How to Care for Christmas/Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera)

How to Care for Christmas Cacti

Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. ...
From spring through early fall, feed every 2 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. ...
Prune plants in late spring to encourage branching and more flowers.

How do you care for Schlumbergera?
How do you water Schlumbergera?
Does a Christmas cactus need direct sunlight?
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
How often should a Christmas cactus be watered?

How do you care for Schlumbergera?

Avoiding Problems With Christmas Cactus Health

Maintain the correct light/dark schedule. ...
Don't water too much. ...
Don't water too little. ...
Make sure the plant gets enough indirect sunlight but keep it out of direct sunlight. ...
Keep the plant away from direct heat sources, like a fireplace or heating vent.

How do you water Schlumbergera?

They should be watered once the potting soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Do not let the soil become waterlogged by letting plants sit in standing water. Prolonged exposure to overly wet soil, especially in the winter months, can lead to root rot.

Does a Christmas cactus need direct sunlight?

They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. ... Avoid placing the plant where it receives either cold or hot air drafts. Placing the Christmas cactus on the window sill in a cool room and not turning on the lights is all that's needed.

Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?

In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn't be sitting directly in water).

What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?

To get the Christmas Cactus to bloom you need to place it in darkness for 12-14 hours a day (overnight), and when I say darkness… I do mean dark – as little indirect light as possible is best. For the rest of the day it is OK to place the plant in bright, indirect light.

Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?

Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee. Find this Pin and more on Christmas cactus tips by Barbra Thelen-Byrnes.

Should I mist my Christmas cactus?

You should be misting, not watering, every day.

Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy.

How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?

In case you didn't remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.

How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?

Christmas Cactus are extremely popular when November and December roll around. I happen to like them even when they're not in bloom and think they make fine houseplants. But wait, did you know that they can repeat flower? Mine started re-blooming in February, so yes, Christmas Cactus do flower more than once a year.

What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when properly cared for, Christmas cacti can live for 20 to 30 years. If you provide long nights starting around October 1st, you can force the Christmas cactus to bloom year after year. Cool night temperatures can also encourage it to bloom.

When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?

Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least 6-8 weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear. The plant should also be relocated at this time. Move the Christmas cactus to a sunny, draft-free area.

How often should a Christmas cactus be watered?

Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.