People often give and receive plants as holiday or hostess gifts this time of year. One of the most popular is the Christmas cactus. Normally at holiday time they are healthy and in full and beautiful bloom. This plant can live many years and bloom again seasonally with the right care.
Here are some tips to care for your Christmas cactus:
- Keep your Christmas cactus in a pot or container. Also, since it prefers to be root bound, do not plant it in too large of a pot.
- This plant does best in a bright but indirect light.
- Soil should be well drained to prevent root rot. (The water should move through the soil relatively quick and not pool up).
- Keep the plant moist, but do not overwater.
- Fertilize every 2 months using a water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer between April to August.
- Provide this plant with a somewhat humid environment.
- Bring your Christmas cactus indoors if frost is in the weather forecast.
- Prune about a month after blooming. Don’t prune after midsummer.
- Repot every 2 to 3 years.
- Keep away from drafts and heat sources like vents, fireplaces, and television sets.
Related: Eco-friendly Landscaping Principles
To ensure that this plant blooms again, allow it to experience a state of dormancy. Here’s how to make that happen:
- Dormancy should last for about 6 to 8 weeks or until buds begin to develop.
- Beginning around mid-September keep your plant in darkness for about 12 to 14 hours a day.
- If the plant is exposed to artificial light, it will not produce flowers.
- The temperature should be around 50 to 60 degrees in this dark area.
- Cut down on watering during this time period. Water only when the top 1 inch of the soil becomes dry to the touch.
- Once buds develop, increase light and watering to normal levels and wait for blooming to occur.
These plants are a little trickier to care for when you’ve never had one before, but once you get the hang of them, they’re not so difficult. They come in many sizes and colors and are beautiful whether they are in bloom or not. Also, they’re very easy to propagate, so you can grow as many of them as you like. You can even mix cuttings together for a new multi-colored plant! (A tip from my friend Sherry.) Try growing your own special hybrid and give them as holiday and Christmas gifts!!
Related: Low Maintenance House Plants and 5 Tips Essential Tips for their Care
Have you ever gifted a Christmas Cactus? Do you have one at home? In the comments below share any tips you have when it comes to caring for your Christmas Cactus. Send me pictures or tag us if you have a Christmas Cactus!
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Lisa is a mother of three lovely young women and is a new grandmother to a baby boy! She has been married to her high school sweetheart for more than thirty years. Lisa is originally from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1984. Running a small business for over 25 years and raising a family has made for a busy, busy life with many ups and downs; it’s definitely been an adventure.
Lisa’s always involved in one project or another whether it’s work related or serving her community. She also recently went back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Lisa tries to make every day a good day—that means learning something new, practicing kindness, and enjoying the present moment.
My plant has stem the dirt! Can I add dirt & how high or or how much?
My plant ate the dirt. How mic should/could I add