Christmas cacti are undoubtedly among the least understood indoor plants. They have the notorious reputation of being challenging to bloom or flowering at the wrong time. However, once you unveil their secret, these marvelous plants will grace you with vibrant flowers every year.
Despite being a succulent, the care Christmas cacti require leans more toward that of a tropical plant. Native to Brazil, they thrive in humid tropical understories.
Light and Temperature Christmas cacti need ample indirect light. They prefer a mild temperature, never cold, ideally ranging between 15 and 23 degrees Celsius. You can also keep them outdoors if you live in a region with mild winters. If you choose to do so, remember to bring them inside during colder periods and strictly avoid exposure to frost.
Watering Treat the Christmas cactus like a tropical plant: water it generously and allow the soil to completely dry between each watering. It’s crucial to let the soil dry to prevent root rot.
Since this plant prefers a humid environment, if you live in a dry home, place the pot on a tray filled with water and pebbles. The water will evaporate, providing the necessary humidity.
Soil and Fertilizer In their natural habitat, these plants don’t grow in soil but in places where dirt and debris accumulate, such as tree crevices or rock indentations. Christmas cacti prefer well-draining soil suitable for succulents.
Fertilize the Christmas cactus with a good fertilizer after the flowering phase.
Blooming These cacti boast beautiful flowers with delicate petals in pink, fuchsia, orange, or white. But what must be done to encourage blooming?
Christmas cacti bloom after a dormancy period of about four weeks. You can promote this process by giving the plant what it needs to bloom: longer and cooler nights.
Keep the plant in the dark for about 12-14 hours a day. If you don’t have a dark spot, cover the Christmas cactus with a cloth or box.
The plant will also need cooler temperatures, between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius.
Once the Christmas cactus starts producing buds at the ends of its segments, you can return it to its usual spot.
These cacti are prone to dropping buds if disturbed too much. Ensure regular watering, keep it away from heat sources, and avoid moving it around.
With its dormancy phase assured, the Christmas cactus will produce marvelous flowers every year.
