The Christmas cactus (Zygocactus) is native to the South American jungles. The flowers bloom once a year and come in shades of fuchsia, yellow, salmon, pink, white, orange, red and sometimes will even have a combination of the colors. The Christmas cacti are tropical plants.
Moreover, do Christmas cactus come in different colors?
You can find Christmas cactus in a wide variety of colors, including pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and white — as well as bicolors where an individual flower shows multiple shades at the same time. This flowering houseplant is a cinch to grow, which has made it a popular holiday plant for generations.
The flowers are typically red or white, and sometimes yellow. Its anthers are a purple brown, and the symmetrical flowers are evenly distributed around the flower tubes. The plants drop down, so the plants work best in a hanging basket.
Similarly, 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.
Where should I put a Christmas cactus in my house?
Where to Put a Christmas Cactus
- 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.
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.
How do you keep a Christmas cactus alive?
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.
How did the Christmas cactus get its name?
A plant in the Schlumbergera family, Christmas cacti are so named because of their flowering time in the Northern Hemisphere. In their home region, they flower in April to May and the common name has no meaning. In Europe, they are called crab cactus, a nod to their clawed limbs.
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.
How long does a Christmas cactus live?
20 to 30 years
Should 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.
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.
What does the Christmas cactus symbolize?
Officially the Christmas cactus does not have any symbolic meaning. But because the plant is not afraid to commit to a relationship and can be your companion for 20 to 30 years, we think ‘loyalty’ would be a good symbolism.
What are the 3 types of Christmas cactus?
As I later learned from my good friend George Hochmuth, professor emeritus, University of Florida, there are actually three different holiday cacti: the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri).
