Christmas Cactus Care

Some folks I know have wondered how to care for the beautiful Christmas Cactus.  Though called a cactus, it is actually a succulent.

This is a lovely plant and if you want it to bloom specifically for Christmas, follow these rules....

CHRISTMAS CACTUS CARE
​1.  Keep potbound in sandy soil.
​2.  Water only when soil is completely dry.
​3.  Provide some humidity to the environment.
4.  Don't worry about bud fall.....its normal
​5.  Budding Regimen......To bloom for Xmas, place in dark room, or under bag or box in late Sept or early Oct, for 12 hours a day.
6.  When buds appear, cease the dark treatment.
They prefer day temps in 70s and nites 55-50F best or as close as you can get it.
Spring.....Fertilize after flowering.
​Summer.....Move outdoors to shady area and maintain water and fertilizer.
​Fall.....Move indoors before frost.  Keep drier soil now.  Start budding regimen late Sept or early Oct.
​Winter......Place plant in indirect sunlight 4-6 hrs a day.  Keep soil moist.  Humid environment.

These are the general rules for having that lovely plant blooming for Christmas. 

 

They come is such lovely colors as well.  Good luck.