Selling size: Single Plant in a Jiffy bag
Caring for a red Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is quite rewarding, and getting those beautiful red blooms to appear around the holiday season is achievable with the right care.
Here's a Red Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi) guide:
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. An east or west-facing window is usually perfect. Avoid direct, intense sunlight, especially during the spring and summer, as it can scorch the leaves, potentially turning them pale or yellow.
During the fall to encourage blooming, the cactus needs about 12-14 hours of darkness each night for about 6-8 weeks. You can achieve this by placing it in a room that isn't used at night, a dark closet, or by covering it with a dark cloth. During the day, it still needs bright, indirect light.
Once buds form, you can return it to a brighter spot with indirect light.
Watering
Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Christmas cacti prefer to be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.
Use room-temperature, non-chlorinated water if possible, as they can be sensitive to chemicals.
During the fall blooming period, keep the soil consistently moist.
After flowering, reduce watering to allow the plant a rest period for about 4-6 weeks. Resume regular watering when new growth appears.
In spring and summer (the growing season), you might need to water more frequently as the plant is actively growing.
In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows down.
Temperature
During the growing season (spring and summer) and while in bloom, aim for temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F).
To encourage blooming in the fall, they need a period of cooler temperatures, around 12-18°C (55-65°F) at night.
Humidity
Christmas cacti are native to tropical rainforests and appreciate higher humidity. You can increase humidity by:
Placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (making sure the bottom of 1 the pot isn't sitting directly in the water).
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Misting the plant regularly.
Using a humidifier.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix specifically for cacti or succulents is suitable, or you can amend regular potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage.
Repotting is usually only needed every 2-3 years, and they actually bloom best when slightly pot-bound. Repot in the spring after flowering has finished. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
Fertilizer
Feed your Christmas cactus with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every month during the spring and summer (the active growing season).
Stop fertilizing in the fall when you are encouraging blooming and during the winter blooming period.
Resume fertilizing after the blooming period and when new growth appears in late winter or early spring.
Encouraging Red Blooms
The key to getting your red Christmas cactus to bloom is the combination of shorter days (long periods of darkness) and cooler temperatures in the fall. Start this process about 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom.
Provide 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night.
Maintain a cooler nighttime temperature of 12-18°C (55-65°F).
Reduce watering slightly during this period.
Avoid sudden changes in temperature, drafts, and changes in light, especially when buds are forming, as this can cause bud drop.
Post-Bloom Care
Once the blooming period is over, allow the plant to rest for a few weeks with reduced watering.
You can prune the plant after flowering to encourage bushier growth. Simply twist off a few stem segments. These segments can also be used to propagate new plants.
By following these care tips, you should be able to enjoy the vibrant red blooms of your Red Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi) year after year!
