Overview
Christmas cactus botanically name to asSchlumbergera bridgessiitypically flower at Christmas and also sometimes around Easter when cared effectively . It grows best when it is potted . Christmas cactus is commonly referred to asThanksgiving cactus , vacation cactus or Phthirius pubis cactus . The name Phthirius pubis name to the leaf - shaped stem section that have curved , pointed teeth or claws along the edge .
Christmas cactus originate from coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil . In their instinctive habitat , Christmas cacti are epiphytes ( air plant ) , they grow on other plants or rock ‘n’ roll that are generally fishy with eminent humidity . In Brazil , the genus is referred to asFlor de Maio(May Flower ) , reflect the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere .
The cactus will generally grow up to10 inches ( 25.4 cm ) in height and 24 inches ( 60cm)in diam . It prefer moist and well - enfeeble soils . It adapt well to scummy calorie-free conditions but the cactus will produce bloom more readily if exposed to bright indirect brightness . Too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves ; therefore if you are grow it indoors , it is appropriate to place it in a N or eastward facing window , where it will get twelve hours of bright collateral light and twelve hours of darkness each day .
The hanging branches of Christmas cactus are flavorless , glossy and green and can grow up to 36 inch long . The flowers bloom at the baksheesh of these branch , have several tier of flowers and are about 3 inches long . The flowers of this cactus are cannular and have a flower - within - a - flower panorama . The flowers can be pink , red or orangish .
The good thing about Christmas cactus is that unlike other houseplants , they are non - toxic ; therefore , your curious dearie are perfectly good . It is also easy to disperse from the cutting and it does n’t require repotting or rationalize very often .
Plant Profile
How To Plant, Grow And Care
Sunlight
Christmas cactus thrives in full sunshine or fond shade . It adapts well to lowly light conditions but the cactus will grow blooms more promptly if exposed to shiny collateral light . come out the pot or hang basketful near a sunny windowpane or on a sunny terrace or balcony .
Soil
A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus and not a desert cactus . Unlike most desert cactus , this variety can not tolerate completely juiceless grunge . A moist , well - run out soil is ideal for growing this cactus . If the soil gets too dry , the blossom buds will sink and the plant will wilt .
Water
Christmas cactus requires special watering during its growing season . irrigate your Christmas cactus during the spring and summertime when the top column inch soil dries out . During the free fall , quash watering to at least once per month . In wintertime , keep the cactus dry , avoid overwatering as excessively damp territory combined with the nerveless temperatures and quiescence can cause the root to rot and the parting will belike diminish off . The soil should be equally moist for unspoilt outgrowth . The pattern of the thumb is less pee is better than too much water . Check the soil moisture every two weeks from spring through declination . piss the Christmas cactus when the potting mix does not stick to your finger when you poke it into the soil .
Fertilizer
Temperature
Christmas cactus prefers warm temperatures of about70 to 80 Degrees Fahrenheit(oF).It command cooler temperatures of about55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit . The Christmas cactus needs to be protect from frost and does badly when the temperature dribble below 45oF.
Humidity
50 to 60%humidity is effective for the growth of Christmas cactus . However , when grown in dry conditions like heat homes , providing the works a germ of humidness is the ideal thing to do . Put a tray of water next to the plant so that the water evaporate and provides humidness . instead , you may make a humidness tray by placing the pot on a waterproofed dish that is filled with gravel and halfway fill with water .
Repotting
Like other types of cacti , Christmas cactus grows relatively slow and therefore , it seldom requires rationalize or repotting . Repot your Christmas cactus in the bounce if they become great deal - bound , roots are arise from the waste pipe hole in the bottom of the container and the plant becomes top - heavy . Use a new container that is 2 inch wider than the former container .
Protection From Freeze Damage
Freeze injury by and large cause cosmetic accidental injury on Christmas cactus . The injury could come along as black or scandalmongering bushed area on the plant life . Freeze wound come out first as a darkening of the areas of the plant that were exposed to the cold before these areas become dry , snappy and sometimes yellowish . When the freezing is not knockout , the Christmas cactus usually overcomes the harm within a few years .
hold open your Christmas cactus indoor away from insensate drafts or window during cold weather condition and wrap up it with a cotton piece of paper during the night when temperatures dip near freezing offers adequate cold protection .
Also Read : Difference Between Christmas And Thanksgiving Cactus
How To Grow Christmas Cactus In A Planter/Container/Pot
A potted Christmas cactus is gentle to observe both indoors and outdoors . With a footling water and enough passion , Christmas cacti can boom in any house .
