A Christmas cactus is a cactus that blooms around Christmastime. Christmas cacti are native to the tropical rainforests of South America and typically bloom in December. These cacti are popular holiday gifts and often used as decoration in homes and offices.
Christmas cactus blooms during the winter.
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.
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.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark
The purpose of this step is to encourage the cactus to start producing buds in preparation for flowering. By depriving the plant of light, you trick it into thinking that winter is coming and it needs to start flowering in order to reproduce.
If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom properly, make sure it’s not exposed to artificial light at night in fall. Flowers may also fail to develop if the plant is exposed to temperatures above 70°F. Night temperatures of 60 to 65°F with slightly warmer daytime temperatures are ideal for flower formation.
Where is the best place to put a Christmas cactus?
To ensure that your holiday cactus grows best, place it in a location with partial shade and a temperature between 70° and 80℉.
To keep your Christmas Cactus healthy, water it when the soil feels dry to the touch. The plant does best in dry environments, so be sure to water around once every 2-3 weeks. This will help keep your cactus healthy and thriving!
How do I keep my Christmas cactus blooming?
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.
The Christmas cactus is a plant that blooms when it is subjected to long periods of uninterrupted darkness. The best time to start the dark treatments is mid-October, in order to have the plants in full bloom by the holidays. The Christmas cactus will also bloom if it is subjected to cool temperatures of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Should I pinch off Christmas cactus flowers
If you want your cactus to look its best during and after the Christmas season, be sure to deadhead all the spent blooms. This will also encourage the plant to continue blooming. Once Christmas is over, you can continue to enjoy your cactus until it finally stops producing flowers.
Fewer waterings are needed during this period of dormancy, as the plant is not actively growing. During the winter months, from December to February, you can water your Christmas cactus every two to three weeks. Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings.
Can you use Miracle Grow on Christmas cactus?
When planting your Christmas cactus, it is best to use Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water the plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry and increase humidity around the plant. Feed the plant from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro Succulent Plant Food.
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful succulent that is easy to care for and can bloom for years to come. With proper care, this plant can live for up to 100 years, making it a great addition to your holiday decor for many years to come.
Should I water my Christmas cactus when it is 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.
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.
Do Christmas cactus like shallow or deep pots?
To get your Christmas cactus to bloom, it is best to slightly potbound it. This means that the pot it is in should only be slightly larger than the root ball. For example, if your cactus is in a 6″ pot, you would want to plant it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas cacti that are doing just fine in relatively small pots, so don’t worry if the pot isn’t too big. Just make sure that it has at least one drain hole.
Christmas cactus plants are great for blooming indoors! They don’t have extensive root systems and they bloom best when slightly potbound. So, make sure to give them a snug pot to grow in.
Warp Up
Christmas cactus bloom in late fall or early winter.
Christmas cactus typically bloom in late December or early January, just in time for the Christmas holiday. They are one of the longest-blooming cactus, with some varieties blooming for up to eight weeks. Christmas cactus are quite easy to care for, and make a beautiful and long-lasting addition to any home.
