Hello! I am your Christmas Cactus. I know my name is confusing, but I am not a desert dweller like my cactus cousins. I hail from the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where I live nestled in the branches of trees. This means I adore bright, but indirect, light. A north or east-facing window is my favorite spot. Too much harsh, direct sun will scorch my leaves, turning them a sad, reddish-purple color. I also prefer a comfortable room temperature, between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Please keep me away from drafty windows and heat vents, as sudden temperature changes are very stressful for me.
My watering needs are simple but specific. Think of my natural home: humid jungle air and frequent (but not drenching) rains. I like my soil to be kept lightly moist during my active growing periods in spring and summer. The best way to check is to feel the top inch of soil; if it's dry, it's time for a drink. Please water me thoroughly until water runs out of my pot's drainage holes, but never, ever let me sit in a saucer of water. Soggy roots will make me rot and collapse. In the fall and winter, I need less water as I prepare for my big show.
You brought me home for my spectacular winter flowers, right? To get me to perform, I need specific cues. As the days shorten in the autumn, I require longer periods of darkness to set buds. For about 6-8 weeks starting in October, I need at least 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night and cooler temperatures around 50-60°F (10-15°C). A closet or an unused room is perfect. Please remember: even a brief interruption from a streetlight or lamp can disrupt this process. During this time, also reduce watering slightly. Once you see flower buds forming, you can return me to my usual spot and resume normal care.
I need a well-draining home for my roots. A standard potting mix designed for succulents or cacti is perfect, as it often contains perlite or orchid bark for aeration. This prevents my roots from staying too wet. While I am not a heavy feeder, I do appreciate nourishment to support my growth and blooming. Feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like a 20-20-20) diluted to half-strength every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Please stop feeding me in the fall and winter when I am resting.
After my magnificent blooms fade, I enter a rest period. This is normal. Simply pinch off the spent flowers. I enjoy being slightly pot-bound, so I only need to be repotted every 2-3 years, at most, in the spring. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than my current one. Being too spacious can make me focus on root growth instead of flowering. With the right care, I can live for decades, becoming a cherished part of your family's holiday tradition for years to come.
