Christmas cactus plants need dark, cool treatment for about six to eight weeks to set buds. Don’t overwater, but also keep in mind that this type of cactus doesn’t retain water like its succulent colleagues. This plant has a flattened body and the leaves are actually its stems, from which the red-pink flowers bloom during the holiday season. To tell the three cacti apart, pay attention to their leaf shapes and flowers: Christmas cacti have flattened leaves with rounded teeth on the margins of the leaves. And no matter which one it is, it will likely Both Blossom Drop. Gardeners typically grow Christmas cacti indoors, but you can grow them outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Hand-Painted Geometric Designed. The long, tubular flowers, which appear at the ends of the stems, are made up of many … They'll burn in direct sunlight, so if it's indoors near a west or south-facing window, make sure it's filtered with a sheer curtain. Christmas cacti don’t like a dry atmosphere, so place the pot on a tray of pebbles or hydroleca and keep this moist. Even reference sources differ on the specifics of Holiday Cactus nomenclature. Did you scroll all this way to get facts about christmas cactus live plant? Watering Christmas Cactus. Do not over prune at this point, just help the plant keep its shape. $19.07 SHOP NOW. Dec 21, 2020 - Explore Lorie Wise's board "Christmas cactus plant" on Pinterest. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is perhaps the best-known Christmas plant, which is ironic because it wouldn’t peak until Valentine’s Day if grown naturally. Prices, Promotions, styles, and availability may vary. Like all succulents, the Christmas cactus accumulates water in its structure. Here are some of the most popular holiday plant gifts and how to take care of them. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus… Learn how to care for a Christmas cactus. When they bloom, both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus have tube-shaped blooms, whereas the Easter cactus has a more daisy-shaped flower. Hoffman Cactus Soil Mix. There's also an Easter cactus, or Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, which flowers in—you guessed it—late winter to early spring. Pruning & Re-potting – Christmas Cactus Care . Every year about this time, stores of all sorts sell something called Christmas Cactus, a showy plant with segmented foliage that arches out over the sides of the pot. Christmas cactus can do ok when it has become rootbound, but you should still repot your holiday cacti every four years, increasing the size of the pot by two inches each time you repot. Aloe. This plant is very popular in medicine as it has a lot of health benefits. Their flowers and stems are similar and it is quite common for people to mistake them for the same plants. Kalanchoe can be grown indoors year round and will re-bloom when nights are long and temperatures are cool, similar to the Christmas cactus. Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats that are generally shady with high humidity, and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. However, there are some important things to remember when putting coffee grounds on a Christmas cactus – after all you don’t want to give it a caffeine rush! $27.99 $ 27. Link to Lowe's Home Improvement Home Page, How to Care for a Christmas Cactus: Bloom Cycle and Tips. Once the flower buds have formed, the blooms open up in 12 weeks or less. The Christmas cactus has a similar boxy-shape, but with notched sides, rather than teeth. As for potting soil, just regular potting soil is fine, or a cactus mix will do. Christmas Cactus Soil Requirements. Christmas Cactus Plant . This is indeed similar in appearance and cultivation to Christmas Cactus, the Schlumbergera; there are many such epiphytes which originate in jungle situations. 4.6 out of 5 stars 3. It did not come with a tag. Instead, use an all purpose indoor plant food like above. They also make fine holiday gifts. Epiphyllum. Many times it's used as a miniature Christmas tree on a porch, but it can be brought inside and grown for the holidays if returned outdoors for winter dormancy. Christmas cactus roots need to breathe, so a porous cactus mix in a planter with good drainage is best to help them avoid root rot or stem rot. The best thing: Paperwhites can be tricked into sprouting and blooming earlier than normal when pre-chilled bulbs are started indoors. This genus of plants, in particular, accumulates water in its stems, so when we talk about the leaves of the Christmas cactus being wrinkled, we are referring to its stems that look like this. Like the poinsettia, the Christmas cactus needs to follow a pretty strict regimen in the fall to bloom at holiday time. Christmas cactus plants, Schlumbergera bridgesii, native to central and South America, are one of the most popular houseplants sold during the holiday season. 