Christmas Cactus plant is popular indoor plant that blooms in winter and makes a great gift. The fleshy segmented stems of the plant are flattened leaves and slightly serrated on each side. This plant is colourful choice for gardener, it has trailing stems also form a handsome green cascade all year round.
Scientific Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Tribe: Rhipsalideae
- Genus: Schlumbergera
Prefers
- Light – Bright, indirect light
- Soil – Well draining
- Soil pH – 5.5 and 6.5
- Temperature – 60–70°F
- Humidity – 50–60%
- Blooming time – November to Januy
- Flower colour – Pink, red and white
- Native area – Southeastern Brazil
- Toxicity – Human and pet
Christmas Cactus plant care with some tips
Adequate amounts of water, light, soil, temperature and fertiliser should be obtained for the plant to grow. The problems and benefits of the plant have also been shared in this article. This article will help you with all the essentials you need to grow your plant.
If you want to know Cactus plant care.
Light
Christmas cactus plant prefers bright, indirect light with 4 to 6 hours of light during winter bloom months. Move your plant to brighter location with adequate indirect light. It extended periods of lower light in the early fall will help to encourage future winter blooms.When this plant is not getting enough light will have darker green leaves, and they will not produce flowers.
Water
This plant is also known as holiday Cactus, it should be watered when the top inch soil is dry. You may need to water more frequently during these months. Allow excess water through the drainage holes. To be careful, the amount and frequency of watering depends on the season. In Spring and Summer, get water weekly and allowing excess water to drain. Water less frequently about twice a week during the winter season.
Soil
Christmas cactus plant need well draining, slightly acidic potting mix with good drainage. It is ideally composed of a combination of regular potting soil, perlite and sometimes peat moss.The growing medium should consist of a rich loam, high in organic matter.
Temperature & humidity
The ideal temperature between 60–70°F during the day and 55–65°F at night. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees. It is important to stay within 65–69°F temperature between for flowers to bloom in winter.
Christmas Cactus prefers 50-60% humidity level and it is important when the plant is blooming which is in the Spring and Summer. To notice that high humidity can increase the risk of fungal disease and low humidity can cause the plant’s leaves and flowers dry out.
Fertiliser
To make your plants grow faster, apply fertilisers when the plant starts flowering. It may cause plants to produce excessive foliage at the expense of blooms. Using liquid balance fertiliser with NPK ratio such as Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. You can fertilise a Christmas cactus with organic Cactus fertiliser. Organic cactus fertilizers can promote healthy growth and improve soil health without harmful chemicals.
Propagation of Christmas Cactus plant care
The best time to propagate your plant is one to two months after blooming. Propagation is the process when you want to grow up another plant. The best time to take your plant cutting for propagation is growing season when the plant actively grow healthy. The best way to propagate your plant by stem cuttings. Use sterilised knife to cut the 3 to 5 stem segment and place them in a cool, dry place for 2 to 4 days until the end callouses to protect the end from rotting. Produce proper light, water, soil, temperature-humidity levels and grow your plant healthy.
Types of Christmas Cactus
- Easter Cacti : It is a species of epiphytic cactus which belongs to the tribe Rhipsalideae within the subfamily Cactoideae of the Cactaceae. This plant
prefer temperature between 60-70°F during their growing season. - Thanksgiving Cacti : This is a small genus of cacti with six to nine species found in the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. It should be grown in a potting mix that is humus-rich, airy, and well-draining with an acidic pH.
- Christmas Cacti : Christmas Cactus’s is colourful, exotic flowers in shades of red, pink, white, or lavender make it an ideal choice for decoration.
Pruning of Christmas cactus plant care
You can also prune your plant after blooming to late Spring without harming the plant. Pruning is the essential part of its care that keeps your plant healthy and encourage growth. Use a sharp sterilised knife to remove segments.
Twist the stem at the joint between leaf segments. It is simple process that can help your plant grow fuller. Trimming your plant for new growth to produce more new branches. Make sure to trim just above a set of leaves and regular pruning will also increase the chances of the plant producing its stunning, fragrant flowers.
Repotting of Christmas Cactus plant
Repotting is important if you want to grow more than one of your favorite plants. Carefully remove the roots and place the plant in the new pot. It should repot a Christmas cactus every 1–2 years, or when the roots fill the pot. Never repot the plant while it is actively blooming. Use a pot that’s slightly larger than the current pot. The ideal time to repot Christmas cactus after they have finished flowering. The best time to repot or transplant is in the spring, once the flowers have wilted.
Common problem of Christmas cactus plant
- The most common problem is overwatering, it can lead to root rot. Do not make the soil too moist or you will start the rot all over again.
- Botrytis blight is fungal infection causes flowers to die and become covered with gray fungal growth. It can cause problems ranging from stunted growth, yellowing foliage, and wilting, to root damage and vulnerability to diseases like sooty mold.
Benefits of Christmas Cactus plant
- This plant is excellent at providing fresh air, be aware that they are not capable of removing harmful gases or chemicals like some specially designed air purifiers. It takes in carbon dioxide in the evening to release oxygen.
- It have been shown to have a significant positive impact on both mood and physical health. They can reduce stress, improve concentration, boost overall well-being. It can create a calming and relaxing environment, reducing stress and anxiety.
Christmas Cactus plant Faq
1. What is the good companion plant for Christmas cactus?
Ans. It will do well alongside others plant that require care and environment such as African violets, peace lilies and Spider plants.
2. What is the lifespan of this plant?
Ans. A Christmas cactus can have a lifespan of blooming for 20 to 30 years.
3. Where should I place this plant in my home?
Ans. Place your plant in south-east or west facing window with stable temperature conditions.