• Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Flowering explosion during the Christmas period

The Christmas cactus is a member of the cactus family but is also an epiphyte which means it grows in trees and not in the ground. Originally, this species comes from South America and grows at an altitude of about 1000 metres. In our nursery, it naturally grows in a pot and we mimic the conditions of growing in trees as closely as possible.

Every year it is a joy to see how masses of flower buds come back in. Once in your home, the plant provides a flowering explosion during the Christmas season. At Sunshine Grow, the colours red, pink and white are available.

The Christmas cactus from Sunshine Grow is peat-free and ZERO CO2 grown.

Christmas cactus has explosive blooms

You can get a Christmas cactus to bloom again the following year

Getting back into bloom

You can get the Christmas cactus to bloom again and we will be happy to help you how best to do this.
After the summer period, the plant needs a month of cooler and drier rest. Around September – October, put the plant in a room where the temperature is lower around 15°C and water little. A little shriveling of the leaves won’t hurt.

Note that the plant then needs long dark nights to encourage flowering.

Care of your Christmas cactus

  • Plenty of light, semi-shade and not in full sun.
  • Indoors year-round but can be outside in summer if semi-shade.
  • Keep the soil moist but be careful with watering. The roots are sensitive to too much water. Preferably water gently. Only water when the top is dry and the plant feels light to the touch.
  • Can tolerate temperatures between 12 – 25°C but prefers a cooler environment around 18°C.
  • Cooler dormancy period needed around 15°C to flower.
  • Give a dark period during dormancy to flower. Maximum 10 hours of daylight or lamp light.
  • Give plant food only during the growing season

Position of the Christmas cactus

Place the Christmas cactus in semi-shade preferably around 18°C. Maintain a lower temperature around 15°C during dormancy and water less.

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