How to propagate and grow a Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Christmas Cacti bloom during the Christmas period, from the end of November to January, hence their name.
They make a great Christmas gift, their bright trumpet – shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink, purple and even yellow add a splash of color to any room.
Where to grow a Christmas Cactus
Place the plant in a bright place, away from direct sunlight, as it can burn the leaves, and with a constant temperature of 18-24 ° C.
Try not to move the plant when it is flowering, as this can cause the buds to drop. This plant needs 2 “ rest ” periods to flower after flowering and again in autumn.
How to propagate a Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cacti are very easy to propagate. Just follow our step-by-step guide :
Step 1
In spring, remove the parts of the stem that have 2 or 3 sections of leaves and let them dry indoors for 1 or 2 days.
Step 2
Place the cuttings in a mixture of seed or cutting compost and fine river sand. Dip the bottom of the cuttings into the compost 1 cm deep, so that they stand up straight. Water well and let excess water drain off.
Step 3
Keep the cuttings in a bright place, out of direct sunlight ; the ideal is a window sill. Water sparingly and mist its leaves from time to time.
Step 4
After 1 or 2 months, the cuttings should have rooted. To find out if it has, move it gently, if it doesn’t move, it has rooted.
Once rooted, place the cuttings in small individual pots and grow them in a warm room or greenhouse.
Christmas Cactus Care
In spring and summer, water only when the top 2-3 cm of the soil is dry, allowing excess water to drain off.
Christmas Cacti suffer if they are in a cold and wet substrate. Water more sparingly in winter and during the 2 rest periods.
How to plant a Christmas Cactus
Repot every 1-2 years, when the root ball has filled the pot. The best time to do this is in the spring, when it has come out of its dormant period.
Transplant it into a slightly larger pot, as the roots like to be comfortable. Use a cactus compost or compost with a little sand mixed in for drainage.
Christmas Cacti grow quite wide, so a wider pot is better than a deep one for stability.
