Christmas Cactus - Campbell`s Nursery

Christmas Cactus
2342 South 40th Street
(402) 483-7891
7000 South 56th Street
(402) 423-1133
www.campbellsnursery.com
Christmas Cacti are a tropical plants native to the forests of Brazil. It blooms in the mid-winter and is a popular
holiday plant. Unlike its desert relatives, the plant needs a humid atmosphere and more frequent watering. With
proper care, your Christmas Cactus can live and bloom for many years.
Environment:
Christmas Cacti need bright, indirect light. An east or north window works well. For long bloom time, kept the
plant in a cool (60-65o F) room with at least 12 hours of complete darkness each night. Let the soil dry out slightly
in between watering. When you water, place the plant in a sink and water thoroughly until excess water drains
away. Do not leave the plant sitting in standing water.
Summer Care:
After the Christmas Cactus is done blooming, water less frequently. Increase the watering frequency in spring or
early summer when the plants resume more active growth. They can be placed out doors in a shaded area when at
overnight temperatures are above 50o F. Christmas Cacti should be potted in potting mix with some sand or compost and watered thoroughly. Let the soil dry between waterings. Fertilize with a balanced houseplant fertilizer
during the spring and summer, following the manufacturer’s directions. Switch to a low nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium formulation (bulb fertilizer) in the fall when the plant is moved indoors.
Reflowering:
In fall, plants should be brought to a bright area indoors with cool temperatures. An unheated room works very
well. If the overnight temperature is 60-65o F, the plants need at least 12 hours of complete darkness every night
for about six weeks in order to bloom. Excessively warm overnight temperatures are the most common reason
why Christmas Cactus do not bloom. When buds begin to develop, avoid disturbing the plant. Warm or cool
drafts, sudden changes in temperature, humidity or amount of sunlight they receive can result in dropping buds. If
the plants are to be displayed in a warmer room than the one in which the buds were initiated, move them there
immediately after the buds appear. As long as there is adequate light and a relatively cool night temperature they
should continue to develop normally and will reward you with spectacular blossoms. If you have any questions
about caring for your Christmas Cactus, please contact the knowledgeable staff at either of Campbell’s Garden
Centers.