Moxie Gardener

Christmas Cactus

Seasonal plants, especially Christmas seasonal plants, are often thought of as “disposable.”  Not so the Christmas Cactus.  This plant is so long-lived that specimens often out-live their custodial gardeners.

Commonly called a “cactus,” Schumbergeras are actually an “epiphyte,” a plant that grows on other plants, much like orchids.  In their native jungles of Central and South America, Christmas cacti are often found growing in the forks of tree limbs in decayed leaves along with other natural debris caught there.

Schumbergera is the Latin name for the Christmas cactus, although it was formerly classified as Zygocactus.

When you get your Christmas Cactus home put it in bright light and keep away from drafts and temperature fluctuations.  Do not put your Christmas Cactus near a door that opens to the outside.

Don’t over water, but don’t let the soil dry out.  Either one of these conditions will cause your cactus to drop its flower buds.  Water when the soil in the top inch feels dry to the touch.  Do not allow your Christmas Cactus to sit in the water which drains into the saucer beneath its pot.

Christmas Cactus live for many years, as long as you provide the proper growing conditions.  About a month after it finishes flowering, prune your cactus (if desired for shape or size).  They do best when crowded in their containers so only repot every three years at the most.  The best time of year to repot Christmas Cactus is February through April.

When the weather warms up, move your cactus outside to a shady spot, similar to where you would summer your houseplants.  In September and October, grow in a room at about 50 degrees F.  Provide bright, indirect light during the day and total darkness at night.  Cover the plant with a box or place in a closet.  The plant must experience twelve hours of total darkness every night for six to eight weeks in order for flower buds to form.

Water sparingly during this time, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out.  Fertilize in late October or early November with a low nitrogen (first number) fertilizer.

Sudden changes in temperature, light levels, or moisture levels will cause Christmas Cactus to drop its buds.  Christmas cactus can also drop its buds if its soil dries out completely.

Christmas Cactus will re-bloom for you if you provide the right conditions for flower bud formation during autumn.  The rest of the year it makes a stunning hanging plant to add interest to your indoor garden.  It will likely outlast you and your houseplants.