Are you looking to add some vibrant tropical blooms to your garden or home this winter? Look no further than the Christmas cactus! These colorful cacti, native to moist and shady tropical forests, thrive in partial sun or shady gardens with moderate summer temperatures. While they are hardy only in USDA Zones 10 to 12, they love spending summers outdoors even in temperate areas. In this article, we will provide you with detailed steps to successfully grow Christmas cactus outdoors and enjoy their elegant, vividly colored flowers.
Outdoor Schlumbergera Cultivation
Christmas cacti, also known as Thanksgiving cacti, are species and cultivars of the Schlumbergera genus. They enjoy a growing season with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80°F and a location with light shade or morning sun. However, hot afternoon sun should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves. These low-maintenance plants prefer humus-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5 to 6.2. Ensure excellent drainage by using loamy or sandy soil and adding landscape sand, granite chips, or pumice to the mix. When planting, mix a little bone meal into the planting site to encourage strong roots. Space the plants two to three feet away from other plantings to allow for their mature dimensions. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering as it can cause root rot.
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Pruning and Maintenance
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After flowering, it is important to prune Christmas cacti by cutting between the leaf segments. This promotes branching, bushiness, and more flowers. Pruning should be done right after flowering and no later than four weeks afterward. To reduce the size of large plants, remove up to one-third of the overall growth. The trimmings can be used to root cuttings for new plants. If desired, add a layer of bark mulch over the root zone for winter insulation, and remove it in early spring. Feed the plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer from April to October, but withhold feeding from mid-autumn through winter. Reduce watering in winter, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry out between water applications. Protect the plants from frost by covering them with a cloche or landscape fabric when necessary.
Container Care
When growing Christmas cacti in containers, choose pots with drainage holes and add a layer of drainage material to the bottom. Fill the pots with a rough-textured, humus-rich potting blend, and amend the soil if needed. Place the containers outdoors in a spot with morning sun or dappled sunlight during the growing season. Move the containers to a sunnier spot in fall and winter, as long as the sunlight isn’t strong enough to burn the leaves. Water the plants when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch, and feed them every two weeks during the growing season with a half-strength solution of a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Moving Inside Pots Out
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For gardeners in temperate regions, moving Christmas cacti outdoors during the growing season can ensure abundant flowers. Gradually acclimate the plants to outdoor conditions by increasing their outdoor time over the course of a week to 10 days. Keep the soil slightly dry, water when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize as outlined in the section on container care. When fall arrives or overnight temperatures drop to 50°F, move the plants back indoors. Check for any pests on the plants and allow them to dry before moving them to their winter location.
Managing Pests and Disease
Christmas cacti are generally problem-free but can suffer damage from pests such as mealybugs, aphids, mites, and scale. Use rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap to control these pests. Diseases are rare but can be caused by overwatering, leading to issues like bacterial soft rot, damping off, and fusarium wilt. Ensure that the plants are located in well-draining soil and water only when the top inch of soil is dry.
With these tips, you can successfully grow Christmas cactus outdoors and enjoy their stunning flowers in your garden or home. So why wait? Get started now and bring some tropical beauty to your winter season!
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Category: Succulent
