Christmas Cactus

Quick Tips To Grow & Care For

At this time of the year, we are lucky to have several gorgeous house plants that provide holiday color and splendor.

One of them is the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera species), an undemanding plant, that rewards you with its seasonal flowering year after year.

Here are some fast tips on how to grow and care for them.

Light:
Medium to bright indirect light

Water:
It is a succulent, so it can take dry air and infrequent watering; however, it will require more attention when it is in bloom. Prefers well-drained soil, and likes to be slightly potbound.

Fertilizer:
During blooming and growth, fertilize with an all purpose, soluble houseplant fertilizer every 10 days.

Temperature:
Average to slightly cooler room temperatures, and when not in flower, as low as 60° F (15.6° C). Evening temperatures of 50 to 55° F (10-13° C) can be used to initiate flower bud formation.

Bud Dropping:
Common causes are over watering, exposure to sudden changes in humidity or temperature, which can happen if you grew the plant outdoors and then brought it in. Try to locate the plant in a cool area and use good watering practices.

Flowering:
Christmas Cactus needs 12 hours of uninterrupted darkness at night for 5 to 6 weeks or until buds form. They also need cool nights, under 65° F (18° C).

Keep plants slightly dry until flower buds begin to form, then water thoroughly when the surface of the soil is dry.

Year-Round Schedule At A Glance:

January - Usually Flowering

February to March - Resting (Maintain 55° F (13° C), and infrequent watering

April to May - Water thoroughly when soil begins to dry out

June to August - Place outdoors in a shady spot

September to October - Plant prepares to flower. Reduce number of daylight hours. Keep plant on the dry side with cool temperatures of 55 to 60° F (13 to 16° C) until flower buds form. Then increase water and temperature

November to December - Flowering. Water normally. Temperature no less than 55° F (13° C)

For more Gardening Tips and Gardening Advice visit our main gardening website at Weekend Gardener Monthly Web Magazine - www.weekendgardener.net

Have a great day!