Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus is another plant to brighten our homes during the long nights of winter. The large, brightly colored blooms appear just when our gardening memories are beginning to dim. These are actually forest cacti, which are attached to trees in woodlands and jungles in their natural homes, and not surprisingly, their needs are quite different from the desert cacti.

LIGHT
Bright light is best. A few hours of direct sun during the winter is okay, but shelter them from direct, afternoon sun in the summer.

WATER
Water liberally when soil begins to dry out, making sure water comes out the bottom. Discard excess water. Water less during rest period and more when the plant is coming out of it`s rest period.

TEMPERATURE
When in flower, blooms will last longer in cooler temperatures, 50-60 degrees. (Rest period temperatures, explained below, should also be cooler.) Ideal temperatures are between 55-70 degrees, but higher or lower temperatures can be tolerated outside of the blooming and resting period.

FERTILIZER
Fertilize monthly with an all-purpose fertilizer during spring and summer. Do not fertilize during blooming and two months after blooming.

HUMIDITY
If your house is dry in winter (forced air heat) mist the plant occasionally or keep it on a humidity tray.

REPOTTING
Christmas cactus like to be slightly potbound. Repot or divide into smaller pots when the plant is fairly rootbound. Use a potting mix with good drainage.

PROPAGATION
Snip off pieces that are a few segments long in summer, dip it into rooting hormone, and allow to dry for a few days. Then, gently plant them in potting soil, keep them moist, humid and out of direct sun for four weeks.

Flowering period (mid-November to mid-January)

  • Water normally and maintain a temperature of 55 degrees F
  • Do not fertilize

Resting period

mid January to March

  • Keep cool 55 degrees F
  • Water infrequently, allow soil to dry between waterings
  • Refrain from fertilizing

April to May

  • Treat normally
  • Water thoroughly when soil dries out
  • Begin to fertilize

June to mid-September

  • Place plant outdoors in a shady area
  • Bring in when temperatures are close to 40 degrees F
  • Still treat normally

Pre-flowering period (mid-September to mid-November)

  • Let soil dry thoroughly between waterings
  • Place in a cooler room, preferably 50-60 degrees F
  • As buds appear, increase watering to keep the soil evenly moist and increase the temperature.
  • Do not move plant once buds have appeared.