- When does the Christmas cactus bloom?
The Cacraceae can have different flowering periods, but what characterizes the Christmas cactus is the fact that its flowers bloom just as the end-of-year holidays are approaching, hence the name of this wild plant native to Brazil and other parts from Latin America which was imported into Europe as a houseplant.
You can admire the flowers of the Christmas cactus between December and January. Their colors can vary from pink to red and from purple to red-purple. So that the flower buds do not wither before flowering, the Christmas cactus should be carefully kept away from drafts and heat sources. The Christmas cactus should therefore not be placed near a frequently opened door or too close to a fireplace, stove or radiator.
- Where to place it?
The ideal temperature for indoor Christmas cactus is 20°C. To prolong the flowering of the cactus in the winter period, it is necessary to place it in a bright room. Later in the summer, the Christmas cactus can be placed outdoors in a partially shaded location so that excessive exposure to direct sunlight does not cause leaf scorch. In autumn, from the beginning of September, the plant can be moved indoors. The reduction of daylight hours and its exposure to the sun means that its flowering may be delayed until the Christmas period.
One of the perfect places to keep Christmas cactus in your home during December and January is on the inside windowsill, so the flowers can take advantage of the daylight to bloom during the winter.
The elevated position of the plant is essential if you have pets such as dogs or cats. Ingestion of some parts of the plant can cause diarrhea or vomiting in pets. It must therefore be positioned in such a way that animals cannot easily reach it. If you have any problems, consult your vet immediately.
- When to water the Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus is native to the rainforests of South America and therefore prefers a humid climate. It is therefore necessary to pay particular attention to watering, both in summer and winter. In winter it should be watered regularly, little at a time, preventing the saucer from absorbing water, but keeping the soil moist. In summer we proceed in the same way, with the possibility of spraying a little water on the leaves using a sprayer. In summer, the best time to water Christmas cactus, which needs small amounts of water at a time, is in the evening. In particularly hot climates