Holiday Cacti Care

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. Epiphytic plants grow on other plants and use them for support, not nutrients. These cacti are different species, but they will hybridize and produce varying stem shapes. The Christmas cactus typically has smooth stem segments, and the Thanksgiving Cactus has hook-like appendages on each segment.

Both of these cacti prefer bright indirect light. Too much sun can result in the leaves turning yellow. Typical household temperatures are fine. Soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged. Please give them a light fertilization every other week until winter. Blooming will usually cease in late winter to early spring, but continue to keep them moist and fertilized until fall. During the fall, stop fertilizing, and give the plants enough water so the stems do not shrivel to encourage flower bud formation. Though these plants seem to flower best if kept a little pot-bound, flowers will diminish if they are too crowded. If you haven't repotted in several years or notice a decrease in flowering from the previous year, move the plant to a larger pot in the spring. If possible, move the plants outside for the summer. Choose a shady spot because these plants will not tolerate full sun. Leave the plants outside until frost threatens.

Usually, the plants will have received enough cool nights in the 50- to 55-degree range that flower buds will have formed. However, if they haven't, subjecting the plants to nights greater than 12 hours long and temperatures between 59 and 69 degrees can also generate flowers. Twenty-five consecutive long nights are enough for flower initiation. Place the plants in an unused room or cover them with a dark cloth or cardboard box to ensure they receive uninterrupted darkness. After the flower buds have formed, it takes nine to 10 weeks for the flowers to complete development and bloom.

 

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu