Holiday cacti are a group of succulent plants native to rainforests of Brazil. They are known for their colorful and showy blooms, which typically appear in late fall, early winter and spring, making them popular houseplants during the holiday seasons.
The three most common types of holiday cacti are the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri).
Holiday cacti are epiphytes, which means they grow on rocks and other plants in their native home, but can also be grown in soil. They have flat, segmented stems that store water, and small, needle-like leaves that grow along the segments.
The blooms of holiday cacti are typically pink, red, white, or orange, and are produced at the tips of the stems.
Holiday cacti require bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are prone to root rot and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Additionally, they should not sit in any standing water.
Fertilizing holiday cacti every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and blooming. They also need magnesium which can be provided by fertilizing with a solution of epsom salt.
Holiday cacti are generally easy to care for and can live for many years in the right growth conditions. Insect pests and diseases can be a problem in negected plants. These plants can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist soil.
Below are detailed articles on important care requirements for holiday cacti plants.
Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera bridgessii) are known for their colorful blooms, which typically appear in late fall or early winter. This makes them a popular choice for holiday gifts and decorations. While they are less demanding festive plants, most people don’t know what to do when a Christmas cactus blooms. Under proper care, Christmas cactus blooms…
Christmas cacti are favorite houseplants among indoor plant enthusiasts due to their vibrant blooms in the winter. The flowers come in various colors, from traditional pink and red to white, yellow, and orange. This makes it a great holiday plant for Christmas color and gifting. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a tropical plant native…
As the holiday season approaches, many people decorate their homes with beautiful plants that remind them of the festive moments. Christmas cactus is one of the plants at the top of the list. These plants are known for their vibrant blooms, easy maintenance, and longer lifespan. The Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii), is native to…
The Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant known for its beautiful, showy blooms that appear in the winter. This plant is quite sensitive to temperature and should be protected from frost and heat. That’s why it becomes important to understand its cold hardiness and temperature requirements. The ideal temperature for a Christmas cactus is between…
The Christmas cactus is one of the most interesting plants to grow indoors. As you know, this holiday cactus rewards with vibrant color in the dead of winter. Many gardeners struggle to grow a bigger Christmas cactus with no success. This plant won’t thrive when its native growth conditions aren’t met. Overcrowded roots, nutrient deficiencies,…
The Christmas cacti are native to tropical Brazilian forests where they grow as epiphytes on rocks and branches of trees. They bloom profusely during winter and this makes them great holiday plants for the season. Growing them as houseplants is remarkably easy but inappropriate care may lead to some problems. Common Christmas cactus problems include…
The Christmas cactus is an easy-to-care-for houseplant, and it shouldn’t be difficult to make it grow bigger. This plant doesn’t have a limit in the right growth conditions. It keeps growing and blooming profusely for many years, making it a great heirloom gift. If your Christmas cactus grows is not growing, repot in a smaller…
Christmas cacti are typically grown indoors due to their sensitivity to climate. The plants originate from tropical Brazilian rainforests, growing on rocks and tree branches with good protection from direct sunlight. So, can Christmas cactus live outside? The answer is yes. Christmas cacti can live outside if you live in a subtropical or Mediterranean climate….
The Easter cactus is a tropical plant native to Brazilian rainforests, where it grows on rocks and branches of trees. It is known for its beautiful blooms in various shades of white, red, pink, and orange. It’s easy to propagate this plant if you want more plants. The easiest way to propagate Easter cactus is…
Christmas cactus is a long-lived houseplant that can be handed down to many generations. Under proper care, it will keep rewarding with beautiful flowers year after year. Knowing that a Christmas cactus can live up to 50 years or more is very satisfying. Indoor care requirements for a Christmas cactus aren’t demanding. You need to…