From my perspective as a Schlumbergera, I am an epiphyte, meaning I naturally grow in the dappled light beneath the canopy of trees in the coastal mountains of Brazil. I do not thrive in the harsh, direct sunlight of a desert cactus. Please place me in a spot with bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal. Too much direct sun, especially in the afternoon, will scorch my leaves, causing them to turn a reddish-purple color. If I don't receive enough light, I will become leggy and refuse to bloom.
My relationship with water is nuanced. While my leaves store moisture, I am not drought-tolerant like my desert cousins. My roots must never sit in waterlogged soil, as this will quickly lead to fatal root rot. The perfect watering technique is to water me thoroughly when the top inch of my soil feels dry to the touch. Allow the excess water to drain completely from the pot. I enjoy slightly more consistent moisture during my spring and summer growing season. In the fall and winter, you should reduce watering, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between drinks.
Temperature is the most critical signal for my flowering cycle. To initiate the beautiful buds you desire, I require a period of cooler temperatures and longer nights in the autumn. For about 6-8 weeks, expose me to nighttime temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C) and ensure I have at least 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. Avoid placing me near heat vents or drafty windows during this time. I also appreciate a more humid environment than most homes provide. A pebble tray filled with water placed beneath my pot will create a perfect microclimate of humidity around me.
I demand a well-draining, acidic 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 create your own blend using regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark for aeration. As for food, I am not a heavy feeder. During my active growth period in the spring and summer, feed me monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. Please stop fertilizing me in the late summer and fall to respect my natural dormant period and allow me to set buds.
After my magnificent display of flowers has faded, I need a period of rest. You can resume light watering and keep me in a cool location. This is also the ideal time for pruning, if desired. You can gently twist off a few segments to encourage a bushier growth habit next season. These segments can be easily propagated to create new plants. I am quite content being slightly pot-bound and only need to be repotted every 2-3 years in the spring. Choose a new pot that is only slightly larger than the old one to prevent excess soil from staying wet.
