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.
How often should you water a Thanksgiving cactus?
To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out during “resting periods,” or in other words, when it is not producing blooms. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
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.
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 do you care for an indoor Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving Cactus Plant Care
As an epiphyte, it often has exposed roots and gathers most of its moisture through humidity in the air. Potted plants need well-draining soil and good drainage. Water thoroughly and then allow the top 1/3 of soil dry out before you water again.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
Under the right conditions, a Thanksgiving cactus will bloom once a year during the late fall. How Long Do Thanksgiving Cacti Live? Holiday cacti are often passed down through generations because they have an incredibly long life. A Thanksgiving cactus can live up to 100 years with proper care.
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.
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.
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.
What is the difference between Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving 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.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus blooming in March?
Blooms requires two things: cooler temperatures and long nights. These cacti are short-day plants, which means that blooms are triggered by long dark cool nights. … A few buds dropping off is normal, but drafts will cause the plant to drop all its buds at once – then you’ll be out of luck for another year.