How to care for a Christmas Cactus
If you're new to houseplants or want to learn how to take care of your Christmas cactus, this is the guide for you! This plant care guide will teach you everything about taking care of a Cactus.
If you are like many people, you may have received a Christmas cactus as a gift. These plants are popular during the holiday season because they are easy to care for and can bloom beautiful flowers. In this plant care guide, we will look at how to care for your Christmas cactus so that it stays healthy and blooms flowers year after year.
Like many other cacti, the Christmas cactus is a low-maintenance plant that's perfect for those of us who tend to forget about our plants! This plant thrives on neglect and is happy to wait several weeks before being watered!
Let's see how we can give our Christmas cactus the best care to help it thrive and start to bloom in your house!
How should I water my Christmas cactus?
Watering plants can be easy when you know how to check the soil for moisture. And there are a few things to remember when watering your Christmas cactus.
How often should I water my Christmas cactus?
As I've mentioned in the introduction, the Christmas cactus thrives on neglect! This also means it doesn't need to be watered very often. Ideally, it would be best if you water your Christmas cactus about once every 2-3 weeks, or when the soil has dried out. Be careful not to overwater your plant, as this can cause root rot. If the top inch of soil still has some moisture, there's no need to add water yet. Just wait a few more days and check again.
How much water should I give my Christmas cactus?
When you water your Christmas cactus, be sure to give it enough water so it'll start to drip out of the bottom of the pot. Empty any water that collects in the saucer under the pot after watering. At this point, you can let the pot drain the excess water for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, the soil has absorbed the moisture it can hold onto and drained the excess moisture.
When is the best time to water my Christmas cactus?
The best time to water your Christmas cactus is in the morning so that the plant has time to absorb the water throughout the day. But remember to check the soil before watering the Christmas cactus.
The signs a Christmas cactus needs more or less water
Christmas cacti need you to be pretty careful with watering. Too much or too little, and you'll run into problems. Here are some signs to help you determine if your Christmas cactus needs more or less water:
Signs your Christmas Cactus needs more water
If your plant's looking a bit sad, with limp or wrinkly leaves (phylloclades), it's probably thirsty. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it's time to water your plant. Christmas cacti love their soil to be dry, but you shouldn't keep it bone dry for too long. If the pot feels lighter than usual, it's a sure sign the soil's dried out and your plant needs water.
Signs your Christmas Cactus needs less water
If you've watered your plant and the soil still feels wet or soggy days later, you might be overdoing it with the water. It's better to let the soil dry out a bit between waterings. If you catch a musty, funky smell coming from the pot, or if your plant looks unhappy despite getting plenty of light and being in the right temperature, that could be a sign of root rot. Also, keep an eye out for leaves that start turning yellow or get mushy, it's often the first sign your Christmas cactus is overwatered.
How much sunlight should my Christmas cactus get?
Your Christmas cactus should be placed in a location where it will receive indirect sunlight. I recommend four to six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves of your plant to burn.
On the other hand, not enough sunlight can cause the plant to stretch and the leaves to develop a faded color. If you live in a home with little natural light, you can use a grow light to help your Christmas cactus grow.
What is the best temperature for my Christmas cactus?
Since the Christmas cactus likes a healthy mix of shade and sunlight, the popular houseplant also enjoys mild temperatures. Your Christmas cactus will do best in normal room temperatures: between 18 and 23 degrees Celsius (65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit).
Most houses are already the perfect temperature for your Christmas Cactus, so you most likely don't have to find a special place that's warmer or colder. To avoid sudden temperature changes that could shock your cactus, keep it away from drafty windows, air conditioning, and heating units.
What is the ideal humidity range for my Christmas cactus?
The ideal humidity range for a Christmas cactus is between 50% to 60%. This tropical cactus variety thrives in more humid conditions compared to desert cacti. In environments with lower humidity, you can increase moisture around the plant by placing a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water beneath the pot, grouping it with other plants to create a microclimate, or using a room humidifier. Maintaining adequate humidity is particularly important during the winter months when indoor heating can reduce indoor humidity levels significantly.
What type of soil should I use for my Christmas cactus?
When potting or repotting your Christmas cactus, be sure to use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix. Most succulent potting mixes are perfect for keeping the soil moist and draining excess water quickly. It's also full of nutrients to help the Christmas cactus grow!
If you're looking for ways to create your own cactus soil mixture, you should mix 1 part potting soil with 1 part fine-grained sand, and 1 part perlite. This mixture allows the potting soil to hold onto moisture for your cactus but also makes sure most of the moisture is drained to the bottom of the pot, away from the plant's roots.
When do I need to fertilize my Christmas cactus?
All plants need nutrients to grow and recover from any pest or disease. Cacti are no different, they just require different fertilizers than tropical houseplants.
You should fertilize your Christmas cactus about once a month during the growing season, which is from March to September. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for cacti and succulents. Fertilize the Christmas cactus according to the package instructions. These instructions make sure that you dilute the fertilizer enough, to not cause overfertilizing your plant. Overfertilizing your plant can cause root damage, so it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Propagating a Christmas cactus
Propagating a Christmas cactus is a great way to create new plants for free! You can propagate your Christmas Cactus by taking healthy cuttings from your existing Christmas cactus and letting them grow roots, turning them into new plants. The best part? Propagating a Christmas cactus is quite easy.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create more plants from your existing Christmas cactus:
- Choose a healthy stem of the Christmas cactus, ideally one that has 3-4 segments.
