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As detailed inChristmas Cactus Vs . Thanksgiving Cactus , both of these vacation plants can fall under the category of Christmas or vacation cactus and can bloom in early winter . And both tend to exuviate bud when move from the original locating in which they set their buds .
That ca n’t always be serve since few gardeners have household condition similar to those in a professional agriculturalist ’s nursery . Fortunately , if you keep your plant boom during the months after you purchase it , you’re able to nip in the bud its bud - shedding propensities during the following years . Christmas cactus care is n’t difficult once you interpret that thesucculents ’ requirements motley with the seasons .
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Christmas Cactus Care at a Glance
Common Name : Christmas cactus , Thanksgiving cactusScientific Name : SchlumbergerahybridsSoil : Standard or cactus potting mixLight : Bright , indirectWater : mass medium in summertime , drier in winterFood : Balanced and in high spirits morning star foodTemperature and Humidity : Warm summer , cool winter , humidPropagation : Stem cuttingsSafety : Nontoxic but potentially irritating
Christmas Cactus Characteristics
Like some orchids , Christmas cacti grow on trees in Brazilian rainforests . They generally do n’t surpass 1 foot in height and 2 feet in width , though some of the Old specimens may grow much more monolithic . In addition to scalloped segmented stem turn foretell cladophylls , the traditional Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera x buckleyi ) produce dangling flowers in pink or crimson .
The Thanksgiving or crab cactus ( genus Schlumbergera truncata ) , the type most often sold as Christmas cactus these day , has claws rather than scallops decorating its phylloclade . It also produces more upward - face bloom in a wider change of hues than the traditional type does . Modern Christmas cactus colors can include white , purple , orangish , and chickenhearted , in addition to red and pinkish .
Types of Christmas Cactus
Selecting Soil for Christmas Cacti
Christmas cacti more often than not will thrive in a received potting mix with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 . However , if you tend to overwater your plant , you might desire to choose a cactus potting commixture instead .
or else , you may add on the standard potting grunge withadditional perlite , backbone , ororchid barkto help promote good drain and prevent tooth root rotting . The Missouri Botanical Garden ’s suggested formula for Christmas cactus dirt includes two share of peat moss , one part of standard potting mix , and one part of coarse builder ’s sand or perlite .
As for repot Christmas cactus , do that only about once every 2 or 3 years since the plant wo n’t be as potential to decompose if kept slightly rootbound . Pots for succulent always should have drainage holes to prevent water from building up in the soil .
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The Right Light
Keep in mind that Christmas cacti typically grow beneath the canopy of the rainforest and give them bright , indirect brightness level or only filtered Sunday for most of the year . Mild break of the day Dominicus ordinarily wo n’t harm the plants and often is considered the equivalent of promising , collateral brightness , but avoid placing them in harsher midday or afternoon rays except during winter .
The Christmas cactus lighter requirement for pull the plant to define buds in fall is 6 to 8 weeks of obtain only 10 or 11 hours of light each day followed by 13 to 14 hours of accomplished darkness every night . You either can compensate the plant life every even , lead off in mid - September , or localise it in a room that is n’t used after sundown and rest dark naturally . or else , keep the plant outdoors deep enough in autumn that the longer nights and light temperatures will goad it to set buds ( in the affectionate growing zones ) .
Watering Christmas Cacti
During spring and summer , water supply the industrial plant ’s dirt whenever the surface of the soil feel ironical to the touch . During autumn , cut back on the amount of urine the industrial plant receives during its long - night period , but do n’t permit it to dry out out completely . Once it sets buds , return to watering Christmas cactus ordinarily until after it stops blooming .
Then cut back on the water a bit again after blooming , especially if you give the plant the parky rest catamenia , which some reservoir recommend for late winter and early leaping . After the plant begins to produce again in bound , summarize lacrimation as usual .
Fertilizing Christmas Cacti
fecundate the plants once every 2 calendar week during spring and summertime with a balanced plant life food for thought such as 20 - 20 - 20 at half strength . In fall , switch to a high-pitched Lucifer , low - nitrogen type such as 0 - 15 - 10 . To provide the plant a rest period , desist from feeding them after they have finished bloom until their maturation resumes again in spring .
