Is the Christmas cactus a desert plant? Gardeners have all misunderstood

The leaves of the Christmas cactus look like crab claws, which makes the name very fitting. Many gardeners think it belongs to the Cactaceae family, so it must be a desert plant, but many gardeners have actually misunderstood.

The Christmas cactus actually originates from the tropical rainforests of Brazil. It is an epiphytic plant found in forests, meaning it grows on tree trunks, and it likes shaded, humid environments. It needs diffused light to bloom.

This also explains why some gardeners find their Christmas cactus easily gets sunburned when exposed to too much sun, with shriveled leaves, because it does not particularly like direct sunlight, especially in summer, when shade is a must.

There are many varieties of Christmas cactus, but most can only be distinguished by flower color, as the differences between varieties are minimal. Gardeners can try grafting different varieties of Christmas cactus onto a cactus to get a single Christmas cactus that blooms in a riot of colors.

I. Christmas Cactus Care Guide

1. Light

It is not a desert cactus. It naturally grows in shaded, mild and humid forests. It does not like direct sunlight and prefers bright light, but needs shade in summer.

(If exposed to too much sun, it turns into what you see above)

2. Water

The Christmas cactus also does not like being overwatered. After all, we grow it in soil rather than letting it grow epiphytically on trees, so it should not be watered frequently. Its thick leaves are full of moisture, so you must wait until the soil is completely dry before watering.

3. Humidity

The tropical rainforest is a misty, humid environment, which we naturally cannot provide. However, the Christmas cactus is quite drought-tolerant, though the environment should not be too dry, otherwise it is prone to spider mites. If it is too dry, mist the ground. An overly humid environment will cause the Christmas cactus to rot.

4. Fertilizing

In spring and autumn, generally fertilize once a month with an ordinary balanced fertilizer. The potassium content can be slightly higher. A general-purpose plant fertilizer also works.

5. Temperature

In winter, the temperature should be around 7-15°C, as this is favorable for bud formation. Reaching this temperature without heating is the most ideal, and too high a temperature in winter is also unsuitable.

In summer, pay attention to shading and avoid exposure to blazing sun.

6. Repotting

The Christmas cactus grows slowly and needs a long time to adapt to a new environment. After transplanting and blooming, do not rush to repot. Generally, once every 3 years is most suitable, and if it is grafted, once every 2 years.

7. Propagation

In spring and summer, cut off 2-3 segments of the Christmas cactus, wait for the cut ends to dry, then stick them into compost soil that is slightly moist but not wet.

For cuttings, you can dip them in a little rooting powder. Do not water too much right after planting, as too much moisture will cause rot.

(The Christmas cactus below has been growing for 25 years and grows really, really slowly!)

8. How do you get it to bloom?

To get it to bloom, from June to September in summer, keep it in a shaded, well-ventilated spot. In winter, the temperature should not be too high, with 7-15°C being most suitable. In spring and autumn, it can get a little light, and fertilize lightly and frequently.

Once flower buds have formed, do not move it around casually. If it has been grown for three or four years without blooming, then it needs repotting, as the soil has no nutrients left. In spring and autumn, give a light fertilizing once a month.

II. Common Problems When Growing Christmas Cactus:

1. The leaf edges turn red, or the entire plant turns red. What is going on?

As shown in the picture above, this Christmas cactus is sunburned from too much light or sunlight that is too intense. It needs shade.

2. There are holes in the leaves (as shown in the picture above)

These are bitten out by slugs or snails. Use pesticides or sprinkle salt around the flower pot, and check the bottom of the pot or the saucer, as they may be hiding underneath.