Temperature Problems
Temperatures above 90 F can harm Christmas cactus, especially when flower buds are forming. The buds drop off in high temperatures, so avoid placing the cactus in overly warm, sunny spots or near heat vents. Temperatures below 50 F also cause bud drop and slow down the cactus growth.
Besides, when should I bring my Christmas cactus inside?
As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, take your cactus indoors. They may tolerate short periods of temperatures below 50 degrees, but they cannot tolerate freezing temperatures.
Herein, what is the lowest temperature a Christmas cactus can survive?
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
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.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.
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 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.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
20 to 30 years
Is it OK to put Christmas cactus outside?
Can Christmas cactus be outside? The answer is yes, but you can only grow the plant outdoors year round if you live in a warm climate because Christmas cactus is definitely not cold hardy. Growing Christmas cactus outdoors is possible only in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above.
How do you care for a Christmas cactus outside?
Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Some growers move plants to the shade of a porch or patio for the summer. During summer, water to keep the growing mix moist after it dries on top.
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.
Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. … Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist. Soil that is too wet causes Christmas cactus problems too.
Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?
Nutritional Issues. One possible reason why your cactus is turning purple is because it doesn’t have the proper nutrients that it needs to survive. If your plant is wilting and turning purple, this may be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Christmas cacti are particularly likely to develop magnesium deficiencies.
Where should I put my Christmas cactus?
The key to keeping a healthy plant is making sure it is placed in the right location and only watering when the soil mix is dry. Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, with a temperature between 70° and 80?.
