Thanksgiving cactus, holiday cactus, and crab cactus are all names for the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). The leaf-shaped stem segments with curled, pointy teeth or claws around the margins are known as crabs. The leaf segments of the Easter cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi) have rounded edges. They all came from wet, dark forests around the southeast coast of Brazil. Because they reside above ground in trees, where branches meet and decaying leaves and moss amass, they are categorized as epiphytes.
Although this plant has the moniker “cactus,” the maintenance it needs has nothing to do with its relatives in the desert. It is regarded as a type of woodland cactus. Its needs can be traced back to its beginnings. It is recommended for Christmas cactus to grow in “Potty trained That entails storing it in a small container for as long as possible before transferring it to a pot that is only marginally larger. They should not be allowed to dry out and like a thick organic potting mix. When the plant is blossoming, increase the watering. They favor direct, bright light. As the plants start to burn in full light, the leaf segments might turn a dark red color.
The “The two factors of light and temperature are the key to getting Christmas cacti to bloom in the years after purchase. These two hold the secret to the realm of flowers. Flowers are produced by Christmas cacti during a chilly, brief day cycle. It takes at least eight days of 16 hours of darkness and 8 hours of light every day for flower buds to begin to form. No matter where the plant is located, avoid using the lights at night, even for a little time. That ends the necessary dark cycle. Around 61 degrees should be the ambient temperature. Place the plant away from drafts of either cold or hot air.
All that is required is to set the Christmas cactus on the window sill in a chilly area without turning on the lights. In a brightly lit space, a plant’s side towards the window will frequently sprout buds, but not the other way around. It usually has to do with either receiving too much or not enough water or with there being insufficient humidity in the air if the plant sets flower buds and then they fall off. The good news is that if their temperature and light needs are met, Christmas cacti are thought to be rather simple to induce to bloom once more.
Does the Christmas cactus have a seasonal bloom?
Many gardeners adore keeping Christmas cactus in their backyard gardens since it is one of their most beloved seasonal succulents. The plant seems more beautiful thanks to the blossoms of bright color that appear from tendrils hanging and creeping over it. Christmas cactus is the perfect choice for individuals who want to preserve the lovely plant all year long. The real enchantment arrives when they bloom, even though you may watch this lovely plant flourishing throughout the year.
The vibrant blooms cheer us up and give the winters some color. These amazing succulents could occasionally fail to bloom, in which case you’ll need to learn how to induce blooming. Moreover, it may be difficult for you to figure out how to make it flourish. However, learning how to make your lovely succulent blossom can assist you in making sure that it receives the perfect amount of water, heat, and light. This post will assist you in what you need to do if you have a Christmas cactus that has not yet blossomed.
Why does the November bloom on my Christmas cactus occur?
Your Christmas cactus is blooming well in advance of Christmas? That is typical given that it is not a Christmas cactus. I’ll explain.
Schlumbergera russelliana and a nearly identical hybrid S. x buckleyi are the real Christmas cacti, and they really bloom in the middle or at the end of December. However, greenhouse growers don’t like them very much since they prefer the Thanksgiving cactus or crab cactus (S. truncata), which naturally blooms in November, just before the American Thanksgiving.
The authentic Christmas cactus has a clearly protruding stem, dangling magenta flowers, and, most noticeably, segments of flattened stem with smooth, slightly crenellated edges but never teeth. It is rarely offered for sale in nurseries due to the difficulty of shipping and the tall stems’ propensity to break. A further indication that your plant is most likely the genuine Christmas cactus is, of course, if it blooms spontaneously around Christmas.
The stems of the Thanksgiving cactus start out straight before bending, and its flowers are carried horizontally rather than drooping at the stem’s tip. Its other name, crab cactus, derives from the fact that each of its segments has unique teeth that resemble crab claws. It also comes in a variety of hues, as opposed to the actual Christmas cactus, including red, fuchsia, magenta, lavender, pink, white, yellow, and even orange. During the holiday season, it is widely available in all types of retailers, including supermarkets. It will typically bloom in very late October or early November.
To further confuse people, Thanksgiving cactus are frequently marketed in full bloom at Christmas, so it’s possible that you got yours then. It now blooms in November, though. Why?
Thanksgiving cactus can be grown coolly in a greenhouse, which saves them money on heating, and delays the blooming process. And if you can manage to do the same, your Thanksgiving cactus will be encouraged to bloom in time for Christmas. This is how:
First off, beginning in late September, the actual Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus both require short days (less than 12 hours of sunlight daily) in order to blossom. Therefore, I advise you to place your plants somewhere that receives no artificial light between 6 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. You can simply arrange your plants behind other plants or furniture to ensure that no artificial light reaches them at night. I placed mine in the guest room because we never turn on the lights there.
The Thanksgiving cactus must thereafter be kept cool, below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius), day and night until just before Christmas. The growth of its flower buds will be slowed by this. Then, around the middle of December, bring the plant into a consistently heated area, and presto! Christmas flower delivery!
