9GreenBox Red Christmas Cactus Plant - Zygocactus - 4 Pot

Experience the Beauty of Exotic Cactus Flowers Blooming Just in Time for the Holiday Season!

Introducing the Holiday Cactus, also known as Christmas Cactus or Schlumbergera. These tropical cacti are native to Southeastern Brazil and thrive in humid rainforests, growing on rocks and trees. What sets them apart are their vibrant flowers, which typically bloom towards the end of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, with some even blooming in April. People love to keep these stunning plants indoors as houseplants or display them on their front porches or yards. With proper care, they can live for over fifty years!

Optimal Placement and Planting

To ensure these plants thrive, it's important to place them in the right spot. Holiday Cacti cannot handle direct sunlight, so it's best to position them near a north or east facing window. If you choose to keep them outside, find a shady area where they can receive indirect light. Given their tropical nature, these cacti require consistent humidity levels. Placing a water tray underneath the plants helps maintain the necessary moisture in the air. Avoid placing them near air conditioners or heaters as this can dry them out. While they prefer a temperature around 60 to 65°F, we'll discuss temperature considerations during blooming later on.

When it comes to planting, Christmas Cactus thrives in well-draining sandy soil. A mix of two parts regular potting soil and one part sand, peat moss, perlite, or compost works well. It's crucial to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Repotting is necessary every two to three years, ideally during spring. Use fresh soil and choose a pot with adequate room for the root system without being excessively large.

Watering and Achieving Optimal Blooming

Proper watering is key to the health of your Christmas Cactus. Allow the top layer of soil to almost dry out before watering. If you notice the stems starting to shrivel, it's a sign that they need more water. Pay close attention to the plant's needs, especially during hotter months when they may require increased hydration. Avoid overwatering or underwatering by checking the soil's moisture distribution with your finger. Watering routines can be adjusted based on the season. Outdoors, water every two to three days when it's dry. Indoors, water once a week when it's cool or humid. To encourage blooming, reduce watering frequency during fall and winter. In October, completely stop watering until November. Once the plant blooms, give it a break by refraining from watering for one month.

Achieving optimal blooming conditions with Christmas Cactus requires careful control of specific variables. These cacti are thermos-photoperiodic, meaning they bud when the daytime is equal to the nighttime, and temperatures are around 55°F. From September to October, maintain a steady temperature at this range. In mid-October, expose them to complete darkness during nights. If necessary, move them to a secluded room or cover them with a dark blanket. Note that temperatures colder than 55°F may hinder blooming. When you notice budding, gradually increase light and humidity. If they bud prematurely, lower the temperature to discourage blooming, then raise it again to encourage blooming. After blooming and a few weeks of rest, you can prune the leaves to promote a healthier, robust plant.

Dealing with Bud Drop and Fertilizing

Bud drop can be one of the most frustrating issues when growing Christmas Cactus. It occurs when the plant unexpectedly sheds its buds and can be caused by overwatering or insufficient moisture and light. If this happens, reduce watering, apply fertilizer, and consider relocating the plant to a better spot.

To ensure proper growth, Christmas Cactus can be fertilized up to four times a year using a balanced blooming fertilizer with a ratio of 20-20-20. Stop fertilizing about a month before the plant is expected to bloom.

Make this holiday season even more special with our homegrown Christmas Cactus. In vibrant red, it will bloom between Thanksgiving and Christmas, making it a perfect gift for everyone. Each order includes multiple plants in a 4" pot.

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