Schlumbergera Orange, Christmas Cactus Orange

Size: Single Plant in a Jiffy Bag | Secure Packing

A Schlumbergera Orange, Christmas Cactus Orange(or Thanksgiving Cactus, as it’s more likely to be given its orange color and bloom time) is a Schlumbergera hybrid. These plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where they grow on trees as epiphytes. This is a key fact for their care, as it means they need different conditions than desert cacti.

Here is a guide to caring for your Schlumbergera Orange, Christmas Cactus Orange :

Light

• Bright, Indirect Light: This is the most important factor. They thrive in dappled, filtered light, similar to what they would get under a tree canopy. An east-facing window is often ideal.
• Avoid Direct Sun: Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves (technically, flattened stem segments), causing them to turn a yellowish or reddish color.
• Indoors: Indoors, place the plant near a bright window but not in a spot that gets harsh, direct sunlight all day.

Watering

• Keep Soil Evenly Moist: Unlike desert cacti, they do not like their soil to completely dry out. Water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
• Well-Draining Soil is Crucial: Use a well-draining potting mix. A good mix will have ingredients like potting soil, coco coir, perlite, and/or orchid bark to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water, as this will lead to root rot.
• Reduce Watering in Dormancy: After the plant is done blooming, it goes through a period of rest. Reduce watering during this time (late winter/early spring and again in late summer/early fall) to prepare it for the next bloom cycle.

Temperature and Humidity

• Warmth and Humidity: These tropical plants love warmth and humidity. They do well in average household temperatures, but prefer to be in a humid environment.
• Increase Humidity: To increase humidity, you can mist the plant, place it on a tray of pebbles filled with water (making sure the pot is not submerged), or use a room humidifier.
• Temperature for Blooming: To encourage blooming, the plant needs a period of cooler temperatures, especially at night. A temperature range of 55-60°F (13-15°C) at night for about 6-8 weeks in the fall can help to set buds.

Fertilizing

• During Growing Season: Fertilize during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks.
• Stop Fertilizing Before Blooming: Stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall to prepare the plant for its blooming period. Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.

Encouraging Blooms (The Secret)

The most common question about these plants is how to get them to bloom again. The key is to mimic their natural cycle.

1. Cooler Temperatures: As mentioned above, a period of cooler nights is very important.
2. Longer Nights/Darkness: Starting in the fall (around late September), give the plant a period of uninterrupted darkness for at least 12-14 hours each night. Any light exposure during this period can prevent buds from forming. You can place the plant in a dark room or cover it with a box or a cloth. This period of long nights and short days is what triggers the blooming process.
3. Reduce Watering: Lightly reduce watering during this period of cooler temperatures and darkness.

Once you see buds forming (usually in late fall), you can move the plant back to its normal, brighter location and resume regular watering. Avoid moving the plant once buds have formed, as a change in environment can cause the buds to drop.

Repotting

• Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound. The best time to repot is in the spring, after it has finished blooming and is entering its growing phase. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.