- Gently twist and pull the segments apart at the natural joints, or use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to make a clean cut. It's important to make sure your cutting tool is sterilized to prevent infection.
- Place the cuttings in a dry, warm place for a few days to allow the cut ends to callous over. This step is very important as it helps prevent rotting when planted.
- Prepare a well-draining soil mix designed for cacti and succulents.
- Put the calloused end of the cutting about a quarter-inch (0.6 cm) deep into the soil. You can plant several cuttings together in one larger pot.
- When watering, keep the soil just slightly moist, being careful not to overwater, as too much moisture can cause the cuttings to rot.
- Keep your newly planted cuttings in a bright area with indirect sunlight and at a temperature of around 18 to 23 degrees Celsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the young plants.
- And now, wait! It typically takes a few weeks for roots to form. You can gently pull on the cuttings after about 3-4 weeks to feel if they've rooted. If the soil starts to come up with the cutting, it will have grown roots.
The best time to propagate is late spring or early summer. That's when the cactus isn't busy blooming, so it can put all its energy into growing roots.
When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
If you've had your Christmas cactus for a year or more, you might be wondering if and when you can repot your plant. Like most other succulents and cacti, you don't have to repot the Christmas cactus very often. It's a slow-growing house plant, so it can be in the same pot for 2 or 3 years before it needs to be repotted into a larger pot.
Just like any other plant, it's good to repot them when they grow too big for their pot, as this will encourage healthy growth. You can repot your Christmas cactus every two to three years, or when the plant becomes potbound. When repotting, be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
How do I repot my Christmas cactus?
To repot your Christmas cactus, remove the cactus from its pot. If the pot is stuck, you can use a knife to help pry it loose. Next, grab a new pot with drainage holes for your Christmas cactus. These holes will allow for drainage so the cactus can grow healthy roots and is less at risk of getting too much water. Then, fill the new pot with soil and place the cactus in it. Make sure not to pack the soil too tightly, otherwise, water won't be able to drain properly out of the pot. Finally, water the cactus well.
When is the best time to repot my Christmas cactus?
The best time to repot your Christmas cactus is at the end of February, right at the beginning of spring. Most houseplants, including the Christmas cactus, grow the fastest during the spring and summer, as it's warmer and the sun is stronger. This time of year is perfect for repotting plants because your plant will recover more quickly and will settle into its new pot more quickly.
Encourage my Christmas cactus to bloom
To get your Christmas cactus to bloom, try to copy what its natural habitat is like, especially when it's getting close to blooming season. Here's how you can help your Christmas cactus to produce those lovely flowers.
Light exposure
Begin by making sure your Christmas cactus receives adequate light during the growing season but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Bright, indirect light is ideal.
Proper watering
Keep the soil lightly moist but not waterlogged during the growing season (spring and summer). In the fall, as the blooming process starts, reduce watering to allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Temperature control
Blooms are triggered by cooler temperatures and longer nights. Starting in late September or early October, keep your Christmas cactus in a location where nighttime temperatures drop to about 10 to 13 degrees Celsius (50 to 55 F). Avoid placing it near any heat sources that might disrupt this cool environment.
Short days and long nights
Christmas cacti require about 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for 6-8 weeks to set buds. You can achieve this by placing the plant in a dark room or covering it with a box or black cloth every evening and then returning it to its normal spot in the morning. This should be done consistently throughout the entire period.
Avoid moving the plant
Once you see buds forming, try not to move the plant or change how it's facing the light. If things switch up too much, the plant might just drop its buds.
Fertilization
Feed your Christmas cactus with a high-potassium fertilizer starting in late spring and continuing through the summer to strengthen it for the blooming season. Stop any fertilization by the end of summer to prepare the plant for its blooming cycle.
If you stick to these steps and replicate the natural conditions a Christmas cactus thrives in, you'll be rewarded with an amazing flower show.
Can I place my Christmas cactus outside during the summer months?
You can put your Christmas cactus outside in the summer, as long as the weather and temperature in your area are right. Just make sure to follow a few guidelines to keep your plant happy and healthy!
- Ease into it: Start slow, moving your cactus outdoors bit by bit. A shady spot works great to avoid shock. Take about 14 days to move your plant outside overnight.
- Shade is key: These plants love bright light but not direct sun, especially not in the afternoon. The morning sun and afternoon shade are perfect.
- Watch the temperature: Aim for 18-23℃ (65-75℉). Too hot or too cold, and it's better to bring it inside.
- Stay on top of watering: Outdoors, and plants need to be watered more often. Regularly check the soil; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water. Make sure to keep an eye on rain too, so you don't overwater your plant.
- Keep an eye out for pests: Did you spot any pests? Deal with them quickly using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Feed it: During summer, a balanced fertilizer for cacti every 4-6 weeks will do wonders.
