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20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays
The Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera, is actually a succulent bred from plants that grow in Brazil’s rainforests. It gets its name from the fact that it usually blooms over the holiday period, bringing bright colour to your home during the dark and grey months. To get it to bloom, though, you need to give it a bit of special care. Here’s how...
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1. Plant It in Well-drained Soil
1/201. Plant It in Well-drained Soil
1/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Christmas cactus flourishes in well-drained soil. You can get a potting soil specifically for succulents or use a mix of potting soil and fine bark. <a href="http://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/christmas-cactus/care-for-christmas-cactus/" target="_blank">Garden Lovers Club</a> suggests that you put some sand or small stones in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays1. Plant It in Well-drained Soil
PHOTO 1 of 20READ LESS -The Christmas cactus flourishes in well-drained soil. You can get a potting soil specifically for succulents or use a mix of potting soil and fine bark. <a href="http://www.gardenloversclub.com/houseplants/christmas-cactus/care-for-christmas-cactus/" target="_blank">Garden Lovers Club</a> suggests that you put some sand or small stones in the bottom of the pot to help with drainage.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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2. Plant It in a Snug Pot
2/202. Plant It in a Snug Pot
2/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Garden Lovers Club says that the Christmas cactus does best in a pot that seems almost too small. When the root system doesn’t have a lot of space, the plant produces better blooms.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays2. Plant It in a Snug Pot
PHOTO 2 of 20READ LESS -Garden Lovers Club says that the Christmas cactus does best in a pot that seems almost too small. When the root system doesn’t have a lot of space, the plant produces better blooms.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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3. Feed It
3/203. Feed It
3/20Photo Credit: Joseph Hsu/FlickrSource: flic.kr
You need to start fertilizing your plant after the blooming season, when new growth appears. Apply a weak solution of fertilizer or Epsom salts every two or three weeks until around the end of October or a month before the winter bloom.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays3. Feed It
PHOTO 3 of 20READ LESS -You need to start fertilizing your plant after the blooming season, when new growth appears. Apply a weak solution of fertilizer or Epsom salts every two or three weeks until around the end of October or a month before the winter bloom.Photo Credit: Joseph Hsu/FlickrSource: flic.kr
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4. Water It Just Enough
4/204. Water It Just Enough
4/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Your Christmas cactus needs sufficient water to bloom but too much water can cause diseases like root rot. Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays4. Water It Just Enough
PHOTO 4 of 20READ LESS -Your Christmas cactus needs sufficient water to bloom but too much water can cause diseases like root rot. Water it only when the soil feels dry to the touch.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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5. Keep It Outdoors In Summer
5/205. Keep It Outdoors In Summer
5/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
In summer, your Christmas cactus will do best outside in a shady area that doesn’t get too cold. Remember to water ad fertilize it, though.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays5. Keep It Outdoors In Summer
PHOTO 5 of 20READ LESS -In summer, your Christmas cactus will do best outside in a shady area that doesn’t get too cold. Remember to water ad fertilize it, though.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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6. Start the Budding Regimen in the Fall
6/206. Start the Budding Regimen in the Fall
6/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
<a href="https://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/caring-for-a-christmas-cactus/project" target="_blank">Lowe’s</a> suggests that you start the budding regimen in the fall and before the frost, in late September or early October. Move your plant indoors and keep it in a dark room or covered under a bag or box for 12 hours a day. Do this for three to four weeks until tiny buds appear.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays6. Start the Budding Regimen in the Fall
PHOTO 6 of 20READ LESS -<a href="https://www.lowes.com/projects/gardening-and-outdoor/caring-for-a-christmas-cactus/project" target="_blank">Lowe’s</a> suggests that you start the budding regimen in the fall and before the frost, in late September or early October. Move your plant indoors and keep it in a dark room or covered under a bag or box for 12 hours a day. Do this for three to four weeks until tiny buds appear.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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7. Move Your Plant in Winter
7/207. Move Your Plant in Winter
