Christmas Cactus Plant

thanksgiving cactus is also commonly called the holiday or crab cactus. it grows best in light shade. full sunlight is beneficial in midwinter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow. ideal growth occurs at temperatures between 70° and 80° f during its growing season from april to september. do not let temperatures rise above 90° f once the flower buds are set in the fall. continuous warm temperatures can cause flower buds to drop.

the secret of good flower bud production involves temperature and dark (photoperiod) control. for best flowering provide 1) bright light, 2) night temperatures between 55° and 65° f, and 3) long nights – thirteen hours or more of continuous darkness each day is required before flowering will occur. long nights should be started about the middle of september and continued for eight weeks.

water the growing medium when it is dry to the touch. the holiday cactus is tolerant of dry, slightly under-watered conditions. do not let the soil become waterlogged, especially during the dark days of winter. do not let the soil dry out either. reduce watering from fall through spring. fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-quarter strength soluble fertilizer. reduce fertilizer during the fall and early winter.