White Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Selling size: Well rooted plant in a Jiffy Bag

Caring for a White Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is quite rewarding, and getting those beautiful white blooms to appear around the holiday season is achievable with the right care.

Here’s a guide to caring for your white White Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera):

Light:

• Prefers bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is usually ideal.   
• Avoid direct sunlight, especially during spring and summer, as it can scorch the leaves. A sheer curtain can help filter strong light.   
• In fall, provide about 12-14 hours of darkness each night for 6-8 weeks to encourage blooming. You can achieve this by placing it in a dark room or covering it. During the day, it still needs indirect light.   

Water:

• Water regularly from spring to summer, keeping the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow excess water to drain away.   
• Let the top inch or two of soil dry out before watering again.
• Reduce watering in the fall to encourage bud formation and again after flowering to give the plant a rest. Water sparingly during these rest periods, only when the top inch of soil is dry.
• Use room-temperature water. Christmas cacti can be sensitive to water with high calcium content; using filtered water or letting tap water sit overnight can be beneficial.   

Temperature:

• During the growing season (spring and summer) and while flowering, aim for temperatures between 18-24°C (65-75°F).
• To encourage blooming in the fall, provide a cooler period of 12-15°C (55-59°F) for about 6-8 weeks. Night temperatures above 21°C (70°F) can inhibit bud development.
• Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts.

Humidity:

• Christmas cacti thrive in a humid environment, reflecting their tropical origins.   
• Mist the plant regularly, especially during dry indoor conditions.   
• Place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to increase humidity, ensuring the pot doesn’t sit directly in the water.   

Soil:

• Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix specifically for cacti and succulents or a combination of regular potting soil with perlite or sand is suitable.   
• Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.2) is ideal.   

Fertilizing:

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during the spring and summer (the active growing season).
• Stop fertilizing about a month before you expect buds to appear in the fall and during the blooming period.
• You can resume fertilizing after flowering ends and new growth appears in late winter or early spring.

Potting and Repotting:

• Christmas cacti prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so repotting is only necessary every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current container.
• The best time to repot is in the spring after flowering. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, as they bloom best when their roots are somewhat confined.
• Ensure the pot has good drainage holes.

Encouraging Blooms (for White Varieties too):

• Temperature drop: Provide cooler temperatures (12-15°C or 55-59°F) in the fall for several weeks.   
• Reduced watering: Water less frequently during the fall.
• Darkness: Ensure about 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for 6-8 weeks in the fall.
• Once buds appear, return the plant to its usual bright, indirect light and resume regular watering. Avoid moving the plant once buds have formed, as this can cause them to drop.

Pruning:

• Prune lightly after flowering to encourage branching and a fuller plant. You can snap off a few stem segments at a joint. These cuttings can also be used for propagation.   
  

Common Issues:

• Bud drop: Can be caused by sudden changes in temperature, drafts, overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light during bud formation.   
• Mushy leaves or black stems: Usually a sign of overwatering and potential root rot.
• Wrinkled leaves: Indicates the plant is likely underwatered.
• Yellowing leaves: Can be due to overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight.  

By following these care tips, you can help your White Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) thrive and produce its beautiful blooms around the holiday season and potentially even at other times of the year.