7/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Lowe’s says that in winter, as the buds get bigger, it’s time to move your Christmas cactus to where you want to display it. Avoid extreme changes in temperature or light, though.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays7. Move Your Plant in Winter
PHOTO 7 of 20READ LESS -Lowe’s says that in winter, as the buds get bigger, it’s time to move your Christmas cactus to where you want to display it. Avoid extreme changes in temperature or light, though.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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8. Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light
8/208. Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light
8/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Garden Lovers Club says that the Christmas cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it’s best to keep your plant near east or north-facing windows.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays8. Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light
PHOTO 8 of 20READ LESS -Garden Lovers Club says that the Christmas cactus thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it’s best to keep your plant near east or north-facing windows.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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9. Keep It Warm
9/209. Keep It Warm
9/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
The best temperatures for a Christmas cactus, according to Lowe’s, is between about 13 and 18 degrees Celsius at night and above around 21 degrees Celsius during the day, which is the average temperature in most homes.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays9. Keep It Warm
PHOTO 9 of 20READ LESS -The best temperatures for a Christmas cactus, according to Lowe’s, is between about 13 and 18 degrees Celsius at night and above around 21 degrees Celsius during the day, which is the average temperature in most homes.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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10. Keep It Humid
10/2010. Keep It Humid
10/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Since it’s been bred from jungle plants, the Christmas cactus needs humid conditions. Garden Lovers Club suggests a humidity level of 50 to 60%.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays10. Keep It Humid
PHOTO 10 of 20READ LESS -Since it’s been bred from jungle plants, the Christmas cactus needs humid conditions. Garden Lovers Club suggests a humidity level of 50 to 60%.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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11. Prevent Root and Stem Rot
11/2011. Prevent Root and Stem Rot
11/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Root rot and stem rot are two common diseases that can affect a Christmas cactus. They’re both cased by soil that is too damp, so take care not to overwater your plant. Garden Lovers Club says that you can save your plant if you remove the damaged root but once stem rot sets in, you need to start a new plant.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays11. Prevent Root and Stem Rot
PHOTO 11 of 20READ LESS -Root rot and stem rot are two common diseases that can affect a Christmas cactus. They’re both cased by soil that is too damp, so take care not to overwater your plant. Garden Lovers Club says that you can save your plant if you remove the damaged root but once stem rot sets in, you need to start a new plant.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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12. Prevent Botrytis Blight
12/2012. Prevent Botrytis Blight
12/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Botrytis blight is grey mould caused by too much humidity. If you discover it early enough, you can just remove it and reduce the humidity level, according to Garden Lovers Club.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays12. Prevent Botrytis Blight
PHOTO 12 of 20READ LESS -Botrytis blight is grey mould caused by too much humidity. If you discover it early enough, you can just remove it and reduce the humidity level, according to Garden Lovers Club.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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13. Prevent Buds From Dropping Off
13/2013. Prevent Buds From Dropping Off
13/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
It’s normal for a Christmas cactus to drop a few buds but to prevent this from becoming a problem, you need to avoid big changes in the plant’s growing conditions. Garden Lovers Club suggests that you keep the soil moist and temperatures and lighting constant.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays13. Prevent Buds From Dropping Off
PHOTO 13 of 20READ LESS -It’s normal for a Christmas cactus to drop a few buds but to prevent this from becoming a problem, you need to avoid big changes in the plant’s growing conditions. Garden Lovers Club suggests that you keep the soil moist and temperatures and lighting constant.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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14. Prevent Spider Mites
14/2014. Prevent Spider Mites
14/20Photo Credit: Gilles San Martin/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
Christmas cacti are very resistant to pests but this doesn’t mean they’re immune to attack. Spider mites like dust, so keep your plant clean to keep them away. If they do occur, <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-pests.htm" target="_blank">Gardening Know How</a> suggests you regularly apply an insecticidal soap spray.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays14. Prevent Spider Mites
