- Water every two to three weeks, but only until the top one-third of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, for example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil. (Check with your finger!)
- Soak the soil until water runs through the drainage holes in the pot when it is suitably dry. To catch the water, place a tray underneath the pot. Remove any extra water from the tray after 10-15 minutes so that the pot does not sit in water.
- Feed every two weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer from spring through early fall. Feed the cactus once a month in the fall and winter to encourage blooming.
- Late in the spring, prune plants to encourage branching and more flowers. Simply cut a few portions off each stem, and the plant will branch out from the wound.
- Place the cut pieces in a gently wet potting soil if desired; they will root easily after a few weeks and make great Christmas gifts!
How to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom
The lower temperatures and longer evenings of autumn bring out the blooms of Christmas cacti and its relatives. This is the general blooming schedule for the three main species of Christmas cacti:
- Thanksgiving cactus are the earliest and most persistent bloomers, blooming from late October to mid-winter.
It’s possible that your cactus isn’t flowering because it’s getting too much sunshine or being exposed to too hot temperatures. Here are some pointers to help you get yours to bloom!
- For at least six weeks, nights must be at least 14 hours long and days must be between 8 and 10 hours. If you have powerful interior lighting that is turned on at night, you may need to cover your cactus or transfer it to a location where it can be exposed to natural light.
- Flower buds form best when the plant is kept between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 15 degrees Celsius).
- By exposing the plant to temperatures of around 45°F (7°C) for several nights in a row, you can jumpstart the budding process.
- Ensure that you water the plant on a regular basis when it is in bloom. If the plant dries out too much, the buds may fall off.
- Don’t worry if the cactus loses its buds throughout the winter; it will bloom the next year!
Should I water my Christmas cactus while it’s blooming?
- Watering: Mist your plant frequently while it is blooming to keep the soil uniformly moist.
- Light: For moderate light and some direct sun, place the cactus in an east-facing window.
- Fertilize every two weeks once buds have formed with a high-potassium fertilizer.
How do I know when to water my Christmas cactus?
Throughout the winter and spring, holiday cactus are extremely popular gifts, and they can be found in just about any store that sells plants, from the grocery store to the flower shop. Holiday cactus are eye-catching with their succulent leaves and vivid blossoms in a variety of colors, and they find their way into the homes of both expert and novice houseplant aficionados. They can live for decades if properly cared for, and are frequently passed down from generation to generation.
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) are three distinct types that are typically available at retail stores depending on the season “The term “Christmas cactus” is frequently used to refer to all of them. It’s easier to refer to all three as holiday cacti for the sake of convenience, given they require fairly comparable care.
Regardless, “Despite the fact that “cactus” is in their name, holiday cacti require very different care than their desert-dwelling siblings. Holiday cactus are epiphytes that grow on the shady limbs of trees in the tropical rainforests of Brazil. Epiphytes are plants that grow atop other plants rather than in the soil, relying on the air and rain for moisture and nutrients.
As a result, unlike other cacti, holiday cacti do not endure prolonged dehydration. Once the potting soil is dry to the touch, they should be watered, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Allowing plants to sit in standing water will cause the soil to become soggy. Root rot can be caused by prolonged exposure to damp soil, especially during the winter months.
Watering holiday cacti is dependent on a variety of parameters, including the type of potting soil used, the size of the container, the amount of sunlight the plant receives, and the ambient temperature. The key to sustaining a healthy plant is to make sure it’s in the appropriate spot and to only water when the soil mix is completely dry.
Holiday cacti thrive in partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, and at temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Too much strong sunshine, especially during the summer months, can burn the foliage, while insufficient light can stifle growth and cause the soil mix to dry up too slowly. When in doubt, go with the under-watering method rather than the over-watering method.
When should I water my flowering cactus?
Cacti and succulents are becoming increasingly popular as houseplants, and proper care is essential. They come in a wide range of forms and sizes, from small to large. Cacti and succulents are related because they both have traits that allow them to thrive in arid climates.
The desert is the natural habitat of most cacti and succulents. As a result, they thrive in bright sunshine, good drainage, hot temperatures, and low moisture. Some cacti and succulents, such as Schlumbergera, enjoy semi-shade and wet circumstances because they are native to a rainforest environment.
It’s preferable to try to imitate a cactus or succulent’s natural habitat when caring for them. Here are the most important things to keep in mind when caring for cacti and succulents.
Light, temperature and ventilation
Cacti and succulents thrive in bright environments, and it is ideal to place them in a bright location. Sunlight will be abundant in a south-facing location. However, avoid placing them in full sunlight, as the harsh light might cause the plants to become yellow. The right amount of light depends on the type of cactus or succulent you’re cultivating. Forest-growing epiphytes, like Rhipsalis, require semi-shade, whereas an Echeveria requires strong light.
Keeping the plants cold at night with temperatures of roughly 8°C to 10°C is ideal during the autumn and winter months.
