When the topic of cacti pops up in discussion, we are, myself included, quick to envision barrel-shaped lumps and tall branching towers covered in intimidating spines. The matter is that we simply forget about the holiday-associated cousin of our prickly friends, the Christmas cactus.
The Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus, known scientifically as Schlumbergera bridgesii, are a tropical assortment of cactus which hails from the rain forests of the Organ Mountains of Brazil. While these winter-blooming beauties are still succulents, their tropical inclinations seat them with some characteristics different from those of their desert-inhabiting relatives. Of particular note are the elaborate flowers which Christmas cactus produce during the time of winter festivities; these bright blooms comes in a myriad of hues ranging from white to red. Due to the similarity in the shape of their flowers and leaves, Christmas cactus are often confused with their sibling, the Thanksgiving cactus. The true different between these two species is most visible at the edges of the plants’ leaves: Thanksgiving cactus have pointed serrations at the edges of their leaves whereas Christmas cactus have soft lobes.
(Information of the background and characteristics of Christmas Cactus were found on the University of Illinois Extension’s website!)
Christmas Cactus Care
Many of the care requirements of Christmas cactus result from their epiphytic nature. In their natural habitat, Christmas cactus live in the nooks of rain forest trees, fed by decomposing organic matter. This necessitates that they be planted in well-draining soil and should have sitting water removed from any below-the-pot water trays in order to prevent root rot. Although their arid relatives do not require much water, Christmas cactus should be thoroughly water every two weeks and fertilized with a water-soluble mixture to promote healthy blooms.
Because Christmas cactus naturally grow in the boughs of trees, they are shielded from direct sun; domestic cactus follow this same light requirement and do best in moderate light conditions. Oddly enough, the bloom cycle of Christmas cactus is signaled by the arrival of 14-hour nights, such as those in the months of autumn and winter. While the tropical nature of Christmas cactus may not be directly discernible from their light requirements, it is very much apparent in temperature and humidity needs. Christmas cactus should be kept in relatively humid conditions with an air temperature between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit.
All care information was collected from Garden Lovers Club and UI’s Extension!
I hope my introduction to the lovely Christmas cactus will at least have enlightened you in the differentiation of holiday cactus; however, I also wish that you have gained the knowledge to care for Christmas cactus, at least for a plant sitting period! Thank you for reading and greenest of wishes as the winter season draws ever-nearer.