The Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera, is native to the mountains of south-eastern Brazil. It likes shade and high humidity. It can be recognized by its leaf-like pads and pink flowers which flower only around Thanksgiving or Christmas (hence the name).
Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus:
1. Keep away from direct sunlight, drafts, heat vents, or fireplaces.
2. Provide a source of humidity. You can put a tray of water next to the plant, so that the water evaporates and provides humidity.
3. Do not overwater. Once a week should be enough. And if you can, don't water from the top. It is best to put the plant in a tray of water and allow water to seep through holes in the bottom of the container.
4. Prune your cactus one month after blooming.
Hi Sherry .. my sister-in-law has one .. and it's been through the severe drought period, with loads of dust all over it .. at some stage - the poor thing got rescued and cared for - then flowered!! Stocky and tough little things - I had one .. but loved it too much!!
ReplyDeleteCheers - and what a thoughtful MIL ... Hilary
That was one tough Christmas cactus!
DeleteYes, my MIL is very thoughtful!
I'm hoping to get a Christmas cactus this year, so thank you for sharing about the care of them.
ReplyDeleteNow you'll know how to take care of it!
DeleteNice plant! With all those rules though, we'd kill it for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou'd better get a plastic one! LOL!
Deletevery pretty and good to have tips. I got a Black Friday 99 cent poinsettia yesterday at Lowe's. Hope I can keep it alive until Christmas. I'm notorious for overwater. I shall contain myself. Enjoy your cactus for the month.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your poinsettia!
DeleteFunny enough I just found an abandoned Christmas Cactus and adopted it. I didn't know what it was until I read this post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info! Now to take it out of the sunlight...