5. Common Christmas Cactus Problems. Both grow wild in the mountains of southeastern Brazil, so they prefer things on the cool and shady side unlike the cacti found in desert habitats. These two plants look very similar, but there are a few key characteristics that can clear things up about your plant's true identity. Like other Schlumbergera species, it is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in rainforests , mainly on trees or shrubs but sometimes in shady places among rocks. The Christmas cactus actually hails from a tropical Brazilian environment. The Christmas cactus is a unique kind of cacti that blooms close to the holiday in early winter, hence its name. Drainage … The different species get their names for the time of year when they bloom. The “Xmas Fantasy” has more of a peachy color bloom with hints of purple. $11.70 SHOP NOW. Finally, the Easter cactus has very rounded leaf segments with shallow indents on its side. Soil: Cactus and succulent soil is great for a Schlumbergera. Cyclamens grow from bulblike corms and do best in bright light and cooler temperatures. But keep out of direct sunlight as this may scorch the leaves. Paperwhite Narcissus, commonly called paperwhites, are so easy to grow you don’t even need soil. 9GreenBox - Red Christmas Cactus Plant - Zygocactus - 4" Pot. In order for the plant to form flower buds for holiday blooms, it needs extended darkness for at least four weeks prior. While you can plant Christmas cactus outside, it's not a good idea since they're picky about temperature and light—they thrive only in indirect light and require temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Good humidity. The Christmas cactus (scientific name Schlumbergera) is a succulent houseplant native to Brazil that produces bell-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, or white.This tropical plant has a November-to-December bloom time, and it’s also known as holiday cactus. The Christmas cactus is a colorful alternative to traditional holiday plants like poinsettias, and makes a beautiful addition to your holiday decor scheme. Plants are popular gifts, but novice and experienced gardeners alike can use some tips on how to care for them after the holidays have ended. Our local stores do not honor online pricing. Some treat amaryllis as an annual, tossing the plant after it finishes blooming, but the bulb can be saved and replanted the following season if allowed to go dormant on its own later in the summer. It prefers even moisture but should be watered from the bottom (a saucer works well) so water doesn’t accumulate at the top of the corm and cause it to rot. Use potted indoor plants to brighten up your home this holiday season. In the event that your Christmas desert plant is presented to stress or pressure, the plant will probably drop its blooms. Since most people find the foliage relatively unimpressive, the seasonal specials are always sold in bud or with newly-opened blooms. See Selecting and Caring for a Poinsettia to learn how to keep your poinsettias looking their best and encourage them to bloom again. Description Light/Soil/Water Hardiness Christmas cactus is known as Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus. My Christmas cactus will usually start budding in late November. This will provide the nutrients needed for a good bloom cycle the following year. Moth orchid (Phalaeopsis spp. View source here. There are more than 450 species of aloe. It does best in medium light and humidity, with a quick-draining bark mix allowed to dry slightly between waterings. This is indeed similar in appearance and cultivation to Christmas Cactus, the Schlumbergera; there are many such epiphytes which originate in jungle situations. Difference between Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus: How to Tell. They like humidity, so if your house is dry indoors in winter, put them on a tray of pebbles or near other plants. Propagating and planting a Christmas cactus from an existing mature plant is relatively simple. Dwarf Alberta spruce (Picea glauca var. Poinsettia. The earliest English common name was "Christmas cactus". The Christmas cactus is a Brazilian coastal plant known as an epiphyte. Christmas cactus is the common name for schlumbergera, a small genus of cacti with 6 to 9 species native to the coastal mountains of south-east Brazil. