Growth rate and size: Can reach a spread of 2 feet within just a few years. Origin: Native to rainforests and coastal mountains of southeast Brazil found in nature attached to trees and rocks, not growing in soil. A woody stem is simply a sign of an aging plant.There is usually no cure for this at this stage, best to throw out the plant to keep it from spreading and start over. Black and slimy areas can mean fungal or bacterial disease.Bud and flower drop can be caused by a sudden change in light, temperature (cold drafts or warm air from heaters), or moisture level.Yellow stem segments can also be a sign of too much sun, too much water, or not enough nutrients caused by overcrowding in pot.Red stem segments can mean too much sun or not enough water.Photo by Kapa 1966 / Shutterstock Schlumbergera truncataĪ few hints to help you troubleshoot common problems: Photo by Lacy Dent / Shutterstock Schlumbergera bridgesii or S. Their care is the same, so it's not critical to tell them apart, but here's how: Christmas Cactus Both are often referred to as holiday cactus or Zygocactus, confusing them even further. Most “Christmas cactus” seen in stores during the holiday season are actually Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata) because they bloom slightly earlier than true Christmas cactus ( S. It can take up to 12 weeks to bloom once the buds have formed. Keep in mind that too much water can cause bud drop. You can now move your plant back to its original location with indirect sunlight, making sure it's free of cold drafts or warm air. Continue the light and temperature control for at least 6 to 8 weeks, or until you see buds begin to form.Temperature should be cool, about 50 to 55 F at all times. Find a dark closet and keep the door closed, or cover it with a black bag or cloth overnight, 12 to 14 hours. Even a room lamp or streetlight outside a window can have a detrimental effect. They are extremely sensitive to light, especially when trying to get buds to set. In early-to-mid fall, start cutting back slightly on water this will help trigger dormancy, which is vital to getting your plant to re-bloom. Here are some tips to get you on the right track: The hardest part of caring for a Christmas cactus is getting it to re-bloom. How to Care for Christmas Cactus HOW TO GET A CHRISTMAS CACTUS TO BLOOM Water gently, and in a few weeks, you should see new roots sprouting. Place the callused ends about ½” deep into a pot with cactus mix potting soil. Let the pieces sit for a few days, allowing the cut ends to callus over. Pruned-off sections can be easily propagated.If your plant is getting too large or leggy, they are easily pruned by cutting in between stem sections or twisting between the segments. Be sure to get them back inside before any freezing temperatures arrive. Plants can be placed outside in late spring and summer, just not in direct sunlight. Don’t apply fertilizer when trying to get buds to set or when in bloom. Starting when new growth appears in spring until fall, apply a water-soluble fertilizer for flowering houseplants, following the package directions for frequency and dosage. As the water from the saucer evaporates, it increases the humidity around the plant. Just make sure that the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the pot. If you live in a dry climate, raise the humidity around the plant by placing the pot in a saucer filled with pebbles and water. Being rainforest natives, they like a humid environment. Planting in a clay pot with drainage will allow water to drain and evaporate better than a plastic pot, keeping the soil from staying overly wet. Plant using a good quality cactus mix with plenty of perlite. Overwatering can be the biggest problem, causing stem and root rot, as well as bud or flower drop. Empty the saucer or reservoir of any remaining water. Soak until water runs through the pot and out the drain hole. Water only when the top one to two inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Watch for yellowing stem sections, as this can be a sign that your plant is not getting enough nutrients from overcrowding. They prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so leave them be for a couple years at a time, repotting them in spring or early summer, never in fall when trying to get them to set buds. For the majority of the year, keep them in bright, but indirect light-except when trying to set flower buds. Keep them in filtered (not direct) sunlight.Here are tips to help you care for your Christmas cactus: They do require special attention to encourage blooming, but otherwise are fairly easy to care for. Readily found in garden centers and stores in mid-fall, Christmas cactuses get their name from the time of year they bloom. A favorite holiday plant, Christmas cactus are succulents that are usually grown as houseplants.
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