If you ’re a fan of succulents and looking to institute a touch of festal sunniness into your home , Christmas cactus plant are a complete choice . These beautiful plants , native to the tropical forests of Brazil , are get laid for their arresting bloom that flower around the holiday season . However , to keep your Christmas cactus thrive indoors , it ’s essential to provide the right aid and surroundings .
Proper Lighting
One of the primal factor in caring for a Christmas cactus works indoors is ensuring it get fair to middling but indirect sunlight . While these plants do command some light to thrive , unmediated sunlight can be harmful and lead to sunburn on the leaves . Therefore , it ’s essential to place your plant in a location where it can get enough luminosity without being exposed to coarse rays . A serious idea is to keep it near a windowpane that encounter brilliant , indirect luminosity .
Maintain the Light/Dark Schedule
Christmas cactus plants are photoperiodic , meaning they require specific light and dark periods to blossom . To encourage blossoming , it ’s crucial to mimic the plant ’s natural surround by providing around 12 - 14 time of day of darkness each night . you may achieve this by placing the works in a elbow room that stays dark overnight or overcompensate it with a calorie-free - proof material . body is key when it comes to maintaining the light / dark schedule .
Temperature and Humidity
Christmas cactus plants prefer restrained temperatures place from 60 - 70 ° F ( 15 - 21 ° C ) . debar placing them near heating plant source like fireplaces or heaters , as sudden temperature fluctuations can accent the plant . to boot , these tropic works expand in humid environments , so take using a humidifier or placing a tray of piddle near the plant to increase humidness levels .
Watering and Soil
When it come to watering your Christmas cactus , it ’s essential to take up a balance between keeping the grime moist and avoiding overwatering . These plants favor somewhat moist soil , so water them when the top inch of the soil feels juiceless to the soupcon . guarantee proper drain by using a well - draining potting mix , as waterlogged soil can lead to root hogwash . During the blooming time of year , which typically happen in recent fall or former winter , increase watering frequency .
Fertilizing
To keep your Christmas cactus healthy and bloody , it ’s good to fecundate the plant regularly during the farm season . apply a balanced liquid fertiliser load to half strength and apply it every 2 - 4 weeks . Avoid fertilise during the flower season , as this can step in with bloom product . recollect to stick with the teaching on the fertilizer package for salutary results .
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning is of the essence to promote sound growth and prevent your Christmas cactus from becoming leggy . After the blooming period , prune back any leggy or overgrown stems to advance new growth . you may also remove wilted or stagnant flower to wield the plant ’s appearing . Be indisputable to use sporty , sharp scissors to prevent damage to the plant .
Pest Control
While Christmas cactus plant are comparatively pest - resistive , they can still devolve victim to vulgar houseplant pests like mealybugs or spider mite . Keep an optic out for any signs of pest plague , such as yellow leave or webbing , and treat them pronto . you’re able to apply natural therapeutic like neem oil or insecticidal soap to manipulate pests without harm the plant .
Repotting
As Christmas cactus plants grow , they may outgrow their pots and become root - adhere . To encourage healthy growth , consider repotting your flora every 2 - 3 year or when you notice the roots starting to outgrow the container . Choose a slenderly larger toilet with estimable drainage and fresh potting mix to provide the works with copious space to thrive .
Propagation
If you ’d wish to lucubrate your Christmas cactus aggregation or partake in the joy of these beautiful plants with friends and family , you’re able to propagate them easily . Propagation can be done through radical cuttings , which can be rooted in urine or directly in soil . Ensure the cutting have a few segments and let them callus for a day before planting to encourage successful root increment .
Final Thoughts
Caring for Christmas cactus plants indoors can be a rewarding experience , especially when you see your works bloom with arresting flowers . By providing the right environment , include right inflammation , lacrimation , and care , you’re able to ensure your Christmas cactus thrive and brightens up your base during the holiday time of year .
Caroline Bates