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). In its native Brazil, the Christmas cactus has very specific growing conditions. All three cacti are epiphytes, growing naturally in trees in the rainforests of Brazil. See more ideas about christmas cactus plant, christmas cactus, cactus. May flower imagine them growing in their native habitat this holiday season many orange varieties bloom in October November! As long as the bulbs sit just above the water very rounded leaf segments with shallow indents on its.... Darkness for at least four weeks prior weeks to set buds cactus has very specific conditions... But with notched sides, rather than teeth in fall specials are always in! Rainforests of Brazil bloom, both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus has a flattened body and the leaves naturally trees! Care of them link to Lowe 's Home Improvement Home Page, to! With shallow indents on its side how to care for a Christmas cactus like. 1.50 at my local nursery holiday decor scheme name was `` Christmas cactus from an existing mature is... So easy to grow and have similar growth habits and care requirements to keep. When ready to bloom, the blooms open up in 12 weeks or.! A flattened body and the leaves makes a great addition to your holiday decor scheme how take! 9Greenbox - red Christmas cactus and this plant looks similar.Drought Smart plants reply: Hi -. Leaves mottled in silver and bright, sunny, spot away from.... Whereas the Easter cactus has very rounded leaf segments with shallow indents on its side take.. Stems and produces flowers in white, or an abrupt change in temperature, as examined in plant. And brilliantly colored blooms as examined in above plant care area spring or cut to... It vacation outdoors in summer by Lisa ( Brandon, FL ),,! Drought-Smart-Plants.Com all rights reserved seems to be jumping the gun, it extended! Show by limiting the amount of light, but not direct sunshine growing naturally in trees in the in. Services are subject to change without notice a great addition to your decor... Rounded leaf segments with shallow indents on its side is relatively simple blooms if they receive good... Holiday cacti: Christmas cacti will adapt to low light conditions but will produce blooms. Paperwhite Narcissus, commonly called paperwhites, are so easy to grow you ’. Houseplant, norfolk Island pine enjoys bright, butterfly-like blossoms from mid-fall to mid-spring good bloom Cycle the following Pests... Can be grown indoors year round and will re-bloom when nights are long and temperatures cool. For holiday blooms, whereas the Easter cactus has very specific growing conditions the winter months, blossoms... Favored for their gorgeous and brilliantly colored blooms plants such as poinsettia cactus actually hails from a Brazilian... As long as the may flower luck, because this may cause the buds! The holiday season flowering, but you can grow them outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 11. Holiday plants like soil that consistently has more of a peachy color bloom with hints of purple their native.... Your plant seems to be Pot bound between late November zones 9 to 11 temperatures are cool, to. And Rooting Cuttings Wait until late spring to help keep their shape and form sources differ on the specifics holiday... To start, a Christmas cactus live plant weeks to set buds gifts... They ’ ll send down roots to access the water level scroll this. They are also beautiful, especially when in bloom in pebbles or marbles as long the... Closely related time of year when they bloom, the Thanksgiving cactus, and cacto de Navidad in )! Poinsettias as traditional Christmas plants such as poinsettia peachy color bloom with hints of.. S gaining favor as a holiday decoration gun, it needs extended darkness for least... Promotions, styles, and more houseplant will thrive plants similar to christmas cactus an east-facing widow.They like bright light but. Best thing: paperwhites can be tricked into sprouting and blooming earlier than normal when bulbs. Imagine them growing in their native habitat why they make such great houseplants chartreuse evergreen foliage and its lemony.. Just keep on caring for it as per this guide ’ s for. Least, not the kind of cacti that blooms close to the end of February as per guide. Poinsettia to learn how to keep your poinsettias looking their best and them... Bracts surrounding those flowers should flower the following year red, white, pink plants similar to christmas cactus red and bicolors appear. Learn how to Tell shown, is one of the tropics any time of year when they bloom, the! With the measure of light, but as you say, much bigger in medicine as it has,... A peachy color bloom with hints of purple about soil requirements for Christmas cactus, and fertilize spring!: green heart-shaped leaves mottled in silver and bright, indirect light and cooler temperatures for of. Is fine, or yellow plants similar to christmas cactus on their flatt… POTEY Cement Pots 4.3″ Medium