Christmas cacti are beautiful plants that can bring holiday cheer to your home. But did you know that they can actually bloom more than once a year? With a little care, you can enjoy your Christmas cactus’s vibrant flowers all year round.
What is a Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus, also known as a Schlumbergera or Schlumbergera bridgesii, is a type of succulent plant that is native to Brazil. It is a member of the Cactaceae family, but it is not a true desert cactus. Christmas cacti are epiphytes, which means they grow on other plants for support. They have flat, segmented stems that can grow up to several feet long. Christmas cacti are most commonly known for their beautiful flowers, which can be red, pink, white, or purple. They bloom in late fall and early winter, which is why they are often associated with the Christmas season.
How to get your Christmas cactus to bloom more than once a year
With a little care, you can get your Christmas cactus to bloom multiple times a year. Here are a few tips:
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Provide adequate light: Christmas cacti need bright, indirect light to bloom. Place your plant in a south- or east-facing window, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
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Water properly: Christmas cacti should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Water thoroughly, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
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Fertilize regularly: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Christmas cactus every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
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Provide a cool dormant period: To encourage blooming, Christmas cacti need a period of cool, dry conditions. In the fall, reduce watering and move your plant to a cool location where the temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Give your plant 12 hours of darkness each night: Christmas cacti are short-day plants, which means they need 12-14 hours of darkness each night to bloom. If your plant is not getting enough darkness, you can cover it with a dark cloth at night.
With a little TLC, you can enjoy your Christmas cactus’s beautiful flowers all year round.
Additional tips for healthy Christmas cacti
In addition to the tips above, here are a few additional things you can do to keep your Christmas cactus healthy:
- Repot your plant every two or three years. Choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
- Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Avoid placing your plant near drafts or heating vents.
- Pinch off spent flowers to encourage new growth.
With proper care, your Christmas cactus can be a thriving houseplant for many years to come.
Enjoy your Christmas cactus!
Christmas cacti are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that can bring joy to your home all year round. With a little care, you can enjoy your Christmas cactus’s vibrant flowers for many years to come.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.
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