If you live in a warm climate, you can put your Christmas cactus outside. It will do best in a shady spot.
No, you cannot put Christmas cactus outside. It is not cold hardy and will not survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it OK to leave Christmas cactus outside?
You can actually move Christmas cacti outside during the summer—they’ll love the humidity! Just be sure to keep them in a protected, shady area (you could even hang them among the tree branches for a landscape surprise) and don’t let pots sit in water after a heavy rain.
Christmas cacti prefer a more humid environment, which makes a bright bathroom or kitchen a good spot to keep them. In the summer, Christmas cacti can be placed in a shady spot in the garden or in an unheated porch until temperatures get below 50°F (10°C). Keep them out of direct outdoor sunlight.
When can I bring my Christmas cactus outside
Holiday cacti are best kept in an area with indirect sunlight. They can be placed outside during the summer, but should be brought inside as soon as nighttime temperatures dip below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves or turn the plant a reddish color.
Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Some growers move plants to the shade of a porch or patio for the summer. During summer, water to keep the growing mix moist after it dries on top.
Can Christmas cactus take full sun?
Christmas cactus plants need bright, indirect sun. They’ll burn in direct sunlight, so if you’re placing yours indoors near a west or south-facing window, make sure it’s filtered with a sheer curtain.
If you’re looking to grow a holiday cactus, it’s best to place it in a location with partial shade. An east or west facing window is ideal, with a temperature between 70° and 80℉. By following these guidelines, you’ll be on your way to growing a healthy and beautiful holiday cactus!
How often do you water a Christmas cactus?
This Christmas cactus care tip is simple but important – make sure you water your cactus when the soil feels dry to the touch. These plants do best in dry environments, so too much water can actually be harmful. Water around once every 2-3 weeks and you should be good to go!
It’s important to move the mature cactus to a dark location in late September or early October. This will help the plant to flower. Cover the plant with a box or a bag for at least 12 hours a day.
How long do Christmas cactus live
Christmas cactus is a long-lasting succulent that can easily live for 20 to 30 years—even up to 100 years or more! Many people treat it like a one-time holiday houseplant, but it can be kept as a houseplant year-round with proper care. Give your Christmas cactus bright, indirect light and water it when the top inch of soil is dry. Protect it from drafts and keep the temperature between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. With a little love, your Christmas cactus can thrive for many years to come!
The Christmas cactus has a bloom cycle that is dependent on water, light and temperature. During the fall, from October to the middle of November, you should cut back on how much you water your Christmas cactus. Let the top two or three inches of soil dry out between waterings.
How do you force a Christmas cactus to bloom?
If you want your forest cactus to bloom beautifully for the holidays, start the dark closet treatment six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom. Put your cactus in a dark closet for 14 hours a night, and bring it back out into a bright location during daylight hours. Once buds begin to form, the closet treatment is no longer needed.
To keep your cacti looking its best during and after the Christmas season, deadhead all the spent blooms. This also encourages the plant to continue blooming. Once Christmas is over, you can continue to enjoy your cacti until it finally stops producing flowers.
Why do the leaves keep falling off my Christmas cactus
To have a thriving Christmas cactus, it is important to have porous, well-drained soil. If the soil is too dense or compacted, then the water will not drain properly and the plant will be susceptible to root rot or the leaves may fall off.
If your Christmas cactus is limp or wilting, it could be caused by several different issues. The soil could be too wet, or too dry, or it may be too rootbound. Feel the soil with your finger, to about an inch deep, and use the process of elimination to determine the problem.
If the soil is too wet, the roots could be rotting. Allow the soil to dry out completely, and then water sparingly. If the soil is too dry, the plant could be dehydrated. Water thoroughly, and then wait a few days to see if the plant recovers. If the plant is too rootbound, it could be suffocating. Repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil.
What pots are best for Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus looks lovely in an unglazed terra cotta or clay pot. They are easy to take care of and require little water, so they are perfect for people who are new to plant care. Christmas cacti are also known to bloom for extended periods of time, making them a cheerful and welcome addition to any home.
If you want your cactus to bloom, you’ll need to provide it with optimal growing conditions. Keep the temperature around 65 degrees, water the soil evenly, and mist the plant frequently. Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form. With a little care, your cactus will soon be blooming!
Conclusion
Yes, you can put a Christmas cactus outside, but it won’t flower if the temperature is below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
No, you should not put Christmas cactus outside. They are tropical plants and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. If you live in an area where it gets cold in the winter, you will need to bring your Christmas cactus inside when the temperature starts to drop.
