CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CACTUS
The Christmas cactus, with its unusual succulent branches and colorful blooms, is as common and welcome a holiday sight as Santa Claus and Christmas trees. Chances are, a Christmas cactus or two will play a starring role in your holiday decorations. Or you will receive one as a gift. However, this favorite indoor plant comes to you, be assured, it's easy to care for through the blooming season. And with just a little attention, it can survive and thrive to bloom again for next year's holidays.
The scientific name of the Christmas cactus--also known as holiday cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus--is Shlumbergera, after the genus of this cacti native to the mountains of Brazil. Though in the wild the Christmas cactus blooms in May, growers cultivate it to flower starting in November, just in time for some much need holiday color.
The blooms on your Christmas cactus will last longer in cooler temperatures, so find a place for it away from fireplaces, heat vents, or other hot air sources. But don't neglect to give it some light. Though the Christmas cactus can survive a low-light environment, it will produce more blooms in a sunny indoor location.
Though technically from the genus cacti, the Christmas cactus is more a tropical than a desert plant and will drop its blooms and wilt if its soil dries out. Give it a good drink when the top inch or so of its soil is dry.
You don't need to fertilize while the plant is blooming, however, the Christmas cactus enjoys a good pruning when the blossoms are done. Remove a couple sections of each stem by pinching then root these to propagate new plants. If you find your Christmas cactus wilting or drying out too frequently, you might want to repot it in a larger container using a potting mix formulated for succulents.
You can keep your Christmas cactus after the holidays and try to get it to bloom next holiday season. Keep it well watered, in a sunny location, and in a big enough pot until summer, then move it outside to a semi-shady spot. As the temperatures start to cool in the autumn, bring your Christmas cactus indoors slowly, gradually increasing the amount of time it spends there.
There are two ways to get your Christmas Cactus to re-bloom next holiday season. One is to make sure the plant is in complete dark for 12 hours a day for six to eight weeks. Starting in October, put your Christmas cactus in a dark closet for 12 hours a night until you see buds forming. The Christmas cactus will also bloom if it is subject to temperatures from 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit by early November, though you don't want it to endure a freeze.
The Christmas cactus is more than a one-month holiday wonder. With a little care, the Christmas cactus can prove an interesting succulent for indoor and outdoor beauty all year round.