Hello, human. I am a 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. My care is unique, and to help me thrive and put on my spectacular winter bloom, you must understand my needs from my perspective.
In my native home, I live in the dappled shade of tree canopies. I crave bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is perfect. Too much harsh, direct sun will scorch my segmented leaves, turning them a sickly red or purple. To trigger my magnificent bloom, I need about 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night and cooler temperatures around 50-55°F (10-13°C) for at least 6-8 weeks, starting in early autumn. This mimics the shorter, cooler days of my natural habitat and tells me it's time to set buds.
My roots are fine and susceptible to rot. I prefer to be compared to a tropical plant rather than a cactus when it comes to water. The goal is consistent, moderate moisture. Water me deeply when the top inch of my soil feels dry to your touch, and always let the excess water drain away completely. Never let me sit in a saucer of water. During my autumn rest period before blooming, reduce watering slightly to help encourage those flower buds.
As an epiphyte, I need a well-draining, aerated potting mix. A standard potting soil is too dense and will suffocate my roots. Please pot me in a mix designed for orchids or succulents, or make your own with peat, perlite, and coarse sand. I have a modest appetite. Feed me monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength during my active growth period in spring and summer. Please stop feeding me in late summer and autumn to respect my natural rest cycle.
My flowers emerge from the tips of my stems. After my blooms fade, you can gently pinch off the spent flowers to encourage a bushier growth habit. The best time to repot me is after I finish flowering, in late winter or early spring, but only when I become visibly root-bound. I prefer to be slightly pot-bound, as this actually encourages better flowering. You can also propagate me by carefully twisting off a segment of 2-3 leaves, letting it callous for a day, and then planting it in a moist, well-draining mix.
