Christmas Cactus: A Guide to Care and Cultivation
What is a Christmas Cactus?
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a popular holiday plant known for its vibrant blooms. It is a succulent, perennial cactus that is native to the Brazilian rainforest. Christmas cacti are epiphytes, meaning they grow on trees or rocks in their natural environment. They are not drought-resistant like many other cacti and require regular watering and humidity.
Types of Christmas Cactus
There are three main types of Christmas cactus:
- Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata): Blooms near the end of November with showy flowers in red, pink, peach, purple, orange, or white.
- Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera russelliana): Blooms near the end of December with magenta and white flowers.
- Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri): Blooms from March through May with star-shaped flower buds.
Care and Cultivation
Light: Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow and pale.
Soil: Plant Christmas cacti in a well-drained, loamy potting mix that is slightly acidic. You can also add peat moss to the soil to increase its acidity.
Water: Water Christmas cacti thoroughly when the soil has completely dried out. Allow excess water to drain out through the drainage holes. During hot, sunny weather, you may need to water more frequently.
Temperature: Christmas cacti prefer temperatures between 70°F and 80°F during their peak growth months (April to September). Once flower buds have set, they require cooler nighttime temperatures (between 55°F and 65°F) and at least 13 hours of darkness to flower.
Humidity: Christmas cacti need ample humidity, especially when grown in the dry conditions of heated homes during the winter. You can mist the plant regularly or place a pebble tray filled with water beneath the pot to increase humidity levels.
Fertilizer: Feed Christmas cacti monthly with a half-strength, diluted water-soluble balanced fertilizer during the early spring and summer months. Stop feeding once flower buds have formed.
Planting
The best pots for Christmas cacti are terracotta or clay pots. These pots are porous and wick away excess water, which can prevent root rot. When repotting, choose a container that is only 1 to 2 inches bigger in diameter than the current one.
Pruning
Prune Christmas cacti right after they bloom to encourage branching and new growth. You can also prune safely from after bloom to late spring. To prune, twist the stems between one of the segments or use a sharp, sterilized knife or scissors to remove segments.
Propagation
The best time to propagate Christmas cacti is one to two months after they have finished blooming. To propagate, take stem cuttings with three to five segments each. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained potting mix and keep them moist. Roots should form within two to three weeks.
Overwintering
Christmas cacti are not cold hardy and cannot tolerate frost. Bring the plant indoors before the first frost and maintain drier soil. The colder temperatures should spur bud production.
Common Pests and Diseases
The most common pests that affect Christmas cacti are fungus gnats, flower thrips, aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can be used to control these pests. Fungal diseases, such as Fusarium and Phytophthora, can also affect Christmas cacti. Avoid overwatering to prevent these diseases.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Stunted growth or distorted leaves: Inspect for mealybug infestation.
- Yellowed, spotted, or wilting leaves or stems: Inspect for thrips.
- Leaves turning red or pink: Plant may be receiving too much sun or not enough water.
- Root rot: Remove soggy, discolored roots and repot in fresh soil.
FAQ
- Where should I place a Christmas cactus in my house? Place the plant within 3 feet of a large south-, east-, or west-facing window.
- What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus? With proper care, a Christmas cactus can live for 20 to 30 years.
- What should I do with a Christmas cactus after it blooms? Do not discard the plant after it blooms. It may continue to bloom for many years to come.
- What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom? Lowering the temperature and providing the plant with 13 hours of complete darkness can trigger blooming.
By following these care and cultivation tips, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of your Christmas cactus for many years to come.