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 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…
Christmas cacti are native to Brazil’s humid, tropical forests, where they grow as epiphytes on rocks and tree branches. They are adapted to frequent rainfall and high humidity levels, and as houseplants, they will need regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Water is important for the growth and development of plant tissues, including buds and…
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is highly sensitive to the size and drainage of a pot. They thrive when the roots are pot-bound in well-draining soil. A poorly draining soil or pot is known to cause root rot. So, what is the best pot for a Christmas cactus? A good pot for Christmas cactus must…
Epsom salt for Christmas cactus
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Christmas cactus is a special houseplant that rewards with beautiful blooms in the dead of winter. This plant is highly sensitive to soil moisture, and to ensure that it thrives, you must use the right potting soil when planting or repotting it. So, what is the best potting soil for a Christmas cactus? When grown…
The Christmas cactus is a tropical plant that blooms in the northern hemisphere during winter. Fertilizing a Christmas cactus is essential for its growth and blooming. But you must feed it at the right time with the right type of fertilizer. Christmas cacti should be fertilized every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (spring and…
A Christmas cactus is a vibrant plant with thick green stems that bear beautiful flowers during the winter Christmas holiday. Sad-looking droopy leaves indicate the plant is distressed. So, why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp? Incorrect watering, low humidity, high temperatures, pest, and diseases are the main reasons for limp Christmas cactus…