Christmas Cactus

One of the most striking succulents at Christmas time in the Northern Hemisphere has to be the very attractive Schlumbergera buckleyi. Its common name Christmas cactus says it all, as it will flower just in time for Christmas in the north. In South Africa it will be flowering now for a beautiful Christmas in July.

This epiphytic plant has succulent sectioned leaves that curve downwards and produce fuchsia-like flowers at the ends. Flower colours include red, pink, purple, yellow, orange and white. They are indigenous to areas of tropical southeast Brazil where they grow under the canopy of trees in humid, wet conditions. To give them the best, they need similar conditions like in the dappled shade of a tree, on a patio or in a bright room indoors. To care for the Christmas Cactus, give it the following:

Light

When the plants are flowering, they need bright light, but in the dormant stages, they need much darker conditions to rejuvenate. Avoid too much sunlight which may turn the leaves yellow or bleach the colour from them and it may not flower the next season.

Water

Keep moist most of the time, but it can be allowed to dry out between waterings. They are unlike the desert type succulents that need little water. Replicate their tropical origins with lots of water and humidity but also don’t waterlog them. Watering every 2-3 weeks is sufficient.

Soil

Make sure the soil is well-draining by adding drainage materials like 40% perlite or vermiculite to 60% potting soil. Alternatively use a commercial cacti and succulent mix.

Feeding

Feed every 2 weeks with a liquid fertiliser and on alternative weeks give them an extra dose of magnesium by adding 1 teaspoon magnesium sulphate to 5 litres of water.

Maintenance

In spring, the plants can be pruned by taking off a few sections of leaves to encourage new growth and branches. After all, the more branches, the more flowers you have. Deadhead the flowers to get new blooms. Move or cover for frost.

READ MORE: Learn more about Repotting Cactus here