Christmas Cactus: How to grow and maintain it so that it lasts a long time

Christmas Cactus: How to grow and maintain it so that it lasts a long time | November 27, 2023

When does the Christmas cactus bloom?

They can have different flowering periods, but what characterizes the Christmas cactus is that its flowers bloom just as the end of the year festivities approach, hence the name of this wild plant from Brazil and other parts of Latin America that was imported to Europe as a houseplant.

You can admire the flowers of the Christmas cactus between December and January. Their colors can range from pink to red and from purple to red-violet. So that the flower buds do not wither before blooming, the Christmas cactus should be kept away from drafts and sources of heat. Therefore, the Christmas cactus should not be placed near a door that is frequently opened or too close to a fireplace, stove or radiator.

2- Where to put it?

The ideal temperature for the indoor Christmas cactus is 20 ° C. To prolong the flowering of the cactus in the winter period, you should place it in a bright room. Later in the summer, the Christmas cactus can be placed outdoors in a partially shaded position so that excessive exposure to direct sunlight does not cause leaf scorch. In autumn, from the beginning of September, the plant can be moved indoors. The reduction of the hours of light and its exposure to the sun means that its flowering is delayed until the Christmas period.

One of the perfect places to keep Christmas cacti in your home during December and January is on the inside windowsill so the flowers can take advantage of daylight to bloom through the winter.

The elevated position of the plant is essential if you have pets such as dogs or cats. Ingestion of certain parts of the plant can cause diarrhea or vomiting in pets. Therefore, it should be placed in such a way that pets cannot easily reach it. If there is any problem consult the vet immediately.