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.
Secondly, what is the lowest temperature for a Christmas cactus?
They may tolerate short periods of temperatures below 50 degrees, but they cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. All of the cacti are short-day plants. They require 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness daily to produce blossoms.
Likewise, people ask, what temperatures can Christmas cactus tolerate?
As the buds get bigger, move the plant to where it will be displayed. Avoid extreme light or temperature changes, which can cause the unopened blossoms to drop. During this period, the Christmas cactus will do best in temperatures ranging from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
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 cold can aloe tolerate?
Aloe overwinters outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, where average minimum temperatures stay above 30 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer it tolerates lows from 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and in winter it does not do well in temperatures under 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
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.
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.
When should I repot my Christmas cactus?
When to Repot Christmas Cactus
Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming.
Can Christmas cactus take cold weather?
Cold hardiness in Christmas cactus is greater than some cacti, but they are tropical. They can‘t tolerate frost but they need cold temperatures to force blooms. … Perfect nighttime temperatures range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 C.).
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.
Can a Christmas cactus get too much sun?
The Christmas cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will produce blooms more readily if exposed to brighter light. That being said, too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Christmas cactus moisture is important as well.
