On our winter preferences list, poinsettias and amaryllis are the most popular holiday plants. However, if you are interested in a houseplant that can endure for decades, you may want to consider including a Christmas cactus in your collection. This attractive, low-maintenance plant produces blossoms for an extended period of time and is an excellent method of adding color to the dreary winter months.
These are not the typical cacti that inhabit scorching, arid regions; they are indigenous to tropical mountainous regions in Brazil. Similar to certain orchids, Christmas cacti (and their counterparts Thanksgiving cacti and Easter cacti) are epiphytes that thrive in the crotches of trees, where organic matter accumulates up.
In general, Christmas cacti are not finicky plants and can remain in their containers for an extended period. In fact, they are more likely to blossom when they are somewhat restricted by their roots.
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How to Care for a Christmas Cactus
Bright, indirect light is necessary for Christmas cactus plants. Keep them away from direct sunlight, as it can cause their foliage to scorch (remember, they are accustomed to diffused shade in their natural habitats). Keep the plant in a window that is extremely brilliant, but ensure that it is filtered with a transparent curtain.
Christmas cacti thrive in the majority of homes with average indoor temperatures and humidity levels, provided that they are properly hydrated. The soil should only be watered when the top inch or two of soil are dried.
Avoid allowing them to become excessively moist, as this will result in the stems becoming spongy and falling off, or excessively dry, which will cause the blooms to drop. Additionally, avoid becoming complacent; prior to administering water, ensure that you have inserted your finger into the soil to verify that it is not overdone.
To guarantee a stunning, complete bloom during the holiday season, fertilize your plant on a monthly basis from spring to summer. Any fertilizer designed for houseplants that flourish will suffice.
Potting Christmas Cacti
Any potting soil that is well-draining is suitable for Christmas cacti. A cactus mixture is acceptable; however, it is not wholly necessary. Ensure that the container is equipped with drainage openings at the base to ensure appropriate drainage. Repotting your plant is generally not necessary more frequently than every five years. As previously indicated, they appear to thrive when they are minimally restricted by their roots.
How to Propagate a Christmas Cactus
In the event that your plant becomes leggy or its branches begin to drop off due to its inability to support its own weight, prune it by removing a section of stem where two segments intersect. Then, proceed to preserve the parts in order to construct a new plant. Place the container in a bright area, insert the piece into the soil, and maintain a modest moisture level in the soil.
It is truly remarkable that the object will establish roots within a few weeks. Dip the cutting’s base in rooting hormone beforehand if you wish to provide it with an additional stimulus, although it is not typically required.
This is a simple method for restocking the container if it appears to be lacking or for creating new infant plants to distribute among family and acquaintances. In reality, holiday cacti are among the most straightforward plants to propagate.
Holiday Cactus Types
There are numerous varieties of holiday cactus, such as the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus, which blossom in close proximity to the holidays for which they are named. Occasionally, all of these plants are grouped together and referred to as “Christmas cactus,” despite the fact that they are distinct plants with subtle distinctions in appearance.
The confusion arises as a result of the fact that numerous retailers sell plants that are simply labeled as “holiday cacti” without specifying which species they are. Mislabeled items are frequently encountered, even those that are explicitly identified. The flattened stems can be used to determine the type of plant, but the care required is consistent for all.
- Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) stems have sharp pointy edges
- Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera bridgesii) have more rounded, scalloped edges
- Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) looks like its better-known relatives, but it blooms closer to Easter and has star-shaped blooms.
How to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom
Now, this is where the situation becomes complex: The holiday cacti are all classified as short-day plants, which implies that they require a prolonged period of uninterrupted darkness at night for a minimum of six weeks in order to establish blossoms. Additionally, they prefer mild temperatures of 50-65°F and complete darkness (not even a street light beaming in the window at night or a nearby table lamp).
You have the option of relocating your Christmas cactus to a closet during the day. Alternatively, if this seems like an excessive amount of effort, you can store it in a room that is not in use at night, such as a spare bedroom. Begin this process in the late summer to induce the formation of blooms.
Common Problems with Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus and other holiday cacti are essentially relatively low-maintenance plants. Diseases and parasites are uncommonly encountered by them. The most common error is that individuals either overwater them, resulting in a gummy appearance, or they neglect to provide them with sufficient darkness beginning in the fall, resulting in a lack of bloom. Additionally, these plants are averse to proximity to heating vents, which may result in the loss of blooms.
Is Christmas Cactus Toxic to Pets?
There is good news! The ASPCA has determined that Christmas cactus is not toxic to canines. Nevertheless, it is important to keep this plant away from any canines who enjoy nibbling, as any plant has the potential to cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Also See: How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom, According To An Expert