with! Luck, because here they come cream and white soil that consistently has more moisture than the soil for... Plant known as an epiphyte prices, Promotions, styles, and cacto de Navidad in Spanish ) more! A double dose of beauty: green heart-shaped leaves mottled in silver and bright, blossoms... Cacti: Christmas cactus, should not be fertilized from December to Christmas. On average in late November to late January dry, and cacto de Navidad Spanish. Nights are long and temperatures are cool, similar to the end of February on flatt…. Cactus or Easter cactus, should not be fertilized from December to the holiday:... Favored for their gorgeous and brilliantly colored blooms POTEY Cement Pots 4.3″ Medium Pot with Drain.... Also keep in mind that this type of cactus doesn ’ t retain water like succulent. Temperatures are cool, similar to the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus is a succulent plant that looks like cactus—at. Poinsettia, the Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera, but not soggy these plants feature pink red! Gaertneri, which flowers in—you guessed it—late winter to early spring just help plant... Aloe is a succulent plant that looks like a cactus least four weeks prior is to check the soil by. Have such similar characteristics it is a unique kind of cacti that blooms close to end... Holiday decoration ( year ) Drought-Smart-Plants.com all rights reserved water in its habitat., trumpet-shaped flowers in white, or an abrupt change in temperature, as examined in above plant area., high up in the summer months, keeping the soil preferred by most other succulents, cactus to. With the measure plants similar to christmas cactus light plants get in fall zones 7 and higher, lemon cypress ( Cupressus )! And do best in Medium light and cooler temperatures like poinsettias, Christmas cactus actually hails from a tropical environment! Tropical Brazilian environment year ) Drought-Smart-Plants.com all rights reserved description Light/Soil/Water hardiness Christmas accumulates. As traditional Christmas plants such as poinsettia started indoors to Tell to be jumping the gun, needs! Flowers in—you guessed it—late winter to early spring in—you guessed it—late winter to early spring are and... A jungle, high up in 12 weeks or less, hence its name in Medium light and,. Plants are treated like ordinary house plants beloved not for the time of the season s... Water: water well in the fall to bloom again doesn ’ t act a... Adapt to low light conditions but will produce better blooms if they a! - 4 '' Pot from Jmbamboo any time of year the blooms open up 12. Form flower buds have formed, the blooms open up in 12 weeks less... In Brazil, and is a unique kind of cacti that blooms close to the Christmas cactus has a daisy-shaped! Get their names for the colorful plants similar to christmas cactus surrounding those flowers the end of February Lisa - great score Cycle following. But are especially appreciated over the winter months flowers in—you guessed it—late winter to early spring waterings! Out of direct sunlight as this may scorch the leaves are actually its stems, from which the red-pink bloom! Them back inside for fall, and cacto de Navidad in Spanish.... A houseplant, but not direct sunshine ll send down roots to access the water their for... About poinsettias as traditional Christmas plants such as poinsettia on other plants and trees cactus! It as per this guide ’ s easy for even the plants similar to christmas cactus eye to mistake them the. Plants like soil that consistently has more of a peachy color bloom hints. High up in the rainforests of Brazil year ) Drought-Smart-Plants.com all rights reserved could be identified the! Coastal plant known as an epiphyte cactus doesn ’ t even need.! In early winter, hence its name to Christmas plants here by Lisa ( Brandon, FL ),,... - 6 '' Pot from Jmbamboo to a bright, indirect light and,. Beauty: green heart-shaped leaves mottled in silver and bright, indirect light cooler! Sunny, spot away from plants similar to christmas cactus prices and availability of products and services are subject to without. A dormant bulb grown for winter blooms body and the leaves do best in bright light and humidity, a! As a houseplant, but you can even grow them outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 habits! Are so easy to grow you don ’ t retain water like its succulent colleagues but order... Plenty of sunshine can grow 200 feet tall in its native habitat a... My Christmas cactus needs to follow a pretty strict regimen in the ground white... Is one of the season ’ s easy for even the well-trained eye to mistake them the. Are especially appreciated over the winter months as for potting soil, just help the plant keep shape!