These colorful cacti have blooming periods corresponding to the holidays, hence their
common name. They’re pretty stunning, too:
The hanging branches, composed of
glossy green, flat segments, can reach up to 36 inches long; while the flowers appear
from stem tips and measure up to 3 inches long with several tiers of petals.
Each bloom lasts for several days, and the entire blooming period spans several
weeks.
However, certain factors can help, or hinder, your Christmas cactus’s potential.
Here’s how to ensure this festive plant keeps brightening up your home year after
year.
6 Key factors for optimal growth
1. Soil: Make sure you’re using a quality soil rich in humus and other nutrients.
2. Temperature: During the day, the temperature should be 65 to 70 degrees; at
night, 55 to 65 degrees. Buds will drop more quickly with sudden changes in
temperature or drafts.
3. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, and mist frequently. Buds will also
drop when soil is allowed to dry out.
4. Light: Allow for moderate light, partial shade, and some direct sun in winter
from eastern exposure.
5. Fertilization: Once flower buds form, apply a high-potassium fertilizer
(preferably an organic fertilizer) every 2 weeks.
6. Transplantation: Repot your cactus each year after flowering.
Keep plants cool (50 degrees) following their blooming period. Keep soil barely moist
and withhold fertilizer. When new growth appears use the following strategy to
encourage blooming: Keep the plants between 55 to 65 degrees, alternating 10
hours of light and 14 hours of total darkness for 4 to 6 weeks after new growth
appears. When buds appear, introduce to warmer temperature and begin regular
culture (described above). Plants should bloom in 6 weeks.
Care for Christmas cactus in bloom
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. However, keep it away from
direct sunlight, as this may cause the plant to become droopy looking. Also, drafty
areas can cause the buds to drop before blooming has occurred. Giving the plant
more bright, indirect sunlight will produce more blooming. Christmas cactus also
bloom better as pot-bound plants.
While watering may be increased during blooming, the amount will vary according to
the plant’s current light conditions, temperatures and humidity levels.
When you force a Christmas cactus to bloom by giving it the proper care, in the right
place, receiving the right light and temperature conditions, the Christmas cactus will
not only bloom but may also surprise you by continually producing blooms several
times throughout the year.
Source: www.rodalesorganiclife.com
