If there is a plant typical of the coldest time of the year, it is undoubtedly the Christmas cactus , or < a i=3>Schulumbergera . Although it blooms at Christmas time, it is important to take good care of this plant so that it gives us many flowers.
In this article we suggest the main treatments for the Christmas cactus , and we explain how to propagate it to obtain many other plants.
The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to care for. If it is placed in a bright place, away from direct sunlight that could burn the leaves, and kept at a temperature between 18 and 24°C, the plant will grow healthy and strong.
The plant should absolutely not be moved during flowering, as this operation could cause the buds to fall.
Propagate a Christmas Cactus
Reproducing this plant is as simple as it is practical. During spring, pick the parts of the stem that have two or three leaf sections and let them dry indoors for 1 or 2 days.
Place the harvested parts in a mixture of seed compost and fine sand. Insert the bottom of the parts about 1cm deep, so they can “stand up”. Water well and make sure excess water drains away.
Place the cuttings in a bright place but protected from direct sunlight. Water sparingly and mist the leaves periodically.
After 1 or 2 months the first roots will have formed, you can check this by moving the cuttings slightly. If they have roots, pot them individually so they can grow.
Christmas Cactus Care
During spring and summer, water only when the top layer of soil is dry and make sure the plant has good drainage.
The Christmas cactus suffers if the potting soil is too cold and wet. Water sparingly during winter.
It is important to repot Christmas cactus every 1 to 2 years, preferably in the spring and shortly after it comes out of its dormant period.
Transplant the Christmas cactus into a larger pot and use a cactus fertilizer to encourage growth and flowering.
