Hello, human. I am your Christmas Cactus, a tropical epiphyte from the coastal mountains of Brazil. While my common name suggests a desert dweller, I am quite different from my arid-loving cactus cousins. To help me thrive and put on my spectacular seasonal show, you must understand my needs from my perspective. Here is what I require.
In my native home, I live in the dappled shade of tree canopies, protected from the harsh, direct sun. Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is perfect. Too much direct sun will scorch my leaves, turning them a sickly red or purple. I am a creature of habit, especially as the days grow shorter. To trigger my bloom, I need at least 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about 6-8 weeks, starting in early fall. Please keep me away from artificial light sources during this period. I also prefer cooler temperatures between 55-65°F (13-18°C) to set my flower buds.
My succulent leaves store water, but I am not drought-proof. My biggest fear is either drowning or dying of thirst. The goal is to keep my potting mix slightly moist, like a well-wrung-out sponge. Before you water, please check the top inch of soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it's time for a drink. Water me thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, but never let me sit in a saucer of water, as this will cause my roots to rot. During my active growth in spring and summer, I will be thirstier. When I am resting after blooming, you can reduce watering slightly.
As an epiphyte, my roots are designed to cling to trees and absorb nutrients from decaying organic matter in the air. They need to breathe! A standard, heavy potting soil will suffocate me. Please plant me in a well-draining mix specifically formulated for succulents or orchids, often containing perlite, bark, or coarse sand. I am not a heavy feeder. During the spring and summer, you can nourish me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month. Please stop feeding me in the fall and winter when my growth slows.
A gentle pruning after my blooms fade in late winter or early spring encourages me to become fuller and bushier. You can simply twist off a few segments at the joints between them. These segments can be easily propagated to create new plants! I enjoy being slightly pot-bound, which actually encourages blooming. You will only need to repot me every 2-3 years into a container that is only one size larger. Repotting in the spring gives me the entire growing season to settle into my new home.
