We love that there is a plant or plants for each season. As each season draws to a close, there are plants that thrive there and others that arrive with the next season.
While waiting for the holidays, they receive their plant. Do you have a plant that comes to mind when you think of the holidays? U.S. too! THE CHRISTMAS CACTUS.
We can’t deny that we love the presence of Christmas cacti during this time; They are known and bred for how their beauty contributes inside and outside the home. In this Christmas cactus care guide, we cover everything from propagation to plant care.
Read it: Anthurium Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care (2021)
Contents
The Christmas cactus plant background
| common name | christmas cactus |
| botanical name | Schlumbergera |
| the type of soil | well-drained soil |
| soil pH | 5.5 to 6.2 |
| Temperature | 70 to 80 degrees F |
| light | bright, indirect light |
| Toxicity | Nontoxic |
| Origin | Brazil. |
The Christmas cactus is known as a unique type of cactus, it blooms in winter and is native to Brazil, it is part of a group of plants commonly known as “holiday cactus”, other members of this family are the Christmas cactus. Thanksgiving and Easter, which all got their names as a result of the holidays, are similar plants but have some minor differences.
Image: Jackson & Perkins. buy from them†The Christmas cactus plant is available in hot pink, orange, white and red flowers, they can also come in any combination of these colors. The Christmas cactus gets its name from the fact that it is known to bloom during the Christmas holidays.
Although Christmas cacti are an easy plant to grow, they do require some attention.
Contrary to popular belief, the Christmas cactus is an easy plant to grow. Many assume that the plant will like warm conditions, but this is not the case as the plant comes from the rainforest of Brazil. The Christmas cactus is a perennial plant and that means it can live for many years, even 100!
Did you receive a Christmas cactus as a gift? Are you planning to buy one? Find out here everything you need to grow the Christmas cactus at home!
Feeding your Christmas cactus is important, but make sure you are familiar with the nutritional changes of each season. Also be sure to dilute the fertilizer before applying it to the plant.
Quick advice
Christmas Cactus Plant Propagation Requirements
Do you want to propagate the Christmas cactus plant? Make sure these things are in order.
1. light
In the natural habitat of Christmas cacti, they grew under trees and in covered places, which indicates that this beautiful plant does not like direct light. Instead, the cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Bright light can scorch them and too little light will stunt their growth, your cactus plant wants a balance in its lighting.
Photo: Royal Pacific. buy from them†2. Humidity
Unlike other members of the cactus family which have a dry environment, the Christmas cactus wants a humid environment to be happy, if grown in a house or a heated environment you need to provide humidity options for your plant.
You can put your plant in a pallet box or water it from time to time. A houseplant humidifier is also not a bad idea.
3. Temperature
We can describe the Christmas cactus as picky about determining the ideal temperature. During the growing months, the cactus enjoys a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but when the buds are sprouting, it enjoys 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. the plant should be kept away from drafts.
4. water
The Christmas cactus likes to stay moist but dry. Water the plant enough, but make sure the water runs off and doesn’t sit in the soil. Make sure the plant dries out between waterings. You can check this by inserting your finger 2 inches into the ground control. The Christmas cactus tends to use more water during the flowering months.
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The plant does not care much about the type of soil in which it grows, it adapts to any conditions, and you can use general potting soil. However, the most important thing for cacti is the quality of soil drainage. The plant benefits from a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.2 for good growth.
6. Fertilizer
The cactus should be fed with a water-soluble fertilizer in spring and summer. Of course, when the buds have formed, take a rest from fertilizing until they bloom. You must dilute your fertilizer to avoid damage or problems to your plant.
7. Size
This beautiful plant does not require pruning, but as the plants get older they can get tall. Cut off tips and remove damaged or old leaves, this gives the plant a healthy appearance and strengthens new growth. Pruning also encourages the plant to produce more flowers.
Christmas cactus plant propagation.
Propagating your cactus is easy, the easiest method of propagating Christmas cactus is to cut the stem. Follow the step below to propagate your plant.
- Choose a healthy plant and make a Y-shaped cut from the end of the stem.
- The cut you made should have at least two or three connecting nodes or segments.
- Allow the cutting to dry out for a few hours to prevent the stem from rotting from excess moisture.
- Then place the segment in the middle of your soil mixture, preferably a moist soil and peat mixture, and place the pot where it can receive bright, indirect light.
- Gently water the plant for some time so that it does not rot.
- After 3 weeks, your plant should have developed its root system and you should start to see reddish leaf tips. This is a sign that your plant is growing.
- When your cutting has taken root, place the plant in a pot with quality potting soil, you can add some organic matter for nutrients and porosity.
- Water and feed your plant regularly.
Christmas cactus: how to take care of your Christmas cactus plant?
- The Christmas cactus does not like stress. If your plant has been under any stress, it will stop flowering. It could also be stress related to a change in grooming or growing routine.
- The plant can be sensitive to scale insects, it is recommended to cut the infested area before it touches other parts and then transplant it elsewhere.
- Your plant can suffer from root rot if the soil is soggy or overwatered.
- In addition to light, your cactus needs enough darkness, at least 12 to 14 hours, to develop its flower bud. This can be achieved by placing the cactus in a room where the doors are closed at night.
final thoughts
Cacti are a joy to watch, they are less stressful once you start growing them. The only problem with the cactus may be watering. Watering with tap water can do a lot more damage to your plant than you think.
Read below: Bunny Ear Cactus Plant: The Complete Guide to Growing and Care