Schlumbergera. Sound familiar? Maybe, maybe not. I can guarantee you know what plant it is I’m referring to. Do the words Christmas cactus ring a bell? Schlumbergera is the lesser known scientific name for this genus of cacti that only categorizes about nine species found in southeast Brazil. We tend to see these guys pop up whenever the Christmas season is upon us, but what else should we know about these plants? Can they be kept as houseplants year round? Are they difficult to care for? Do they actually bloom? This week we’ll be diving into all of this as we breakdown the specifics of this popular holiday plant. 

Found in mountainous regions of Brazil, christmas cacti can be found in more humid areas growing on rocks or trees. A big difference from cacti you’d find in the desert. Another thing to note is that these plants are not drought tolerant like their counterparts. While they do not need to be watered very often they do do best when the soil remains consistently moist. In fact, overwatering is one of the most common causes of death for Christmas cacti. Water your Christmas cactus only when the soil is dry to the touch. A good rule of thumb is to water your Christmas cactus once a week during the growing season (spring and summer) and once every two weeks during the winter months. Christmas cacti prefer warm temperatures, the ideal temperature range is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing your Christmas cactus in cold drafts, as this can damage the plant. The more humidity you can provide the better.

How to Care for Christmas Cacti

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera) are popular holiday plants that are relatively easy to care for. Here are some tips to help you keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming:

Light: Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light. Avoid placing your Christmas cactus in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.

Humidity: Christmas cacti do best in humid environments. If you live in a dry climate, you can help increase the humidity around your Christmas cactus by placing it on a pebble tray or by misting the leaves regularly.

Fertilizer: Christmas cacti do not need to be fertilized very often. Fertilize your Christmas cactus once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a diluted fertilizer.

Propagation: Christmas cacti can be propagated by stem cuttings. To propagate a Christmas cactus, simply cut a healthy stem from the mother plant and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot of moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and the plant in a warm location. The stem will start to root in a few weeks.

Following these steps will not always ensure perfect results, but will give you the best chance at keeping your new Christmas cactus alive throughout the holiday season and beyond.

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