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.
A plant is said to be rootbound when its roots grow into a dense, tangled mass that does not allow space for further growth. Root bounding mainly occurs in plants grown in pots with limited space for expansion. Similarly, a plant in the garden can also be rootbound when the roots come across a barrier…
Although the Christmas cactus loves to be root-bound, over time, the roots may outgrow the pot. In addition, the growth of the cactus may decline when all the nutrients in the soil are depleted. Repotting the cactus in a larger pot gives the roots more space to grow and provides more nutrients which allow the…
Light, water, air, nutrients, and space to grow are any plant’s basic needs. Most plants need sunlight but can also grow under artificial light. The light is used to make glucose used by plants as their energy source. Various plants have different light requirements. The Christmas cactus thrives in bright indirect light. When exposed to…
It takes great commitment to get the Christmas cactus to bloom. That’s not all if you want to enjoy the beautiful blooms ahead. You must provide proper care to the plant to prevent buds from falling off or wilting. Christmas cactus buds drop is a common problem due to lack of moisture in the air…
You can get a Christmas cactus to bloom by keeping it in the dark. A Christmas cactus is a short-day plant and must be kept in uninterrupted darkness for twelve to fourteen hours daily for six to eight weeks to produce flower buds. Additionally, a temperature range of around 60-65°F (15-18°C) is needed for bud…
You must have loved the beautiful flowers displayed by the Christmas cactus during the Christmas season. You are now wondering if you can get it to bloom once more before next Christmas. The answer is yes. To get a Christmas cactus to bloom, simply place it in a cool room, reduce watering, and provide twelve…
It is impossible to pass by a flower store, especially during Christmas, and fail to notice a Christmas cactus. The brilliant red, pink, yellow, orange, white, or purple flowers will convince you to bring one home. However, the plant will need ideal conditions to remain healthy and attractive. Christmas cactus leaves turning purple or red…
A Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a beautiful plant year-round. The plant will display bright flowers during Christmas to set the holiday mood. Even when not flowering, it is still a wonderful plant to decorate your home. However, without proper care, this beloved plant will disappoint you. Christmas cactus drooping is commonly a sign of…