Christmas Cactus Plant Care

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Christmas Cactus (Zygocactus truncatus)

Forest Cacti - Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus: Plant Care Requirements

Schlumbergera bridgessi flowers indoors during winter. Hence, the common name Christmas Cactus. It is a very popular cactus, as is the Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri). These two cactus plants are Forest Cacti which require different care from the spine- covered Desert Cacti. To get the Forest Cacti to bloom each year, you have to follow specific rules similar to other Christmas plants; such as:

Providing a cool and dry - resting period.
Providing about 6 to 8 weeks of 12-hour total darkness starting about September 1st.
Not moving the plant once the buds start appearing.

Placing the plant outdoors during summer to allow the stems to harden.

Forest cacti have leaf-like stems and grow in a trailing pattern which makes them a favorite for hanging baskets.

The leaf-like stem of the Christmas Cactus is composed of flattened segments that bear pointed projections (tooth-edged segments) which are the key to identifying this cactus.

General Care Requirements for Forest Cacti
Specific pointers for taking care of the Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus are given below.

Christmas Cactus Plant Care

Light:

Place your Forest Cacti in a well-lit area which is shaded from direct sunlight.

Temperature and Humidity:

Keep these cacti in the temperature range of 55 - 70 degrees F. (13 - 22 degrees C.) during the active growing period of spring and summer. During the resting period of February to March, keep them at a temperature of 55 degrees F. (13 degrees C.) Return them to the warm area when the flower buds appear. Mist the leaves frequently.

Water:

Water regularly during the active growing period, but allow the compost to get dry between waterings. Water infrequently during the rest period.

Soil:

Grow your Forest Cacti in a loose peaty soil.

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Fertilizer:

Use a liquid fertilizer at one-half its stated strength every 5 to 6 weeks during spring and summer. Add a small amount of potash feed during summer to help with flowering. Do not fertilize during the rest period of fall and winter.

Pests and Diseases:

Normally they are pest-free, but may be attacked by aphids, mealy bugs or scale.

Propagation:

Use stem cuttings.
Take a terminal leaf pad or stem tip cutting in the summer.
Allow the cutting to dry for a few days and then place it in a loose peaty soil mix.