Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a tropical plant that is native to Brazil. It is a member of the cactus family and is known for its beautiful flowers that bloom around Christmastime. The plant is relatively easy to care for, but does require some specific conditions in order to thrive. One important factor to consider when caring for a Christmas cactus is how much water the plant needs.
A Christmas cactus needs very little water, only about once a week.
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
A Christmas cactus is a succulent, so it absolutely can’t tolerate soggy feet. Water only when the surface feels dry to the touch. If the flat stems get soft and mushy, you’re overwatering. If the stems look shriveled, you’re probably under-watering.
Holiday cacti grow best in partial shade with a temperature between 70° and 80℉. They should be placed in an east or west facing window for best results.
Does a Christmas cactus need a lot of water
Water your Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
A Christmas cactus needs about 8 hours of indirect, bright light in order to form flowers. Full sun can burn or fade the leaves, and cause them to wilt.
Do you water a cactus from the top or bottom?
This is the best method for watering a cactus, and the one I recommend. It’s a good way to ensure that you don’t overdo it. Slowly pour it over the potting medium, so it is moistened evenly and thoroughly.
This will help to trigger the plant’s natural process of preparing for winter dormancy.
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. This will help to encourage flowers during the winter holiday season. Long nights should be started in late September or October and continued for eight weeks.
Christmas cacti bloom best when slightly potbound. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot, and I planted it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas cacti planted in relatively small pots, and they’re doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least one drain hole.
Do you water Christmas cactus while 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.
To get your Christmas cactus to bloom again in spring, give it the short days condition by placing it in an east-facing window. The plant needs 12 hours of darkness each night, so make sure to give it plenty of darkness. During the day, the plant needs abundant amounts of sunlight, so make sure to give it plenty of sunlight.
Do Christmas cactus like to be misted?
Cacti are unique plants that don’t require much water to thrive. Instead of watering them like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day with a spray bottle. A few squirts is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch. By following these simple tips, you can keep your cactus healthy and thriving for years to come!
A Christmas cactus can go without water for up to two weeks without being adversely affected. This plant is a succulent, meaning that it has a high water retention capacity, allowing it to thrive even in neglectful conditions.
How long should a Christmas cactus live
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that is easy to care for and can bloom for many years. These plants make great holiday gifts that will last for many Christmases to come!
If your Christmas cactus is limp or wilting, it could be due to several 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 just damp, let it dry before watering again. If the soil is bone dry, water lightly and wait to see if the cactus perk up. If the cactus is still limp, it’s likely rootbound. Gently loosen the roots and replant in fresh, well-draining soil.
How long do Christmas cactus live indoors?
Christmas cactus is a great choice for a year-round houseplant. It is a long-lasting succulent that can easily live for 20 to 30 years. With good care, it can even last up to 100 years!
The best time to water your plants is in the morning, before the heat of the day. This allows the water to penetrate the roots and to evaporate off the leaves before the sun gets too hot. Use rainwater, distilled water, or filtered water if possible to avoid mineral deposit. If you use tap water, leave it out overnight to allow some of the treated chemicals to dissipate into the air.
Final Words
Christmas cactus does not need a lot of water. It should be watered about once a week, and the soil should be allowed to dry out between waterings.
Christmas cactus needs very little water and can survive on water that is collected in the saucer under the pot. The roots are very fragile and easily damaged, so it is important to not overwater.