The plants require sufficient ventilation in the spring and summer, although they can withstand extreme temperatures.
Compost
A free-draining compost, such as Westland cacti and succulent potting mix with additional girt and sand for excellent drainage, is a suitable choice. It also has the perfect amount of nutrients for your succulents and cacti.
Watering and feeding
Cacti and succulents are frequently misunderstood as simply requiring a modest amount of water. Even though their leaves and stems contain water-storing properties that help them to survive in dry environments, they will not thrive in a dry environment. Watering is crucial to the success of your cactus or succulent. Overwatering stunts growth, while underwatering results in shrivelling.
Instead of tap water, tepid rainwater should be utilized for irrigation. Because the minerals in tap water build up in the soil and produce deposits on the leaves, this is a good idea. Minerals also obstruct the plant’s ability to absorb critical nutrients.
Spring and summer
Water the plants at least once a week during the growing season. When watering, make sure the soil gets a good soak and that any surplus water drains away. Between waterings, allow the compost to dry out gradually.
Once a month, feed your plants with Westland Cactus and Succulent Feed, which is a wonderful mix to use. It aids in the production of healthy growth, increased disease resistance, and improved flowering. Simply take a 5ml quantity of the feed from the dosing chamber and mix it with 1 litre of water.
Autumn and winter
This is the moment when the plants go into dormancy. Reduce the amount of watering so that the potting mix dries out between waterings. The frequency with which they are watered is determined by the environment they are in as well as the succulent variety. Winter-flowering cacti require warmth and regular watering during this period, although desert-dwelling cactus can be left unwatered. Cacti and succulents do not require feeding during this time.
Re-potting
If your cactus or succulent is pot-bound, spring is the perfect time to re-pot it. To re-pot, follow these steps:
- To remove the plant from the container, first water it and allow it to drain before carefully taking it from the pot, using folded paper to protect your hands from the spikes.
- To avoid damaging the roots, remove the old soil from the roots with a thin stick, such as a chopstick.
- Place the plant in the new pot, which is slightly larger in diameter, and cover it with a coating of potting mix.
Maintaining these settings ensures that your cacti or succulents receive the greatest possible care. Most importantly, keep in mind that you are attempting to mimic your plant’s natural habitat when caring for it.
How long can a Christmas cactus go without water?
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is a cactus that thrives in Brazil’s chilly, mountainous forests in shaded locations with high humidity and regular rains.
Most cacti, on the other hand, prefer to grow in dry, arid, sunny environments.
Because they are accustomed to cool, humid circumstances, unlike their desert siblings, one of the most common challenges with growing Christmas cactus is not watering them enough.
To grow Christmas cactus successfully in your house, you’ll need to mimic some of the native habitat’s watering and humidity requirements.
The Christmas cactus necessitates a higher level of humidity than most houseplants. Once or twice a week, mist the leaves with a spray. Throughout the year, give the cactus a good bath in water once a week.
This watering frequency, combined with the correct well-draining potting soil, helps to simulate the moisture balance to which it is accustomed, avoiding overwatering and underwatering issues.
For the majority of the week, the soil should feel evenly moist, drying slightly on the surface before the next watering.
Christmas cactus are also more drought tolerant than most houseplants, and may last up to two weeks without watering if not in direct sunlight or if the air isn’t too dry.
There are various reasons that can cause your Christmas cactus to dry out faster or slower in your house, including:
- Your home’s humidity and temperature (houses are often low in humidity which is contrary to Christmas cactus preference for high humidity).
- Whether the cactus is near a heat source or in an air conditioning or forced air current (which saps moisture from the leaves and dries the soil).
- The soil’s ability to retain moisture (Christmas cactus require moist yet well draining soil).
If you live in a low-humidity environment or if the air conditioner is frequently turned on, water your Christmas cactus to create a microclimate of enhanced humidity to offset the effects of dry air.
I recommend sprinkling the cactus at least once a week, regardless of environment, because homes are typically dry, but in dry areas, mist the cactus twice or three times a week.
Keep in mind that Christmas cactus likes indirect light over direct sunlight. The leaves would be burned by too much sun, and the cactus would lose too much moisture.
How to Tell if the Christmas Cactus is Over watered or Under watered…
Because the cactus can shrink and droop as a result of both over and under watering, the only method to tell which is which is to feel the soil.
The cactus is suffering from underwatering if it is dry both on the surface and at the base of the container (feel the dirt at the base through the drainage hole).
If your soil is drying out quickly, increase the frequency of your watering over the period of 7 days to keep the soil moist rather than dry.
To enhance humidity and prevent water loss via the leaves, mist the under-watered cactus more frequently.
If the soil seems damp or even saturated, make sure the drainage hole is clear and remove any water that may have collected on a tray or saucer underneath the pot.
Overwatering or soggy soil can prevent the cactus from developing and blooming properly, as well as create root rot, so cut back on the watering and make sure the soil drains well.
