A Christmas cactus is a popular plant to have around during the holiday season, as it typically blooms around Christmas time. Though it is called a cactus, it is actually a member of the cactus family, and is native to Brazil. Christmas cacti are relatively easy to take care of, and can thrive indoors with proper care. Here are a few tips on how to take care of a Christmas cactus indoors:
To take care of a Christmas cactus indoors, water it when the soil is dry and place it in a bright, sunny spot.
Where should I put a Christmas cactus in my house?
If you’re looking to grow a healthy holiday cactus, make sure to place it in a location with partial shade and a temperature between 70° and 80℉. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to growing a beautiful plant that will thrive for years to come.
Christmas cacti are easy to take care of and only need to be watered every 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. If the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
How do I keep my Christmas cactus blooming
Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition. Placing Christmas cactus into the east-facing window that receives abundant amounts of sunlight during the day and 12 hours of darkness each night can encourage the plant to flower again.
If you’re looking to keep your Christmas cactus healthy and hydrated, experts recommend watering from the bottom rather than from the top. By watering from the bottom, you can be sure that all of the plant’s roots are getting soaked and that they’re receiving enough water.
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. For flowers during the winter holiday season, long nights should be started in late September or October and continued for eight weeks.
This step is important in order to trigger the cactus to start its flowering cycle. By subjecting the plant to 12 hours or more of complete darkness, you are essentially tricking it into thinking that winter is coming. This change in seasons will prompt the cactus to begin its flowering process.
Can I spray water on my Christmas cactus?
Cactuses are different from traditional plants in the way that they need to be watered. Instead of watering them every day, you should be misting them. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need. The only time you should water the base of the plant is when the soil is completely dry to the touch.
Your Christmas cactus will thrive when planted in Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Be sure to water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry and increase humidity around the plant. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food for best results.
Should you water your Christmas cactus while it’s blooming
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.
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that blooms in December. The flowers are usually pink or white and they are very pretty. If you see a Christmas cactus blooming between March and May, don’t be surprised, because sometimes they do that too!
Should I deadhead my Christmas cactus?
You can keep your cacti looking its best during and after the Christmas season by deadheading 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.
A Christmas cactus can bloom up to two times per year if they’re given the proper care and dormancy conditions. It’s normal for them to bloom in December, and sometimes they will flower again in the spring.
What are the signs of overwatering a Christmas cactus
A Christmas cactus is a type of succulent that does not tolerate having wet feet. Water only when the surface feels dry to the touch. If the stems of the plant get soft and mushy, this is a sign of overwatering. If the stems look shriveled, this is a sign of under-watering.
If you notice your Christmas cactus leaves drooping or falling off, it is likely due to compacted or dense soil which is preventing proper drainage. To correct this, replant in a porous, well-drained soil and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
Do Christmas cactus like tight pots?
Christmas cactus should be repotted every 3-5 years, depending on how it is doing. Remember, they like to grow slightly tight in their pots so only go up 1 pot size.
Pruning a Christmas cactus is a great way to create a fuller, bushier plant. You should prune the plant about a month after blooming, but never prune it after late spring. To prune the plant, just pinch off one or more of the sections. You can replant them in a separate pot if you want to create new plants.
Final Words
The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to take care of indoors. To encourage blooming, give the plant 12 hours of darkness every day. This can be done by covering the plant with a box or placing it in a closet. The plant also needs to be kept in a cool (around 50 degrees Fahrenheit), dry area. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Fertilize monthly with a cactus fertilizer.
To take care of a Christmas cactus indoors, water it about once a week and fertilize it about once a month. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be kept in a cool room. Allow the soil to dry out between watering to prevent root rot.
