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Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently. Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
Where should I put a Christmas cactus indoors?
Where to Put a Christmas Cactus. Plants should be kept in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a bright bathroom is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can bleach the sensitive leaves.
How do you get a Christmas cactus to bloom indoors?
Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
How long do Christmas cactus live indoors?
On average, an indoor cactus plant will survive for ten years. Some delicate species will even die after a few months, but that shouldn’t worry you so much. As long as you are taking good care of your plant and providing it with good growing conditions, you can be sure to have it around for a prolonged time.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Put your forest cactus in a dark closet for 14 hours a night, starting six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom. Bring it back out into a bright location during daylight hours. Once buds begin to form, the closet treatment is no longer needed, and the plant should bloom beautifully for the holidays.
Why is my cactus not flowering?
If your indoor cacti are not blooming, it is probably due to an issue with lighting, temperature, soil and/or water. Also, some cacti species can take up to 50 years before they are mature enough to blossom! Proper maintenance will vary depending on the type of cacti you are growing.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
The answer is simple, yes! Coffee grounds can work on almost any type of cactus or succulent. Most water has an alkaline pH of around 8, whereas cactus like between 5.8 – 7 pH. This means that each time you water your Christmas cactus or succulent, you are actually feeding it a higher pH than what it likes.
How often does Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas Cactus are extremely popular when November and December roll around. I happen to like them even when they’re not in bloom and think they make fine houseplants. But wait, did you know that they can repeat flower? Mine started re-blooming in February, so yes, Christmas Cactus do flower more than once a year.
How do you water Christmas cactus?
Because of this, holiday cacti do not tolerate extreme drought like other cacti. They should be watered once the potting soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Do not let the soil become waterlogged by letting plants sit in standing water.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus turning brown?
Once your Christmas Cactus turns brown, you should be on high alert. Turning brown means that it has developed a disease called root rot, which is caused by poor drainage or excessive watering. Check the plant for any signs of the roots rotting. Then move the plant to a clean pot with fresh potting mix.
Why does my Christmas cactus look wilted?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
How long can an indoor cactus live?
Indoors they may survive for 10 years or more. The trouble with old ones is that every single knock, scratch or blemish they get stays with them, so they tend to look less appealing as they get older.
How long do house cactus live?
Cactus lifespan typically ranges from 10 to 200 years, depending on the species. Cacti growing outdoors in ideal conditions tend to live longer than those cultivated as houseplants. However, with good care many indoor cactuses can live for many decades.
How can you tell how old a cactus is?
The simplest way to know the age of a cactus is to measure its height in inches. Take a measuring tape and measure the height of your cactus in inches and then divide it by 10. Measure only the body of the cactus. Do not measure the side arms of the cactus.
How do I take care of a Christmas cactus?
Avoiding Problems With Christmas Cactus Health Maintain the correct light/dark schedule. Don’t water too much. Don’t water too little. Make sure the plant gets enough indirect sunlight but keep it out of direct sunlight. Keep the plant away from direct heat sources, like a fireplace or heating vent.
What is the lifespan of a Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus are everywhere during the holiday season, with good reason. They’re gorgeous blooming succulents that can live up to 100 years! That’s right! This plant, when properly cared for, will survive for decades.
What temperature is too hot for Christmas cactus?
Temperatures above 90 F can harm Christmas cactus, especially when flower buds are forming. The buds drop off in high temperatures, so avoid placing the cactus in overly warm, sunny spots or near heat vents. Temperatures below 50 F also cause bud drop and slow down the cactus growth.
