As you can probably tell by now that I love plants. I will be the first to tell you that I am no expert. I am sharing all my successes and failures here. Now, I love Christmas Cactus. They are so beautiful and the flowers are so unique. I usually can’t get them to bloom at all but, this year I managed to get the cactus to bloom twice. I need to transplant this cactus but, I am afraid to do this while it is blooming so nicely. In the mean time I will be searching out for a new flower pot. Better yet, I will make a beautiful pot for it to go in. That will be another tutorial here for you shortly.
For those of you that want to know how to grow Christmas cactus here are some pointers. The botanical name for this plant is Schlumbergera bridgessii. Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for but propagates easily too, making it an exceptional candidate for holiday gift giving. Let’s look at how to how to plant Christmas cactus and care for it.
Read more at Gardening Know How: Advice For Christmas Cactus Care
I have read that Christmas cactus grows well in most homes with very little care. While this may be true there are a few things that you should be aware of. I have found that my cactus does much better when it is in a brighter location, helps with the blooming. I have mine next to a west facing window. My plant absolutely loves it. But, I discovered that to much direct sun can burn the leaves, as I have done this. I used the think it is a cactus, it should love the sun.
As I am sure all of us have tried to figure out the watering. We either water to much or too little or not at all. I struggled with just how much to water the plant and still do occasionally. The cactus like to be watered thoroughly and often. You should let the soil dry out some between watering. Should never let the plant dry out completely and never let it sit in water. Although my plant seems to like to be bottom watered. This plant you can use a houseplant fertilizer solution every other week.
The cactus prefers temperatures around 60 – 70 degrees which is the temp of most homes. I run a humidifier in my home for us for the plants. I have a great deal of plants. The Christmas cactus likes it a little more humid. You can place a tray full of rocks and add water to it to increase the humidity if you do not have a humidity machine. The cactus is also not fond of drafts.
In between blooming you should let your plant sleep. It needs to recuperate from the stress of blooming. I suggest that you cut back on the watering, light and cooler room. It will need to be in the darkness for 12-14 hours and the temp between 50-55 F.