December Flower of the Month
Christmas Cactus
"Schlumbergera bridgessii"
Hybridization over the past century has resulted in the introduction of many new varieties of Thanksgiving. Christmas,
and Easter cactus. However the scientific name for Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgessii, remains the same-while
other plants may vary.
Since grandma's day, the Christmas cactus has been a favorite houseplant. It is not unusual to pass a plant down from generation to
generation because they are long-lived, rather easy plants to grow.They are a member of the Zygo-cactus family. Although called cacti, these plants are truly different in all aspects from the common desert cactus. The plants, called epiphytes (tree-dwelling) are found in the same environment as orchids. They are native to the coastal mountains of south-east Brazil most often found growing in the forks of tree limbs where they grow in decayed leaves and other natural debris that accumulates there. Since they are tropical cacti their cultural
requirements are totally different from true cacti.
Height: to 2 feet
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy while plant is growing. When top 1" is very dry water thoroughly. Can mist leaves as well as watering. After flowering, water sparingly until new growth begins in the spring.
Humidity: Moderate-about 50-60% relative humidity. You can stand the pot on a dish of wet pebbles to provide more humidity.
Temperature: To set flower buds, the plant needs cool 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit days and 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit nights. Once buds have set, 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit days and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.
Soil: Requires slightly acidic, very porous soil with excellent drainage that never allows the plant to become water logged. It flowers best when slightly root bound. It is best to re-pot about every three years and in the spring.
Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half during spring and summer growing season.
Stop fertilizing in early September to allow buds to set.
A common problem with Christmas cacti is dropping unopened buds. This can be caused by soil that is too dry or too wet, low
humidity, or a sudden change in temperature or light.
The most common insect pests are mealy bugs and soft brown scale. The major disease is stem and root rot. Plants will
appear wilted and dull gray-green with water-soaked dead areas near the soil line often with faded reddish margins.
Stem leaves often fall off. Avoid excessive watering to prevent this. Cut out infected areas and re-pot in clean soil.
A Christmas cactus is thermo-photoperiodic and to encourage blooming for the holiday season it should be kept in a cool
room about 50-55 degrees Farhenheit from September to October. During the fall months it should be in a room where it receives
bright indirect light during daylight hours but total uninterrupted darkness at night for about twelve hours each night.
and Easter cactus. However the scientific name for Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgessii, remains the same-while
other plants may vary.
Since grandma's day, the Christmas cactus has been a favorite houseplant. It is not unusual to pass a plant down from generation to
generation because they are long-lived, rather easy plants to grow.They are a member of the Zygo-cactus family. Although called cacti, these plants are truly different in all aspects from the common desert cactus. The plants, called epiphytes (tree-dwelling) are found in the same environment as orchids. They are native to the coastal mountains of south-east Brazil most often found growing in the forks of tree limbs where they grow in decayed leaves and other natural debris that accumulates there. Since they are tropical cacti their cultural
requirements are totally different from true cacti.
Height: to 2 feet
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy while plant is growing. When top 1" is very dry water thoroughly. Can mist leaves as well as watering. After flowering, water sparingly until new growth begins in the spring.
Humidity: Moderate-about 50-60% relative humidity. You can stand the pot on a dish of wet pebbles to provide more humidity.
Temperature: To set flower buds, the plant needs cool 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit days and 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit nights. Once buds have set, 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit days and 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit nights.
Soil: Requires slightly acidic, very porous soil with excellent drainage that never allows the plant to become water logged. It flowers best when slightly root bound. It is best to re-pot about every three years and in the spring.
Fertilizer: Feed every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half during spring and summer growing season.
Stop fertilizing in early September to allow buds to set.
A common problem with Christmas cacti is dropping unopened buds. This can be caused by soil that is too dry or too wet, low
humidity, or a sudden change in temperature or light.
The most common insect pests are mealy bugs and soft brown scale. The major disease is stem and root rot. Plants will
appear wilted and dull gray-green with water-soaked dead areas near the soil line often with faded reddish margins.
Stem leaves often fall off. Avoid excessive watering to prevent this. Cut out infected areas and re-pot in clean soil.
A Christmas cactus is thermo-photoperiodic and to encourage blooming for the holiday season it should be kept in a cool
room about 50-55 degrees Farhenheit from September to October. During the fall months it should be in a room where it receives
bright indirect light during daylight hours but total uninterrupted darkness at night for about twelve hours each night.
