Christmas Cactus 4 Plants Combo

Size: Well rooted plant in a Jiffy Bag

Christmas Cactus combo includes:

1. Pink Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

2. White Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

3. Red Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x Buckleyi)

4. Purple Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a beautiful houseplant known for its vibrant blooms during the winter holiday season.

Here’s a guide to caring for your Christmas cactus:  

Light

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. An east or west-facing window is usually a good spot. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during spring and summer, as it can scorch the leaves.  
• For blooming: Starting in late September or early October, provide the plant with 12-14 hours of total darkness each night for about 6-8 weeks. During the day, it can receive indirect light. You can achieve this by placing it in a dark room, closet, or covering it with a dark cloth.  
• Once buds form, you can return the plant to a brighter location with indirect light.  

Watering

• Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.  
• Reduce watering in the fall to encourage blooming.
• During the blooming period, keep the soil slightly moist.
• After flowering (late winter), reduce watering again to allow the plant to rest. Resume regular watering when new growth appears in the spring.  
• Christmas cacti are sensitive to high calcium content in water. Using filtered water or letting tap water sit overnight can be beneficial.

Temperature

• During the growing season (spring and summer) and while in bloom, aim for temperatures between 18-20°C (65-69°F).
• To encourage flowering in the fall, provide a cooler period of 12-15°C (55-59°F) for about 6-8 weeks.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, which can cause bud drop.

Humidity

• Christmas cacti thrive in high humidity, mimicking their native tropical rainforest environment.
• Increase humidity by misting the plant regularly, placing the pot on a tray of damp pebbles, or using a humidifier.  

Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix specifically for cacti and succulents or a combination of potting soil with sand or perlite works well.  
  

Fertilizer

• Fertilize monthly in the spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength.  
• Stop fertilizing about a month before you expect buds to appear in the fall and during the blooming period.
• You can resume fertilizing when new growth starts after blooming.

Repotting

• Repot every 1-2 years in the spring, after flowering, if the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, as Christmas cacti prefer to be somewhat snug in their pots.  

Propagation

• Christmas cacti are easily propagated from stem cuttings. Take a cutting of a few segments, let the cut end dry for a day or two, and then plant it in moist, well-draining soil. Keep it in a warm, bright location until roots develop.  
  

Common Issues

• Bud drop: Can be caused by sudden temperature changes, drafts, over or underwatering, or insufficient light.  
• Limp or wrinkled leaves: Usually a sign of underwatering.
• Mushy leaves or black stems: Indicates overwatering and potential root rot.   
• Yellow or brown spots: Can be due to too much direct sunlight or fungal issues related to overwatering and poor air circulation.  

By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beautiful blooms of your Christmas cactus for many years to come!