Care Tips For Holiday Cactus.
- Always maintain the correct dark and light schedule for your plant. Hampering in the dark periods can prevent blooming.
- Keep the plant away from a heating vent or a fireplace.
- The plant will bloom when exposed to bright sources of light.
- Excessive direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so don’t give sun exposure for long durations.
- The plant should be water thoroughly during the spring and summer seasons.
- Apply a high-potassium fertilizer to your Christmas cactus every other week.
- Keep the temperatures between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do Christmas cactus need feeding?
These popular plants, which include Easter and Thanksgiving cacti, often come from the nursery bursting with blooms, but getting them to flower the next year can be tricky. This is where the importance of Christmas cactus feeding comes into play.
How do you take care of a Christmas cactus in Bloom?
Care of Christmas Cactus in Bloom. Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least 6-8 weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear. The plant should also be relocated at this time. Move the Christmas cactus to a sunny, draft-free area.
What is the best fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christmas cactus. Feed monthly during regular watering from late winter to late summer.
What are the best living conditions for a Christmas cactus?
The best living conditions for a Christmas cactus is a place with indirect sunlight. If you keep the cactus in the sun out for too long, the leaves can burn. Moreover, this houseplant needs more darkness than sunlight.
Should I Feed My Christmas cactus while it's blooming?
Never fertilize a Christmas cactus when the plant begins to flower because it can cause the buds to fall.
What's the best fertilizer for Christmas cactus?
Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements. Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants.
How do you care for a 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.
When should I feed my Christmas cactus?
From spring through early fall, feed every 2 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. During the fall and winter, feed the cactus monthly to encourage successful blooming. Prune plants in late spring to encourage branching and more flowers.
Can I use Miracle Grow on my Christmas cactus?
Plant your Christmas cactus in Miracle-Gro® Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Increase humidity around the plant. Feed from after blooming until fall with Miracle-Gro® Succulent Plant Food.
What does Epsom salt do for Christmas cactus?
ANSWER: Epsom salts can make blooms bigger on a plant, but it's not going to produce flowers. What your plant probably could use is some regular fertilization. Generally, you need to fertilize in spring and summer. Then let the plant get some rest in October and November for a while.
How often do you water a Christmas cactus when it is blooming?
Water a Christmas cactus with care. If the soil gets too dry, the flowers buds will drop, and the plant will wilt. Water when the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry. Once you water the plant, let it dry about three-quarters of the way before you water it again.
How do you take care of a blooming cactus?
Basic Cactus Care TipsUse a good-quality cactus/succulent potting mix.Water the plant thoroughly when it is watering time.Do not overwater or allow the plant to stand in water.Have sufficient sunlight for your plant.Place your plant in a well-ventilated area.Let the soil dry up before the next watering.More items...•
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don't use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle 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.
Are eggshells good for Christmas cactus?
Do Egg Shells Make Good Fertilizer? Definitely. Plants need calcium for growth just as much as they need phosphorus and nitrogen. And eggshells as fertilizer are an excellent way to provide your succulents and cacti with calcium carbonate.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
bottomWater the Christmas Cactus from the bottom so the water can get down to the plant's roots. Keep pouring water into the soil until water is dripping through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This soaks the soil. Once the soil is completely soaked, make sure that there's no standing water underneath the pot.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don't use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you've neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
What is the best soil mix for Christmas cactus?
A handy formula for a soilless potting mix, ideal for your Christmas cactus is:1 part cactus and succulent mix.1 part orchid mix.1 part horticultural pumice, sand, or fine gravel.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
bottomWater the Christmas Cactus from the bottom so the water can get down to the plant's roots. Keep pouring water into the soil until water is dripping through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This soaks the soil. Once the soil is completely soaked, make sure that there's no standing water underneath the pot.
Christmas Cactus Fertilizer Requirements
Christmas cacti produce trailing jointed stems and wonderful flowers. These plants are epiphytes native to Brazil and make perfect houseplants. For...
How to Feed A Christmas Cactus
A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christm...
General Care For Christmas Cactus
Using a fertilizer for Christmas cactus is only part of the care ritual. These plants rarely need repotting since they like a crowded environment,...
How to spot an overwatered Christmas cactus?
If the leaves are looking limp, this means that the plant is heavily overwatered. In severe overwatered scenarios, you may also find an off odor li...
Why does my Christmas cactus look limp?
There can be several factors why your beloved and bright cactus is no more lively. If you are under-watering your cactus, the leaves are more likel...
Should I keep my dog away from the Christmas cactus?
It is a common misconception that Christmas cactus and dogs do not go along well. The good news for dog parents is, your dog is not likely to face...
Can a broken piece of the cactus be used for replanting?
The Christmas cactus can be replanted using a cutting or a broken piece. The plant is relatively easy to propagate. You have to take a piece from o...
How much sun does a Christmas cactus require?
The cactus does not need direct sunlight. The best living conditions for a Christmas cactus is a place with indirect sunlight. If you keep the cact...
What to use to fertilize a plant that is not fertilized?
When you are not fertilizing the plant, you can use a mixture of a gallon of water and a teaspoon of Epsom salt. This will help the plant get all of the magnesium that it needs to grow and bloom properly without stunting its growth. The plant will not need to be fertilized past October because it will go dormant.
When to stop feeding a plant?
When the plant stops growing, which will be late in the summer months, it is important to make sure that you stop feeding it as well. If you continue feeding the plant when it is not actively growing, the salt can build up in the bud, which will keep it from blooming.
When do bud plants bloom?
These plants will bud during the cooler days of fall when the light is shorter because it needs 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. When you are fertilizing this plant, you will either want a bloom formula or a water-soluble formula for the best results.
Do Christmas cactus need sunlight?
