Christmas Cactus Care

Christmas cactus, Schulembergera bridgesii, is a native of the South American jungles. It is naturally an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants in the forest canopy.  This natural adaptation leads the plant to do well with extremely well drained soils, and to be susceptible to root rots if over-watered.  Indeed, one of the keys to Christmas cactus care is understanding the water needs of the plant.

Caring for a Blooming Christmas Cactus:

If you were given a Christmas cactus in bloom and the buds seem to be dropping off prematurely, you might think the plant is too dry and add more water. While this may be the problem with other plants like Poinsettias, chances are you are actually over-watering the plant. During flowering and throughout the winter, you should only water once the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch. Then, water thoroughly, allowing some water to run through the pot.

If you are not over-watering your plant but buds are dropping off anyway, try to move the plant away from exposure to temperature extremes like exterior doors or radiators. You can also feed your plant a weak solution of a balanced fertilizer every few weeks when watering.

Caring for the Christmas Cactus After the Bloom:

After the Christmas cactus blooms it needs some time to rest. You signal the rest period by watering very infrequently and leaving the plant in a cool (55°F) room. It can remain in this state for about six weeks. When it starts to grow again, re-pot the plant if the roots are crowding the pot and start watering more regularly. During this period of growth, allowing the soil to just dry out between watering is recommended, rather than letting it dry to the middle of the pot. The plant can be fertilized with the same weak solution every 2-3 weeks during growth.

As a tropical plant, Christmas cactus will not survive cold temperatures. During the summer it can be placed outside, but should be in a shady location. Leaving the plants indoors with bright, indirect light is adequate. These types of plants naturally grow under the tree canopy, and will burn if exposed to full sun.

Forcing Flowering:

After growing all summer, the Christmas cactus can be forced to flower in multiple ways. Regardless of the method chosen, restrict water somewhat, allowing soil to dry deeper but not completely.  The plants are photoperiod sensitive, so providing 13 hours or more of darkness per night will initiate bud formation. Alternatively, the plant can be placed in a room with night temperatures of 55° F at night and 65° F during the day for six weeks. If neither method seems to work, the plant can be kept in continual darkness until buds develop.

Once buds begin to develop increase the water and if the plant was being kept in a cool room bring it to a warmer one. Water regularly during flowering but do not over-water.

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