How To Care For Christmas Cactus

Do you want to know how to care for a Christmas cactus? This indoor plant is a great holiday decoration and can last for months if cared for properly. It flowers from December through February when it becomes dormant, but will bloom again the following year. Follow these steps to care for your Christmas cactus in December and beyond.

Things you'll need:

• Fertilizer
• Water
• Dark and cool areas in your house/apartment
• Porous soil
• Minerals

1. Give your Christmas cactus lots of water. Because this is a tropical plant originating from Brazil, it needs to be well-hydrated. Water your Christmas cactus whenever the soil feels dry. However, it should not be overly watered. Drain off any excess water that collects in the pot.
2. Keep it in cool temperatures. Make sure your Christmas cactus is not placed near heater vents. If it gets too warm, the plant will dry out and die.
3. Make sure it gets plenty of fertilizer. Use regular houseplant fertilizer every two to three weeks. You can also use African violet food.
4. Take special care in September. During this month, the buds of your Christmas cactus begin to set. You should not fertilize the plant in early September. It should also be kept in the dark for twelve to thirteen hours every day. Avoid moving the plant during September.
5. Use the right soil. Christmas cacti need soil that is porous. Mix four parts of this porous soil with two parts of a mineral, such as pumice. Make sure the soil is pressed firmly around the plant.

If you follow these steps to care for your Christmas cactus, it will continue to produce beautiful pink blossoms year after year.