Light &, Temperature: The holiday cacti grow best in light shade. Full sunlight is beneficial during fall and winter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow. Ideal spring and summer growth occurs at temperatures between 70 to 80 °F during its growing season from April to September.
Where do I put my Thanksgiving cactus?
Add lots of organic matter to the soil of Thanksgiving cactus to ensure it drains well. Place the plant outdoors in the shade during the summer months but bring indoors if the temperature will drop below 50 degrees F. Place the pot in bright light but not direct sunlight.
How often do you water a Thanksgiving cactus?
Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can kill the plant. Provide plenty of indirect light and room temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. If you already have a Thanksgiving cactus from last year, to get it to bloom on time you’ll need to begin temperature and light treatments in mid-September.
Should I mist my Thanksgiving cactus?
High temperatures, excessive heat fluctuation, and dry air are not ideal for a holiday cactus, so if your home is excessively dry because of a wood stove or another form of dry heat, make sure to mist the leaves to create humidity around the plants.
Is direct sunlight good for Christmas cactus?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. … Avoid placing the plant where it receives either cold or hot air drafts. Placing the Christmas cactus on the window sill in a cool room and not turning on the lights is all that’s needed.
How do I make my Thanksgiving cactus thicker?
You’ll get a fuller plant by pruning. Cutting it back in spring will encourage the plant to branch out where the stem was cut. Flowers emerge from the ends of the stems so you’ll get more blooms this way. Spring is the best time to prune it back, when it begins actively growing again.
How big does a Thanksgiving cactus get?
| Botanical Name | Schlumbergera truncata |
|---|---|
| Common Name | Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, false Christmas cactus, holiday cactus, winter cactus |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Plant Type | Cactus |
| Mature Size | 12-24 in. long, 12-24 in. wide |
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus drooping?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.
What is the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and a Christmas cactus?
The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) has very pointed and claw shaped projections on the edges of the leaf. The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped.
When should I transplant my Thanksgiving cactus?
Wait to repot a Thanksgiving cactus until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
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Can you propagate Thanksgiving cactus?
Growing Thanksgiving Cactus Cuttings
The plants are easy to propagate and multiply. Snip off a stem with 4 to 5 sections and leaves. Dust the end with fungicide and allow it to callus for a week in a dry location.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus turning purple?
Location – Christmas cactus requires bright light during fall and winter, but too much direct light during the summer months may be the reason for Christmas cactus leaves turning purple on edges. Moving the plant to a more appropriate location may prevent sunburn and solve the problem.
What kind of light does a Thanksgiving cactus need?
Thanksgiving cactus with pale pink blossom. Light &, Temperature: The holiday cacti grow best in light shade. Full sunlight is beneficial during fall and winter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow.
What is bright indirect light?
Bright Indirect light is when the sun’s rays don’t travel directly from the sun to your plant but, instead, bounce off something first. Plants in bright, indirect light will cast blurry, indistinct shadows. Bright indirect light is approximately 800-2000 foot candles.
Should I mist my Christmas cactus?
Instead of watering it like you would a traditional plant, you should be misting your cactus every day. A few squirts from a spray bottle is all you need to keep your cactus happy. The only time you should be watering the base of the plant is when its soil is completely dry to the touch.