Christmas Cactus, Zygocactus

Zygocactus, commonly known as the Christmas cactus, is a popular houseplant from the succulent family. We live in the Midwest and Christmas cacti bloom beautifully indoors, bringing vibrant color to homes during the colder months.

I recently added this stunning cactus to my collection that I purchased from Haehn Florist and Greenhouse. 

Each segment of the Christmas cactus will eventually produce a vibrant bloom, adding to its stunning display.

Christmas Cactus Care Tips: Keep Your Plant Blooming Bright

If you’re lucky enough to have a Christmas Cactus, you know how its stunning blooms light up your space during the holidays. To keep your plant healthy and thriving, here are some essential care tips:

Light: Christmas Cactus loves bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. A spot near a window with filtered light works perfectly.

Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy. Water your Christmas Cactus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but ensure your pot has good drainage. During its bloom cycle, it’s best to water less frequently.

Temperature: This plant prefers cooler temps, ideally between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Avoid placing it near drafts, heaters, or hot windows, as extreme temperatures can stress the plant.

Humidity: Christmas Cactus thrives in higher humidity, but it does well in average household conditions. If you notice the air is dry, consider misting your plant or using a humidity tray to give it a boost.

Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally one made for cacti or succulents. It’s also important that the pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom and causing root rot.

Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed your Christmas Cactus with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Once the plant starts developing buds in the fall, stop fertilizing to allow it to focus on blooming.

Pruning: After the blooms fade, prune your Christmas Cactus to maintain its shape and encourage fresh growth. You can gently pinch back the stems or use clean shears for a tidier trim.

Encouraging Blooms: If you want to time your Christmas Cactus to bloom for the holidays, give it a period of darkness. For about 2 weeks before it’s set to flower, place it in a dark room for 12-14 hours each day. After that, it’s ready for its spot in the light!

Follow these care tips, and your Christmas Cactus will reward you with vibrant blooms year after year. Happy planting!