How to Grow a Beautiful Christmas Cactus: A Comprehensive Guide

by Gregory October 21, 2022

written by Gregory October 21, 2022 3 minutes read

How to Grow a Beautiful Christmas Cactus

What is a Christmas Cactus?

A Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is a type of cactus that blooms during the Christmas season. It has flat, segmented stems and trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink, purple, and even yellow.

Where to Grow a Christmas Cactus

Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light and humidity. They should be kept away from direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. The ideal temperature range is between 18-24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit).

How to Care for a Christmas Cactus

Watering: Water your Christmas cactus when the top 2-3 cm of soil is dry. Let any excess water drain away, as Christmas cacti do not like to sit in wet soil.
Humidity: Mist your Christmas cactus a few times a week or place it on a pebble-filled tray of water to increase humidity.
Fertilizing: Feed your Christmas cactus monthly in spring or summer with a general fertilizer.
Pruning: Christmas cacti do not need pruning, but you can remove the tips of the stems after flowering to make the plant more bushy.

How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Flower Again

To encourage your Christmas cactus to flower again, it needs two periods of rest:

After flowering: Move the plant to a cool room (around 12 degrees Celsius or 54 degrees Fahrenheit) for two months and reduce watering.
In September: Give the plant another period of rest in a cool room and reduce watering again, until you see buds appear.

How to Propagate a Christmas Cactus

You can easily propagate new Christmas cactus plants by taking cuttings:

In May, remove parts of the stem that have two or three leaf sections.
Allow the cuttings to dry out indoors for a day or two.
Insert the cuttings into a mixture of seed or cutting compost and sharp sand.
Water the cuttings and keep them in a bright spot, out of direct sunlight.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Lack of flowers: This is usually due to lack of rest periods.
Bud drop: This can be caused by moving the plant around when it’s in bud, overwatering, or fluctuating temperatures.
Red leaves: This is a sign that the plant is getting too much sunlight.
Mealybugs: These insects can be found on the stems and undersides of leaves. Wipe them off with a damp cloth soaked in an insecticide.

Gregory

Gregory isn't your typical blogger. When he's not weaving tales, you can find him elbow-deep in soil, nurturing his vibrant garden. A devoted family man, Gregory finds inspiration in the quiet moments spent with loved ones and the constant cycle of growth and renewal in his backyard oasis. These experiences infuse his writing with a warmth and connection to the natural world, offering readers a fresh perspective on life, love, and the simple joys found in both the written word and the blossoming garden.