To start, the plants thrive in indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, so make sure that you have a good spot for the plant to grow. The feeding season of the Christmas cactus is the same as the growing season.
Do Christmas cactus bloom?
Getting the Christmas cactus to bloom during Christmas can be tricky, but if you feed it just right, you will be glad that you took the extra time to figure out the idio syncrasies of this unique plant.
What do Christmas cactus need?
Most of the holiday cactus is easy to care for and maintain. All they need is light, moisture, well-drained soil, and not to forget a nutritious fertilizer .
What Nutrients Does A Christmas Cactus Require?
Like all houseplants, the Christmas cactus needs the right mix of nutrients to bloom and flower. The Christmas cacti can’t get all the nutrients from the soil.
What houseplants bloom in the Christmas season?
Also, if you are lucky, then you might have received the beautiful holiday plants this season. The Christmas cactus is a typical houseplant that blooms around the Christmas season. The long-greenish arms and other colorful varieties deserve loads of appreciation.
How to keep cactus from blooming?
Hampering in the dark periods can prevent blooming. Keep the plant away from a heating vent or a fireplace. The plant will bloom when exposed to bright sources of light.
Why are my cactus leaves limping?
If you are under-watering your cactus, the leaves are more likely to droop and limp. To fix these limping issues, you must make sure that the plant receives an ideal amount of water.
How to make Christmas plants bloom?
A great blooming formula for this houseplant is a half-strength water-soluble potion or a fertilizer. You can use a 20-10-20 or a 20-20-20 fertilizer formula for your holiday cactus.
How long do Christmas cacti live?
If the Christmas plant is appropriately nurtured, it can live for up to 20 or 30 years. Cool night temperatures can encourage your Christmas cacti to bloom better.
When do Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) produces pink or red flowers in late fall or early winter, often blooming at the height of the holiday season. The cactus grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12, but it's usually grown as an indoor plant because it can't tolerate wet soil ...
Do you fertilize cactus after it blooms?
Do not fertilize once the cactus begins to flower. Over-fertilizing, especially after the buds begin to open, can cause the buds or flowers to drop off the plant prematurely. A fertilizer with high nitrogen content can also prevent bloom. Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006.
4 tips on how to make a Christmas cactus bloom
Just like learning how to care for a poinsettia, one of the best ways to ensure you get the results you want with your Christmas cactus is to look after it properly.
1. Establish a dormancy period
'Planning is key here – but with the right care, it will re-flower every year,' says Jo Lambell, founder and houseplant expert of Beards & Daisies .
2. Feed your plant with fertilizer
In general, fertilizing plants can go a long way in boosting growth and flowers, and Christmas cacti are no exception.
3. Prune it after flowering
Just after it has bloomed is a good time to cut the plant back to make it grow bushier, as says Jo Lambell of Beards & Daisies.
4. Give it a second resting period after it has bloomed
Once your plant has finished flowering and you've given it a prune, return it to cooler conditions for a resting period of two months. The RHS says to reduce watering, so that the soil doesn't completely dry out, and keep it somewhere with temperatures of 55–59°F (12–15°C).
When do Christmas cacti flower?
Christmas cacti, as the name suggests, tend to bloom around the festive period. The first flowers usually appear in early November and will last until January.
Why does my Christmas cactus bud but not bloom?
Is your Christmas cactus growing buds which fall off before flowering? The RHS explains that this is usually due to fluctuating temperatures, such as being too hot by day and too cold by night.
How much darkness does a Christmas cactus need?
In order to further force a Christmas cactus to bloom, you’ll need to move the plant where it will receive about 12 to 14 hours of darkness. Bright, indirect light during the day is fine, however, Christmas cactus requires at least 12 hours of darkness at night in order to encourage bud development.
Why do Christmas cactus buds drop?
Also, drafty areas can cause the buds to drop before blooming has occurred. Giving the plant more bright, indirect sunlight will produce more blooming. Christmas cactus also bloom better as pot-bound plants.
How long does it take for a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least six to eight weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear. The plant should also be relocated at this time.
Do Christmas cactus need water?
While watering may be increased during blooming, the amount will vary according to the plant’s current light conditions, temperatures, and humidity levels. When you force a Christmas cactus to bloom by giving it the proper care in the right place, receiving the right light and temperature conditions, the plant will not only bloom ...
How to get humidity for Christmas cactus?
Either mist the plant or place a tray of pebbles sitting in the water beneath the plant to help boost its humidity levels.
How to get a cactus to bloom?
To have your holiday cactus bloom exactly at holiday time, you will probably need to force it by first sending it into dormancy and then coaxing it out. Follow these steps, starting in mid-fall. In mid-October, reduce your watering.
How much light do cactus need?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin to limit the amount of light the plant receives. The plant can remain in indirect light during the day, but it will need at least 12 to 14 hours of total darkness at night in order for flower buds to develop.
What is the holiday cactus?
Enter: the holiday cactus. While it may seem like an unusual winter holiday plant , the holiday cactus becomes flush with bold blooms, making it a welcome sight in the middle of winter . There are many legends surrounding the holiday cactus—one in particular comes out of Brazil, where the plant is native. As the story goes, a poor little boy out in ...
How hot should a cactus be?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
Unlike the desert-loving cacti many of us are used to, the Christmas cactus is a native of tropical rainforests and needs regular water to remain healthy. The flattened leaves are actually stemmed segments that hang and drape from containers and baskets. Flowers will form at the ends of these stems, so the more stems your plant has, the more flowers it will boast. Traditionally the cactus blooms red, but you can now find Christmas cacti in a myriad of flower colors, including red, pink, purple, and orange
Do holiday cactus have thorns?
Don’t worry about rubbing up against it. Holiday cactus plants do not have thorns.