Looking for a no-fuss house plant to display during the holidays? Look no further than the holiday cactus! There are actually three types of holiday cactus: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. While they each have their own unique characteristics and care needs, they all have one thing in common: beautiful blooms in shades of pink and red. Here is everything you need to know about successfully caring for all 3 types of holiday cactus. Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter, planting and caring for as well as how to get them to bloom.
Thanksgiving Cactus
The Thanksgiving Cactus thrives best in fast-draining soil. A mixture of 3 parts potting soil, 2 parts coarse sand, and 1 part perlite or pumice is recommended. Select a pot with good drainage holes and ensure it’s not overly large, as too much soil can retain water and lead to root rot.
When planting, place the plant in the pot and cover the root ball with the soil mixture, then compact lightly. Position your Thanksgiving Cactus near a north or east-facing window where it receives bright but indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and inhibit blooming.
Watering is crucial for the Thanksgiving Cactus. It prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season (April to September), water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In the dormant season (October to March), reduce watering to once a month.
Fertilize your Thanksgiving Cactus with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength, from spring through late summer, and cease fertilization in the fall and winter. With the right care, your Thanksgiving Cactus will reward you with a spectacular display of blooms around the festive season.
Getting Your Thanksgiving Cactus to Bloom
Encouraging your Thanksgiving Cactus to bloom can be achieved by manipulating its environment to mimic its natural habitat’s conditions.
Firstly, set a consistent light-dark cycle for your plant. Starting in mid-September, ensure your cactus has at least 12-14 hours of darkness each night for six weeks. This simulates the shorter days of fall and encourages the plant to set buds. Cover your plant with a box or place it in a closet if necessary to achieve the extended dark period.
Secondly, manage the temperature. Cooler temperatures can trigger blooming in your Thanksgiving Cactus. Try to keep your plant in an area where temperatures stay between 55°F and 60°F during the night.
Finally, remember to reduce watering during the fall and winter months. Overwatering in this period can cause the buds to drop before they’ve had a chance to open. With these steps, you should see your Thanksgiving Cactus burst into a vibrant display of blooms, adding holiday cheer to your home decor.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas Cactus offers a captivating spectacle with its radiant blooms, and with the right care, it can be a long-lasting addition to your indoor plant collection. This cactus prefers a well-draining soil mixture, much like its Thanksgiving sibling. A blend of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand can create an ideal environment for your plant’s roots. Choose a pot with efficient drainage capabilities to prevent water logging and consequent root rot.
To plant, carefully position your Christmas Cactus in the pot and cover its roots with the prepared soil mixture. Gently press down the soil to remove air pockets without overly compacting it. Your Christmas Cactus enjoys bright but indirect light. Position it near a north or east-facing window to shield it from harsh afternoon sun that could scorch its leaves and hinder blooming.
Watering needs for the Christmas Cactus vary with the seasons. During the growth phase (April to September), wait for the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering thoroughly, ensuring the water drains freely from the bottom. In the dormant phase (October to March), minimize watering to keep the soil barely moist.
Fertilization is key to promoting the vibrant blooms of the Christmas Cactus. From spring through late summer, feed your plant with a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Cease fertilization in the fall and winter to allow your Christmas Cactus a period of rest. With the right conditions and care, your Christmas Cactus can blossom into a mesmerizing sight around the holiday season.
Getting Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom
To encourage your Christmas Cactus to bloom, it’s essential to recreate the natural environment where it thrives.
Firstly, establish a consistent light-dark cycle for your cactus. Around mid-September, make sure your plant experiences 12-14 hours of darkness each night for 6 weeks. This simulates the shorter daylight hours of autumn and encourages the cactus to form buds. You can achieve this by covering your plant with a box or placing it in a dark room.
Secondly, regulate the temperature. Your Christmas Cactus is more likely to bloom when exposed to cooler temperatures. Consider keeping your plant in a location where the nighttime temperatures range between 50°F and 55°F.
Lastly, reduce watering during this period. Overwatering during the fall and winter months can cause the buds to drop prematurely, preventing them from opening into full blooms.
Following these steps should stimulate your Christmas Cactus to produce its vibrant, festive blooms, enhancing your holiday decoration.
Easter Cactus
The Easter Cactus is another holiday favorite that can add a pop of color to your home around the spring season.
For the optimal growth of your Easter Cactus, choose a fast-draining soil mix, similar to its holiday counterparts. A mixture of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite, and 1 part coarse sand provides an ideal growing medium. A well-draining pot is crucial to prevent water stagnation and the potential onset of root rot.
When planting, carefully place the cactus in the pot and cover the roots with the soil mixture, lightly compacting to eliminate air pockets. The Easter Cactus thrives best with bright but indirect light, so position it near a north or east-facing window to protect it from intense afternoon sun, which can potentially damage its leaves and hinder blooming.
The watering requirements for the Easter Cactus depend on the season. During the growth phase (April to September), water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and ensure the water drains freely from the bottom. In the dormant phase (October to March), reduce watering to keep the soil just barely moist.
Fertilization plays a key role in promoting the beautiful blooms of the Easter Cactus. From spring through late summer, feed your plant a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Refrain from fertilizing in the fall and winter to give your Easter Cactus a period of rest. With appropriate care, your Easter Cactus will reward you with vibrant blossoms around the Easter season.
Getting Your Easter Cactus to Bloom
To encourage your Easter Cactus to bloom, it’s important to replicate its natural environment as closely as possible.
Firstly, maintain a consistent light-dark cycle for your cactus. Starting around mid-February, ensure your plant receives 12-14 hours of darkness each night for 6 weeks. This simulates the shorter days of late winter and encourages the cactus to form buds. Achieve this by covering your plant with a box or placing it in a dark room.
Secondly, manage the temperature. Your Easter Cactus is more likely to bloom when exposed to cooler temperatures. Try to keep your cactus in a location where night temperatures stay between 50°F and 55°F.
Lastly, limit watering during the late winter and early spring. Overwatering during this period may cause the buds to drop prematurely, hindering them from fully blossoming. These steps should lead your Easter Cactus to burst into a vivid display of blooms, adding a spring flair to your home decor.
Happy Gardening!
Overall, the holiday cactus is an easy-to-care-for, low maintenance plant that can add some festive cheer to your home during the holidays. Each type of holiday cactus can be cared for in the same way as other cacti. Ensure that they are planted in well-draining soil, receive the right amount of light, and are watered only when their soil has dried out. With a little bit of attention and care, these beautiful plants will bring joy to your holiday season for years to come!
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post page for more growing tips on Hydroponic Gardening, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, bulbs and how to plant them, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!