PHOTO 14 of 20READ LESS -Christmas cacti are very resistant to pests but this doesn’t mean they’re immune to attack. Spider mites like dust, so keep your plant clean to keep them away. If they do occur, <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-pests.htm" target="_blank">Gardening Know How</a> suggests you regularly apply an insecticidal soap spray.Photo Credit: Gilles San Martin/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
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15. Remove Mealybugs
15/2015. Remove Mealybugs
15/20Photo Credit: Crisco 1492/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
Mealybugs are a common pest that can affect your Christmas cactus too. You can spot an infestation by the cottony masses they leave under the leaves or where leaves and stems join. Gardening Know How says the best way to get rid of them is to pick them off with a toothpick or soft toothbrush.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays15. Remove Mealybugs
PHOTO 15 of 20READ LESS -Mealybugs are a common pest that can affect your Christmas cactus too. You can spot an infestation by the cottony masses they leave under the leaves or where leaves and stems join. Gardening Know How says the best way to get rid of them is to pick them off with a toothpick or soft toothbrush.Photo Credit: Crisco 1492/Wikimedia CommonsSource: commons.wikimedia.org
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16. Remove Scale
16/2016. Remove Scale
16/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Scale is an infestation of tiny insects that suck the plant’s juices and leave a waxy covering on the undersides of the leaves and stems. According to Gardening Know How, you can scrape off the waxy substance or use an insecticidal soap spray when scale is in its early stages.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays16. Remove Scale
PHOTO 16 of 20READ LESS -Scale is an infestation of tiny insects that suck the plant’s juices and leave a waxy covering on the undersides of the leaves and stems. According to Gardening Know How, you can scrape off the waxy substance or use an insecticidal soap spray when scale is in its early stages.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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17. Prevent Fungus Gnats
17/2017. Prevent Fungus Gnats
17/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Fungus gnats are annoying little flying insects that are attracted to soggy soil. Don’t water your plant too much and if you do find fungus gnats, Gardening Know How suggests using an insecticidal soap spray. If this doesn’t help, you’ll need to repot the plant.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays17. Prevent Fungus Gnats
PHOTO 17 of 20READ LESS -Fungus gnats are annoying little flying insects that are attracted to soggy soil. Don’t water your plant too much and if you do find fungus gnats, Gardening Know How suggests using an insecticidal soap spray. If this doesn’t help, you’ll need to repot the plant.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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18. Repot After Blooming
18/2018. Repot After Blooming
18/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
Because your Christmas cactus prefers a snug pot, you only need to repot it every two or three years. The best time to do this, according to Garden Lovers Club, is in spring or early summer, after the plant has bloomed, so it will have enough time to settle before the next blooming season.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays18. Repot After Blooming
PHOTO 18 of 20READ LESS -Because your Christmas cactus prefers a snug pot, you only need to repot it every two or three years. The best time to do this, according to Garden Lovers Club, is in spring or early summer, after the plant has bloomed, so it will have enough time to settle before the next blooming season.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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19. Prune it
19/2019. Prune it
19/20Photo Credit: Getty Images
To encourage new growth, you need to prune your Christmas cactus about a month after it has finished blooming. Simply twist the stem between segments and remove the bit that you want to. Garden Lovers Club says you can remove as much as a third of the plant without damaging it.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays19. Prune it
PHOTO 19 of 20READ LESS -To encourage new growth, you need to prune your Christmas cactus about a month after it has finished blooming. Simply twist the stem between segments and remove the bit that you want to. Garden Lovers Club says you can remove as much as a third of the plant without damaging it.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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20. Propagate It
20/2020. Propagate It
20/20Photo Credit: Max Wei/FlickrSource: flic.kr
To propagate your Christmas cactus and have new plants, prepare some pots with soil in spring. As you prune your plant, put the pieces that you cut off in new pots, burying at least one section underneath the soil.Outdoors20 Tips to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom During the Holidays20. Propagate It
PHOTO 20 of 20READ LESS -To propagate your Christmas cactus and have new plants, prepare some pots with soil in spring. As you prune your plant, put the pieces that you cut off in new pots, burying at least one section underneath the soil.Photo Credit: Max Wei/FlickrSource: flic.kr
