How To Take Care Of A Flowering Christmas Cactus?

This text provides a comprehensive guide on how to care for a Christmas cactus, a long-lasting holiday plant that flowers in winter with colorful, tubular flowers in pink or lilac colors. It covers watering, misting, repotting, pruning, propagating, and problem-solving. The text also discusses the differences between Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti and how to identify them.

Watering is crucial for maintaining the soil evenly moist while the plant is blooming, and it is recommended to water every 2-3 weeks. The cactus should be placed in an east-facing window for moderate light and direct sun. Fertilization should be applied every two weeks once buds form.

During flowering season, keep the soil and leaves regularly misted to keep the plant blooming. Watering should be done when the potting soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Watering should be done every 1-2 weeks, allowing the potting soil to dry out at least half way down between waterings.

The temperature should be lowered to 50 to 55 °F when watering is time. The plant can be watered either by taking it to the sink or in place with a saucer under the plant. After flowering stops in January, a twice-monthly watering schedule is recommended. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your Christmas cactus continues to bloom in the winter with the right treatment.