FAQ:
How can I ge my Christmas Cactus to bloom?
The best way to get your Christmas cactus to bloom is to give it a 6 week resting period, where you give it 12h of darkness each day. You should also reduce the amount of water it gets during this period, let the soil feel a bit dry before your next watering.
Can I take cuttings from a Christmas Cactus?
You sure can! Your Christmas Cactus leaves will be divided into segments, you can cut of 2-3 segments, let them dry a bit and then replant it into moist soil.My Christmas Cactus is losing its buds, why?
Most likely, this is happening because of sudden temperature changes, such as doors opening or being too close to a drafty window. Try moving your plant away from any drafts. But not too far away from any light source, as the buds can fall off if the plant doesn't get enough light after the buds start forming.
How do I tend to a Christmas Cactus?
A Christmas cactus requires different care from its cousins in the cactus family. With its origins coming from warm, humid and shadowy rainforests, the best thing you can do to keep it healthy is to mimick these conditions.
When you first get your plant:
The Christmas cactus requires a very well drained soil type, so either choose a cactus mix, or mix in some sand into your regular flower soil. You should also mix the soil around a bit, using a cultivator, to make sure the soil isn't too tight, it should feel loose and airy. Make sure your plant isn't in bloom, as repotting when in bloom will stress out the plant, and can make it loose its buds.
This is how to replant your Christmas Cactus:
- Water your plant the day before to loosen the soil
- Prepare your soil in a well drained pot, slightly larger than the one it is in now
- Dig a hole deep enough for the plants roots
- Remove your plant from its first container gently
- Place your plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil
- Water your plant lightly
Watering your Christmas Cactus
This plant needs more water than a traditional cactus, so remember to check the soil and make sure it is moist.During spring and summer, it will require more water, and during fall and winter, a bit less. Just make sure the soil is moist and not wet, as this can lead to the roots rotting. You should also mist your Christmas cactus from time to time, to keep the humidity high.
Placement for your Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus thrives in temperatures around 15-21 C, and enjoys slightly higher humidity than other house plants. It also loves indirect sunlight, so a well-lit windowsill is going to be the best placement for your plant. Just make sure it isn't getting too much sun, as it can damage the leafs.It is also sensitive to changes in temperature and drafts, so keep it away from any doors or windows that you open regularly.
How do I get my Christmas Cactus to bloom during Christmas?
If you want your Christmas Cactus to be as pretty and vibrant as possible during the holidays, the best thing to do is leave your plant alone in the dark at night for a few weeks. It sounds a bit weird, I know, but the best way to get it to bloom when you want is to let it rest. During the daytime, it can stay where you first put it, but during the afternoon, place it in complete darkness. It needs at least 12h of darkness per day. This should be done for about 6 weeks, to get those buds forming. When you see the buds, you can let it stop moving it around. If you have a dark spot that is around 10-13 C, that is the perfect spot to put your plant in. You should also water it a bit less during this period, let the soil get slightly dry between waterings.
To get that pop of color during Christmas, let it start resting in the middle of october, at the very latest in the beginning of november.
The Christmas Cactus is a truly beautiful plant, that can survive for decades if you give it enough love. I hope this article has inspired you to give the Christmas Cactus a shot this fall!
