How to Take Care of Christmas Cactus So That It Will Stay with Us Longer

When December comes, Christmas Cactus blooms brightening up our houses and creating this lovely Christmas atmosphere. Find out how to take good care of it so that its flowers won’t fade too soon.

Christmas cactus is the name of the potted plant. In its natural habitat, namely the Brazilian tropical forests, it grows on tree tops as epiphyte. It’s got flat dark green branches and wonderful flowers coming in a number of shades of pink, red, purple and white.

Christmas cactus sometimes blooms at the end of November. The bloom lasts for a few weeks.

Is there anything that could be done to prevent the plant from fading too early? Yes, there are a few ways. Most importantly, the plants are not very difficult to take care of.

#1 The plant prefers spots with moderate light but without direct exposure. Windows overlooking the north will be a good choice.

#2 The best temperature for the appropriate growth of the cactus will be 10 – 14 0 C. Never place the pot near radiators or heaters.

#3 When the plant blooms, it gets really sensitive to any relocations. This is how they may lose their buds. Therefore you should not move it once the blooming starts.

#4 The soil should be slightly damp. It has to be watered with moderation (the plant does not like either overwatering or being too dry.

#5 Apply a fertilizer dedicated to blooming plants every 3 – 4 weeks.

The plants lose the flowers in February or March. And this is when you need to take good care of them to enjoy their colorful flowers next December.

When you notice that all the flowers come off and the leaves begin to wither, it means the plant begins its hibernation. And this is when you have to take it to a cooler room, stop fertilizing and watering. Mist the soil only when it’s really dry. Once the new buds pop up, bring the pot back into the original spot and re-start regular watering. You can also mist the leaves.

How is your Christmas Cactus doing? Is it in bloom yet?