Should I remove dead flowers from Christmas cactus?
Deadhead all wasted blooms to keep your cacti looking their best throughout and after the Christmas season. The plant will also continue to blossom as a result of this. You can continue to enjoy your cacti after Christmas is past until it stops producing flowers. But don’t let it go after it’s done! With or without blossoms, these cacti make lovely houseplants. And there’s a good possibility it’ll blossom for you again next year, and sometimes even in the middle of the year. (Bonus!)
How many times will a Christmas cactus bloom?
Is it true that Christmas Cactus blooms more than once a year? In February, my Christmas Cactus bloomed again, and I explain how it happened here.
When November and December arrive, Christmas Cactus are in high demand.
Even when they’re not in flower, I like them and think they’d make good houseplants. But wait, did you know they can make the same flower twice? My Christmas Cactus started blooming again in February, proving that they do flower more than once a year.
Let’s get a little more technical for those of you who, like myself, are plant nerds. The Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus that you see here and in the video is actually a Christmas Cactus. When I bought it, it was labeled as a CC, and that’s how it’s usually sold in the trade. Nowadays, they’re commonly referred as as Holiday Cactus. They can re-bloom more than once a year, regardless of which one you have.
My Christmas (Thanksgiving, Holiday) Cactus in bloom again:
I’ve received a few concerns from readers about their Christmas Cacti flowering more than once a year, and whether this was “normal” or not. Some people’s flowers bloom again, whereas others do not. What triggers their re-blooming? I’ll tell you about the situation I’ve been in and what I’ve done.
How do you water a Christmas cactus when it blooms?
- Use Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix to grow your Christmas cactus.
- To enhance blooming, give your Christmas cactus 6 weeks of increased darkness and cooler temperatures.
- To make new Christmas cacti, root the stem parts you trimmed off the plant.
How do you care for a Christmas cactus after it blooms?
Fertilize the plant every month after it has bloomed, starting when you see fresh growth at the end of winter or the beginnings of spring. Feed a Christmas cactus with a 50 percent strength 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water. Apply a monthly application of a magnesium sulfate solution at a ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 gallon of water to the plant, but not the same week you apply the plant food.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
Christmas cacti, contrary to popular belief, may live much beyond the month of December. With a little TLC and some advise from us, they can live for up to 20 years.
Christmas Cacti need cooler temperatures.
If you keep your Christmas cacti in a room that’s between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, they’ll bloom more and faster. It’s especially vital to keep them away from radiators, fires, and warm windowsills in the winter.
While they don’t need the heat of the sun, they do need its light.
This is when things get a little complicated. The sun will dry up a Christmas cactus if it is left in direct sunlight, although it does require lots of sunlight. So, what should a cactus aficionado do? Leave it in a somewhat shaded location of your house (or outside once summer arrives) and rotate it every now and then.
Just like you and I, Christmas cacti need their rest.
If the buds on your cactus haven’t set yet, it will require 1215 hours of complete darkness per day. Cacti flourish in bright light only once their buds have set.
You should be misting, not watering, every day.
Your cactus will die if it is overwatered. That isn’t to suggest they don’t become thirsty. You should mist your cactus every day instead of watering it like you would a typical plant. All you need is a few squirts from a spray bottle to keep your cactus happy. Watering the plant’s base should only be done when the soil is absolutely dry to the touch.
Christmas cacti need nutrient-rich soil.
Christmas cactus are resilient plants that may thrive in a variety of soils, but they need well-drained, somewhat organic matter-rich soil. While you can always buy organic soil, you may also use your cacti as a little compost and add organic materials that would otherwise be discarded.
How do you water a flowering cactus?
When plants are growing and flowering in the summer, water moderately, but sparingly at other times. Overwatering will cause the flower buds to fall off.
Because Christmas cacti prefer a moist environment, set the pot on a tray of stones or hydroleca.
Allow the plant to rest after flowering is over by ceasing to feed it and reducing watering so that the compost does not dry up completely. Keep the plants at a colder temperature, around 12-15°C (55-60°F).
When new growth arises in March/April, either repot but only if they have outgrown their pot and need to be moved to a larger pot or topdress with fresh compost and begin watering.
Keep plants moist during their main growing season, which runs from April to September, and give them a high-potash houseplant liquid feed on a regular basis. Keep the temperature between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit).
If the flower buds begin to form, move the plant as little as possible to avoid the buds dropping.
Problems
If properly tended for, Christmas cacti are virtually trouble-free. However, the following is a common occurrence.
Drop of a flower bud Widely varying temperatures hot during the day, freezing at night are the most common cause, although overwatering is also a typical problem.
Non-flowering Because flower buds form in the autumn, this is frequently owing to ‘non-autumnal’ conditions, such as temperatures not dropping low enough and/or day length not shortening, which could be due to putting the plant near an artificial light source.