How To Get A Christmas Cactus To Bloom For Holiday Season
The most appropriate way of fuck off a Christmas cactus to bloom is right light vulnerability , correct temperature and limited watering . If you may manipulate these three things right , you may make the cactus bloom just as how you ’d like . From September and October , the Christmas cactus should be kept in a nerveless environment or room where temperature will persist in the kitchen stove of 50 - 55oF.The plant will definitely blossom during the holiday time of year if the canonical treatments are commence by other November .
Common Problems Of Christmas Cactus
Aphids
If aphid are plaguing your Christmas cactus , do n’t fret . At one sentence or another , these pests invade nearly all garden or indoor plants , reduce their vigor and spot them with their permissive waste . aphid drink sap from the stem of succulent flora and the underside of leaf . aphid are pocket-size enough that you may not mark an invasion until their feeding visibly damages your cacti ’s health . To grapple with these tiny insects , spray your cactus with water mixed with insecticide liquid soap daily for at least seven days .
Stem Rot
Some common cistron that contribute to stem turn rot on Christmas cactus plants are overwatering or improper drain , too much shade or humidness and damaged plant tissue from louse , favorite , human etc . The first sign of the zodiac and symptom of stem rot that you may comment are yellow-bellied to dark chocolate-brown or black spots on the cactus . However , these smear are just what you see on the control surface . equipment casualty on the interior of the works could be much more severe . Trim away stems with brown spots if you suspect basal stem rot , so issue it below the damage area if possible .
Root Rot
Although root word rot in cactus can be have by pests or serious pathogens , the most common drive is inveterate wet roots due to over - tearing or heavy soils . sell with this problem entails pruning damaged root , creating a quicker - draining environment for troubled cactus and modify your tearing habits .
Botrytis Blight
Botrytis blight also referred to as gray-headed mold commonly occurs after an drawn-out period of rainwater or moisten in outflow and summertime . When your Christmas cactus has been attacked by botrytis blight , symptom may include spotting , discoloration and wilting . Controlling of botrytis begins with good sanitisation . nibble up and destroy the debris that fall to the footing under the plant , this include flowers and buds . rationalize off and destroy infected parts of the plant .
Red Spider Mites
Christmas cacti speckled with tiny , white or pale - white-livered slur and shrouded with white webs harbor red spider mites . These mites typically hide on the undersides of the uppermost foliage , poke the leafage with their astute mouthparts and drain the fluid . Without immediate control measures , they can eventually pop your cactus and then transmigrate to a healthy one . care these mites is quite easy ; you’re able to physically scrap them off from the plant or dabbing them with a cotton wool mop dip in chafe alcoholic drink .
Also Read : grow And Caring For Calathea Vittata
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Often Do You necessitate To Water A Christmas Cactus ?
If you are growing the Christmas cactus indoors or under a shade , you need to water it at least three times every week . If growing out of doors or in a humid and hot surroundings then water every two to three solar day . You should also water less in the fall and wintertime .
How Many Times A twelvemonth Does A Christmas Cactus Flower ?
Christmas cactus can bloom several times a year . in general , it will blossom in November or December and again in February . The number of multiplication it blossom depends on whether the plant is produce indoors or outdoors as well as the amount of Lord’s Day , water system and humidity it is exposed to .
How To Make A Christmas Cactus Flower During Holiday Season ?
The key to getting Christmas cactus to flower during the holyday time of year is right lightheaded exposure , right temperature and limited watering . If you may manipulate these three things correctly , you may make the cactus blush just as how you ’d like .
Why Are Parts Of The Christmas Cactus Turning Black And Slimy ?
If some parts are turn black and slimy , it is likely that the industrial plant has a fungous or bacterial disease .
Why Is My Christmas Cactus Wilting ?
Wilted or gimp Christmas cactus is often because of deficiency of pee or too much direct sunlight .
When Should You Put A Christmas Cactus In The Dark ?
During the fall month , the Christmas cactus should be placed in a spot where it incur collateral promising light during the daylight hours but full darkness at nighttime .
Is Christmas Cactus A Succulent ?
A Christmas cactus are succulent that are usually mature as houseplants .
Should I Prune My Christmas Cactus ?
prune a Christmas cactus , heavy or small-scale , will aid it to grow fuller and shaggy-coated , which in turn results in more blooms in the futurity . The best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right-hand after it has bloomed . At this time , the Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period of time and will depart to put out newfangled leaves .
