They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. The “trick” to getting Christmas cactus to bloom in the following years after purchase comes down to two things: light and temperature.
Just so, how do you take care of a Christmas tree cactus?
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently. Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
- Plants should be kept in bright, indirect light. …
- A daytime temperature of 70°F (21°C) and an evening temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) is preferred.
- Christmas cacti prefer a more humid environment, which makes a bright bathroom or kitchen a good spot to keep them.
Additionally, is Christmas cactus indoor or outdoor?
Christmas cactus thrives in bright, but indirect sunlight. Keep it near a window when indoors or shaded by trees if kept outdoors in warmer months. Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is not a desert plant, but rather has its origins in the tropical rain forests of South America.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Does Christmas Cactus Bloom More Than Once A Year? Yes. Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition.
Why do buds fall off my Christmas cactus?
Dropping buds can be a result of overwatering, temperature extremes or lack of light. Your plant was given special treatment to make it bloom at Christmas, and it was provided with perfect growing conditions during this time. Somewhere in transit, or perhaps in your home, it encountered less than ideal conditions.
Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
The main benefit of using coffee grounds on Christmas cactus is, of course, it helps it bloom in season. It will give your cacti the little boost it needs and can help revive your Christmas cactus if you think it may be dying.
Do you deadhead Christmas cactus?
While not necessary for all cacti since some cactus flowers drop from the plant once they are spent, deadheading cactus flowers can promote additional blooms and encourage growth while also tidying up the cactus. … Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season while the Christmas cactus is in bloom.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
20 to 30 years
How do I keep my Christmas cactus blooming?
How to Promote Blooming in a Christmas Cactus
- Reduce Watering. Beginning in October, water your Christmas cactus much less frequently. …
- Provide Enough Light and Darkness. During the fall and early winter, Christmas cacti need twelve hours of dark and twelve hours of indirect sunlight each day.
- Keep Cool.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Step 3: Move the Mature Cactus to a Dark Location
In late September or early October, place the mature plant in a dark room or keep it covered (under a box or bag works fine) for at least 12 hours a day.
How do you keep a Christmas cactus alive forever?
Keep the cactus in a cool, bright indoor location where daytime temps are between 65-70 degrees and evening temps are between 55-65 degrees. (That might mean on a drafty windowsill or somewhere that doesn’t get as much heat as the rest of your place.)
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
In case you didn’t remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.
Can Christmas cactus live outside in the summer?
Christmas cactus is grown as a houseplant in most areas of the United States, but it can be moved outside to a shady spot in the summer.
