cardinal detail
Christmas cacti , with theirvibrant bloomsandfestive appearance , are a darling vacation decoration . However , handle for these plant life can be a bit sly if you ’re not familiar with their unequalled needs . Thiscomprehensive guidewill provide you with all the essential information you need to keep your Christmas cactus thriving throughout the holiday season and beyond .
Understanding Christmas Cactus
Christmas cacti , scientifically have it away as Schlumbergera bridgesii , are native to the tropical rain forest of Brazil . They areepiphytic plants , mean they grow on tree and other plants in their innate home ground . As houseplants , they prefer lustrous , collateral lightand well - drain dirt .
Essential Care Tips
Watering
Christmas cacti prefer to dry out slightly between waterings . Water thoroughly when thetop inchofsoil feels dryto the sense of touch . Avoid overwatering , as this can lead to stem rot .
Lighting
Provide your Christmas cactus with brilliant , indirect light . lineal sunlight can char the foliage , while too little light canprevent unfolding . East- or west - face windows are ideal .
Temperature
Christmas cacti expand in temperatures between 60 - 70 ° F ( 16 - 21 ° C ) . fend off exposing them to temperature below 50 ° F ( 10 ° nose candy ) or above 80 ° F ( 27 ° C ) .
Humidity
Christmas cacti prefer temperate humidness . If the strain in your home is dry , you canincrease humidityby placing ahumidifier nearbyor misting the leaves with body of water .
Fertilizing
inseminate yourChristmas cactus monthlyduring the growing time of year ( April - September ) with a balanced fluent fertilizer . obviate fertilizing during the sleeping period ( October - March ) .
Pruning
Prune yourChristmas cactusafter flowering toencourage bushier growthand more blooms next season . murder any dead ordamaged stemsand trim back overgrown stems .
Repotting
Repot yourChristmas cactusevery 2 - 3 year or when it becomes rootbound . employ a well - draining potting mix specifically designedfor cacti and succulents .
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
yellow leaves can indicate overwatering or a lack of food . correct yourwatering scheduleand fertilize regularly .
Dropping Segments
Christmas cacti candrop segmentsif they are overwatered , underwatered , or exhibit toextreme temperature . see you are water right and provide a consistent environment .
No Blooms
Lack of blooms can be get by deficient light orincorrect temperature . Provide shining , indirect faint andmaintain temperaturesbetween 60 - 70 ° F ( 16 - 21 ° cytosine ) .
Pests
Christmas cacti can be susceptible to pests such as mealy bug and wanderer mites . Treat infestations promptly withinsecticidal soapor neem oil .
In a nutshell
wish for a Christmas cactus is a rewarding experience that can bring joy to your home during theholiday seasonand beyond . By following thesesimple steer , you may ensure yourplant thrivesand fills your space with its festive charm twelvemonth after class .
What You Need to Learn
Q : How often should I irrigate my Christmas cactus?A : weewee thoroughly when thetop inchofsoil experience dryto the sense of touch . Q : Why are my Christmas cactus pull up stakes turning yellow?A : Yellowing leavescan indicate overwatering or a lack of nutrients . Q : What make myChristmas cactusto bead segments?A : Christmas cacticandrop segmentsif they are overwatered , underwatered , or expose to uttermost temperatures . Q : Why is myChristmas cactusnot blooming?A : want of blooms can be caused byinsufficient lightor incorrect temperature . Q : How can Iprevent pestson my Christmas cactus?A : Regularly inspectyour plant life for pests andtreat infestations promptlywithinsecticidal soapor neem crude oil .
