Christmas cactus plant facts and information

The Christmas cactus is a beautiful and interesting plant that blooms just in time for the festive season. It has long branches with leaves in the shape of teardrops. They produce flowers in different colours. These include pink, yellow and purple. The mos popular options for the holidays are, however, red and white. Apart from the colours, these flowers are also loved for the unique, tubular appearance of these blooms. Each branch can grow up to 3 inches long and the blooms are located at the end of them. Find out more about how to care for these plants below.

Soil

Your Christmas cactus will do best in soil that contains plenty of nutrients and humus. It should be well-draining soil so that the plant is not left in standing water. While these plants do need regular watering, the should not remain soaked or root rot can occur.

Temperature

Since the Christmas cactus is native to the Brazilian rainforest, you should make sure that it is not exposed to temperatures below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watering

As previously mentioned, your Christmas cactus will not withstand long periods without water. You should keep the soil moist but not soggy during the blooming season. Once the plant is done blooming, you can reduce watering until the bloom season begins again.

Light

Make sure that your Christmas cactus receives moderate and minimal sunlight rather than direct sunlight. Consider the rainforest environment and how light filters through the canopy of trees.

Fertilizer

When your Christmas cactus develops buds, you should top the planter off with high-potassium fertilizer. This can be done every two weeks during the growing season in order to ensure that the plant produces gorgeous blooms.

Replanting

You should transplant your Christmas cactus once a year. Wait until the bloom period is over before transplanting. You want the plant to be in its dormant phase in order to reduce the risk of shock.

These are just a few simple tips for you to follow as soon as you receive your Christmas cactus. By taking proper care of this plant, you will enjoy watching it grow and bloom year after year. It will certainly become an important decorative feature in your home.