- Coming back in: Before summer ends, check for pests and get your cactus used to being inside again gradually. Again, this takes about 14 days, so don't wait too long at the end of summer to start bringing your plant back inside.
If you stick to these tips, your Christmas cactus will love spending the summer outdoors and might even grow more vigorously.
Is the Christmas cactus toxic?
Christmas cacti are non-toxic to us and our pets, making them safe houseplants for homes with pets or small children. They do not contain toxic substances that can cause serious harm if ingested.
It's still a good idea to prevent pets and small children from chewing on any houseplants, including the Christmas cactus, as some plant material can lead to an upset stomach or other mild symptoms. If you have concerns, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian or healthcare provider.
What should I do if my Christmas cactus becomes leggy or stops growing new segments?
If your Christmas cactus becomes leggy or stops growing new segments, it's often a sign that the plant is not receiving optimal care, particularly in terms of light, watering, or fertilization. Look at the following care routines to help find the cause and address the issue:
Light conditions
Christmas cacti thrive in bright, indirect light. If the plant is too far from a light source or only getting light from one direction, it may grow towards the light, becoming leggy in the process. Position your plant in a location where it can receive ample indirect sunlight, possibly near an east-facing or north-facing window. If natural light is limited, especially during winter months, consider using a grow light to provide additional illumination.
Watering practices
Watering practices also play a crucial role in the health of your Christmas cactus. The soil should be allowed to slightly dry out between waterings, but not completely. Over or under-watering can stress the plant, leading to poor growth. Make sure you're maintaining a balanced watering routine, adjusting as necessary based on the season and the plant's needs.
Fertilization
Nutrition is another important factor. If your Christmas cactus has stopped growing, it might be lacking essential nutrients. Feeding your plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti and succulents every four to six weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) can help promote new growth. Be sure to follow the recommended dilution rates to avoid fertilizer burn.
Pruning
Pruning can also stimulate growth and lead to a fuller appearance. Gently twist and remove a few sections from the elongated stems, particularly after flowering. This not only helps maintain a desirable shape but also encourages the plant to branch out. The pruned sections can be used for propagation, giving you new plants and helping the original cactus become bushier as it recovers.
Root bound
Check to see if your Christmas cactus is root-bound. A plant that has outgrown its pot may struggle to produce new growth until it's given more space. Check the roots annually and repot into a slightly larger container with fresh potting mix if necessary.
By addressing these care aspects, you can help your Christmas cactus recover from legginess and encourage healthier, more vigorous growth.
Common problems with a Christmas cactus
All houseplants deal with issues from time to time. The Christmas cactus luckily isn't very susceptible to pests, but it does have some common problems.
Some common problems that can happen with a Christmas cactus include overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and insufficient sunlight, which can cause the plant to stretch and the leaves to turn yellow. If you notice either of these problems, be sure to adjust your care routine accordingly.
Pests
Even though pests rarely get to a Christmas Cactus, it doesn't mean it's immune to them.
Fungal gnats can be a problem, especially in overly moist soil, as they lay their eggs in the top layer of soil, and their larvae feed on organic matter, including the roots. Besides these, spider mites and scale insects might infest Christmas cacti, particularly when the air is too dry. Spider mites cause tiny yellow or white spots on the leaves and fine webbing between them, while scale insects appear as small, bumpy brown or white growths on the stems and leaves.
If you do encounter pests, wiping the plant with a soft, damp cloth or using insecticidal soap can help manage the infestation before it becomes severe.
Diseases
Another common issue is powdery mildew, which appears as a white or gray powdery growth on the leaves and stems. It typically occurs in conditions of high humidity combined with poor air circulation around the plant. A simple way to prevent this is by placing your plant in a bright spot. This helps the air to dry out a little and raises the temperature. Powdery mildew doesn't like this and will die.
Prevention
Keep an eye out for signs and stick to good care routines to dodge most problems. Check your plant often for any pests or diseases and make sure it's getting enough light, the right amount of water, and plenty of fresh air. This will keep your Christmas cactus happy and less likely to run into trouble.
Also, tidy up any fallen leaves and debris around your plant to cut down on the risk of fungal diseases. Got new plants? Quarantine them for a bit to ensure they're not bringing any unwelcome guests that could affect your other plants.
What is the difference between a Christmas cactus and a Thanksgiving cactus?
You might have heard of the Christmas Cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus and thought they'd probably be the same plant. However, they are 2 different plants that happen to look a lot alike.
Both plants are in the genus Schlumbergera, but the Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) and Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera Buckleyi) are two different species. The main difference between these two plants is that the Christmas cactus has shorter, rounder leaves, while the Thanksgiving cactus has longer, more pointy leaves.
The more you know!
Conclusion
The Christmas cactus is an easy houseplant to care for when you have all the tools you need. And the effort is worth it when your cactus begins to bloom beautiful flowers! With indirect sunlight, mild temperatures, proper soil, and a little bit of water, your Christmas cactus will thrive. It's important to adapt its care routine if problems arise to keep your Christmas cactus happy and healthy. Be sure to share this guide with your friends and family so they can also enjoy taking care of their own plants!
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
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