Pink Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera)

Size: Single Plant in a Jiffy Bag

The pink Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a beautiful variety known for its delicate pink flowers that typically bloom around the holiday season.

Here’s how to care for your pink Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) to ensure it thrives and produces those lovely blooms:   

Light:

• Bright, indirect light is ideal. An east or west-facing window is usually a good spot. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hotter months, as it can scorch the leaves. If the stems start to turn reddish-purple, it’s a sign they’re getting too much sun.   
• For blooming: To encourage flower bud formation, the plant needs a period of darkness. Starting about 6-8 weeks before you want it to bloom, provide 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. You can achieve this by placing it in a dark room, closet, or covering it with a dark cloth. During the day, it still needs bright, indirect light. Once buds appear, you can return it to its usual spot.   

Water:

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Christmas cacti prefer to be kept slightly moist but not waterlogged. Ensure your pot has good drainage to prevent root rot.   
• During the blooming season (typically November to January), you might need to water slightly more frequently.
• Reduce watering after flowering and during the rest period (about 4-6 weeks). Resume regular watering when new growth appears.
• Use room-temperature water. Some sources recommend using non-chlorinated or filtered water as they can be sensitive to chemicals.   

Temperature:

• During the growing season (spring and summer) and while in flower, a comfortable room temperature between 18-20°C (65-69°F) is best.
• To encourage blooming in the fall, they need a cooler period of 12-15°C (55-59°F) for about 6-8 weeks. Maintain this cooler temperature until buds start to appear.   
• Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts, which can cause bud drop.   

Humidity:

• Christmas cacti are native to tropical rainforests and appreciate a humid environment. You can increase humidity by:
  • Misting the plant regularly.
  • Placing the pot on a tray filled with damp pebbles (making sure the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water).   
  • Using a humidifier.

  

     

Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix specifically for cacti or succulents is a good choice. You can also amend regular potting mix with perlite or sand to improve drainage.   
• Repotting: These plants don’t need frequent repotting. Repot only when the plant becomes root-bound, usually every 2-3 years, in spring after flowering. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, as they prefer to be a bit snug.

Fertilizing:

• Fertilize about 2-4 times a year during the spring and summer (the growing season) with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half-strength.   
• Stop fertilizing about a month before you expect buds to appear in the fall and during the winter blooming period.   

Encouraging Blooms:

• Besides the cooler temperatures and darkness mentioned earlier, ensure the plant has had sufficient light and water during the spring and summer growing season to build up energy for blooming.

Common Problems:

• Bud drop: Can be caused by sudden temperature changes, drafts, underwatering, overwatering, or insufficient humidity.   
• Wrinkled leaves: Often a sign of underwatering.
• Mushy leaves or black stems: Usually indicates overwatering and potential root rot.
• Yellowing leaves: Can be due to overwatering or too much direct sunlight.   

By following these care tips, you can enjoy the beautiful pink blooms of your Pink Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) year after year!