I’ve learnt to appreciate flowers anytime I see them. I don’t have to work too hard to get my Thanksgiving cactus to bloom in time for Christmas. I don’t mind if they choose to bloom nonstop in November. I also don’t get irritated when my Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti bloom again in late February or early March. Hey, occasionally, in the middle of the summer, when the days are long, one will blossom once more (I have no idea how that happens!). and I don’t mind either.
Does a Christmas cactus just flower around the holidays?
For at least six to eight weeks, or until buds start to form, the Christmas cactus plants should continue to be treated with dark, chilly conditions. It often takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for flowers to appear after buds have grown. At this point, the plant should also be moved.
The Christmas cactus should be moved to a bright, draft-free place. However, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent the plant from looking drooping. Additionally, drafty regions might cause the buds to fall off before they have bloomed. More indirect, brilliant sunlight will result in more blossoming on the plant. As plants in pots, Christmas cacti also bloom more effectively.
While the amount of watering may be increased during blooming, this will depend on the light, temperature, and humidity levels that the plant is now experiencing.
The plant will not only blossom if you push a Christmas cactus to bloom by providing it with the necessary care, the perfect location, and the ideal light and temperature conditions, but it can also pleasantly surprise you by continuing to produce blooms throughout the year.
It would be easier for you to appreciate the gorgeous blossoms on this well-known plant if you know how to make a Christmas cactus bloom.
How often does a Christmas cactus bloom each year?
Whichever one you have, it’s possible for them to bloom more than once a year. For Your Reference, Here Are A Few Of Our General Houseplant Guides: Watering Indoor Plants: A Guide. Beginner’s Guide To Plant Repotting.
Does a Christmas cactus have two blooming seasons?
You probably enjoyed an abundance of vibrant flowers in November or December if you followed my beginner’s plant care guide for the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera), and now you’re wondering if you have to wait a full year before your plant blooms once more.
Christmas cactus may genuinely rebloom in February with the right care and environmental factors; the same is true for Thanksgiving cactus and other indoor plants simply referred to as “holiday cactus.”
Here’s how to continue enjoying your holiday cactus’ flowers long after the season has over.
How long is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?
During the holidays, the Christmas cactus may be seen everywhere, and with good cause. It’s a blooming succulent that requires little maintenance, produces lovely blooms, and, with the right care, can last up to 100 years! That is correct! This plant may endure for a long time, bringing color to your holidays for many years. For a plant that is as cheap and uncomplicated as the Christmas cactus, that’s a fairly great investment!
Should Christmas cactus be deadheaded?
Christmas is typically not a time when desert-dwelling flora are highlighted because the holiday generally honors brisk pine tree forests, chilly temperatures, and snowfall. The Christmas Cactus is an exception, though, as it is indigenous to Brazil’s rainforests. It’s difficult to miss this plant during the season with its long flat stems and beautifully colored flowers. The Christmas Cactus will offer you tons of flowers in pinks, reds, purples, and white while it’s tough to get your other cactus to bloom. Possibly not always the colors of the season, but nonetheless lovely.
Perhaps you saw one at the florist or your neighbor decided to give you a Christmas Cactus as a gift in appreciation for your assistance in setting up the lights (well done!). You’re unsure of what to do with it as it sits in your living room, however it got there. You could be a little confused by the fact that it’s a cactus because they are frequently associated with moodiness around water. But unlike its relatives, this cactus is not terrified of water and has very few sharp parts, so it won’t bite. Discover how to take care of your Christmas cactus by reading on.
No life jacket requiredWatering your Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus adores the water, contrary to what you might be used to (swimming, water polo, and perhaps even a little skinny dipping!) It prefers to have regular waterings that thoroughly wet the soil. Despite the fact that you should let the soil dry up a little bit in between your planned waterings, you should never let it become fully dry. This may impede the growth of your plant and lead it to lose all of the carefully tended flowers!
Warm hugsDon’t give your cacti the cold shoulder
The ideal temperature range for your Christmas Cactus should be between 15 and 21 degrees Celsius, despite the fact that hugging cacti is generally not advised. Like any warm-blooded plant, try to keep it away from drafts and vents. For these guys, a constant temperature is optimal. Although bright light is preferred, excessive amounts of direct sunlight can burn the stems.
A life after ChristmasWhat to do with your Christmas Cactus after the season
Deadhead all the wasted blooms to keep your cacti looking their best during and after the Christmas season. Additionally, this stimulates the plant to keep on blooming. You can continue to enjoy your cacti after Christmas until it eventually stops blooming. But once it does, don’t get rid of it! Whether or not they bloom, these cacti make stunning houseplants. And chances are it will blossom for you once more the next year, and occasionally even in the midst of the year. (Bonus!)
You can prune it at the start of the summer by cutting back a few of the stems’ lankier portions. Similar to getting a haircut, this fosters further growth and allows it to blossom once more.
Whether or not it is the holiday season, your Christmas Cactus will stand out from the rest of your houseplants thanks to its tall stalks and vivid blossoms! Enjoy its distinctive design in your house.