How to grow & care for a Christmas Cactus Plant

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

BOTANICAL NAME: Schlumbergera bridgesii

Photo Credit (C) Dennis Lee Brown 2017

Dennis's Plants & Gardens IMG (2132) Pot

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Blooming

The flower produces a unique, tube-shaped "double flower" appearance, with the "outer" flower, formed by shorter leaves that coil back near the flower's base, and the "innermost" flower forms further up the flower, near the stamen. They bloom from mid-November and January. Keep plants cool (around 50 degrees) following their blooming period. Water them to keep the soil just barely moist, and be sure to withhold fertilizer. When new growth begins, use the following strategy to encourage blooming: House the plants in an environment with a temperature between 55 and 65 degrees, and alternate between giving them 10 hours of light and 14 hours of total darkness for four to six weeks after the growth appears. When buds appear, introduce the plant to warmer temperatures and begin regular culture, as described above. Plants should bloom in about six weeks.

Propagation: For a full pot of Christmas cactus from propagating, began by simply taking several (at least three to five) short fit, “Y-shaped” cutting from the stem tip consisting of at least three or four joined segments. When doing Christmas cactus propagating, always be sure to prone from healthy foliage.

Place the base of the clippings in rooting hormone, this helps insures a greater chance of a strong root system. Allow the cutting to dry a few hours before planting it in the rooting soil, to avoid potential stem rot from excessive moisture in the soil.

Christmas Cactus Plant

(BOTANICAL NAME: Schlumbergera bridgesii

About the Christmas Cactus this Brazilian coastal plant (which is also known as Schlumbergera) possesses a scientific name which belongs to a genus that has a confusing history - to say the least. The plant currently belongs to the Schlumbergera genus, and has the botanical name of (Schlumbergera bridgesii – synonym: S. × buckleyi - hybrid) from the parent plant named Schlumbergera Truncata. Adding to this confusion is the fact that many synonyms for the species are in use and the change in types.

The parent plant of the Christmas Cactus (this is a hybrid) is native to South America that grows in the mountains of Brazil. Its tropical nature may be commonly complicate growers into offering too much heat and light, without enough water.

Description: This cactus produces small, flat stem segments that are oblong roundish in nature, with minor serrations on both sides. They flower from the end of these sections. The Christmas Cactus variety has neon pink pollen-bearing stamen. Along with the December blooming preference, this

Philodendron Ideal Preference

Water: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently, then water less after flowering – when soil is dry an inch deep.lf of the soil in its container is dry

Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees (keep the temperature steady).

Light; Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some sparingly direct sun – but not hot evening sun

Soil: Potting Soil with a little sand and compose. Use a potting soil rich in humus and additional nutrients the plant requires.

Make Your Own Potting Soil Mixture

See; Potting Soil

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