give it the proper care it needs. Treat it like any other houseplant, and keep it in a sunny spot indoors. Water it regularly, and fertilize it every month or so. With proper care, your Christmas cactus can easily live for 20 to 30 years—or even longer!
Although the Christmas cactus can take a few years to reach its mature size, it is a fast-growing plant. Once it reaches its full size, it can spread up to 2 feet in width.
Can you plant Christmas cactus in regular soil?
This is one of the plants that will not tolerate soggy conditions – it needs air around its roots. Having said that, I have seen Christmas cacti growing very well in garden soil used as potting soil. The ideal potting soil will contain a high proportion of organic matter such as peat or well-decomposed compost.
Dropping buds can be a result of overwatering, temperature extremes or lack of light. Your plant was given special treatment to make it bloom at Christmas, and it was provided with perfect growing conditions during this time. Somewhere in transit, or perhaps in your home, it encountered less than ideal conditions.
Warp Up
The Christmas Cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata) is a popular succulent plant that is often used as a holiday decoration. This plant is native to Brazil and is a member of the cactus family. The Christmas Cactus has long, fleshy stems that are covered in colorful flowers. The flowers of this plant range in color from white to pink to red, and they bloom in the winter months.
There is a lot of debate over whether or not Christmas cactus are succulents, but the general consensus seems to be that they are not. Christmas cactus are typically grown as houseplants, and while they do have some similarities to succulents, they are not technically classified as such. So, while you may see Christmas cactus marketed as succulents, they are not technically correct.