Clemson Cooperative Extensionsuggests that you append the cacti ’s fertilizer with magnesium ( Epsom salts ) once per month during spring and summer . Mix only 1 teaspoonful of the salts into a gallon of water and do n’t employ them at the same time you utilize the balanced plant life food .
Setting the Temperature and Humidity
In fountain and summer , a holiday cactus favour temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit . During early autumn , keep the plant outdoors , if possible , so that it experiences shortening days and cooling condition , which will advance it to set bud . Once you move it indoors , localize it where it receives daytime temperature between 65 and 70 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees . After the plant has finished flowering , you may want to allow it a rest period at 55 to 60 level until spring .
Like most rainforest species , this one prefers plenty of moisture in the line , but usually will tolerate normal household humidity grade . To offer high humidness , you’re able to place it in a bathroom , near a sink , on a humidity tray , or group with other plants .
Propagating Christmas Cactus
For Christmas cactus generation , try take root stem cutting off in early summertime . After taking cuttings made up of two or three stem sections each , allow the stems to dry for at least 24 hours . Then pot them in a sterile mass medium such as theRoyal Horticultural Society’ssuggested half seed - starting intermixture and one-half abrupt ( constructor ’s ) sand .
Insert the base of each cutting about ½ inch into the intermixture , so that the cut stands upright . After you have finished , position the pot in a location out of direct sunlight at temperature between 65 and 75 degrees . Keep the mix softly moist until the newspaper clipping radical , which can take from 3 hebdomad to 3 month .
Safety Considerations
Christmas cactus is not poisonous to either mass or pets . However , according to “ Small Animal Toxicology ” by Michael E. Peterson and Patricia A. Talcott , it can irritate pets ’ stomachs if take , potentially get vomiting and looseness of the bowels and a want of coordination in cats . Although those symptoms should subside quickly in otherwise healthy animals , you’re able to forbid them all in all by preserve the cactus out of your pets ’ reach .
Schlumbergeraalso has been known to generate allergy symptoms and hive in hoi polloi — normally in glasshouse workers who manage a big amount of the plants . So , especially sensitive persons may want to stay on the secure side by wear thin gloves if they necessitate to clip the cactus or remove withered blooms .
Potential Pests and Diseases
Christmas cactus problems generally center around bankruptcy to blossom or root rot . mistrust the latter if the segmented stems appear droopy even when the filth is damp . ConsultWhat Does Root Rot Look Like?for step - by - step focus on how to redeem the plant . If all of its tooth root have dilapidate , you still may be able to root cuttings from the tips of the flora . ( See “ propagate Christmas Cactus ” above . )
You unremarkably can force Christmas cactus blossom by following the recommendation above regarding fall temperatures and short requirement . Just be very careful that the plant is n’t peril to condition above 90 point after it has put bud .
FAQ About Christmas Cactus Care
Check out the incision below for reply to some of the most ask question on how to give care for a Christmas cactus . If you demand more extensive information on forcing the plant into blooming in the yr after you buy it , consult the sections on light , watering , and temperature above .
Q. Are Christmas cacti poisonous to cats, dogs, or other common house pets?
No . Christmas cacti plants are not toxic to home pets , but they can cause tum irritation if consumed .
Q. Where should I place a holiday cactus in my house?
Choose a location where the plant receives bright indirect illumination or only morning Sunday .
Q. Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Limp “ leaves ” ( actually shank segment ) can indicate that the plant has been underwatered or has been overwatered and developed tooth root rot as a event .
Q. What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?
Christmas cacti have been known to live for 100 year or more , though the average lifetime is 5 or 6 years .
Q. What should I do with a Christmas cactus after it blooms?
Either provide it with a tank , desiccant rest catamenia until saltation or process it as you would any other houseplant .
Q. Where can I buy a Christmas cactus?
Many department stores and garden centre sell modern Christmas cactus cultivars during the holiday time of year , but you may need to obtain cuttings of the seldom - offered heirloom character from a friend .
Looking for more flowering houseplant ? Check out our guides on caring forbird of paradise , goldfish plant , andpeace lily .
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners
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We ’ll assist you set up your first garden — whether that ’s a few passel on your patio , a raise bed , or an in - terra firma plot out back — and select the right flora for your land and part .
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