More often than not, when a customer comes in talking about their Christmas cactus, it is accompanied by a story. They tell us about when they got it, the person who gave it to them, and how old it is. Maybe it was from their mother, or their friend, but it always seems to be a plant they’ve had forever. The Christmas cactus is the type of plant people seem to have around for years, if not lifetimes. If you’ve ever wondered why it is called the Christmas cactus, it is because it generally blooms just in time for Christmas.
Despite their cactus name, these plants are epiphytes and actually prefer a more humid environment to thrive. Hailing from the rain forest, these Brazilian beauties grow on trees and acquire quite a bit of dew, which is why they love to be misted. They need to be kept quite a bit moister than your traditional cactus plant.
If you are looking for an alternative to flowers as a hostess gift for all those Holiday gatherings, consider a Christmas cactus as a creative gesture!
Quick Facts about the Christmas Cactus:
- Water once the first inch of soil is dry.
- These plants are not your typical cacti that like to be watered once the plant has completely dried out.
- In addition to fully watering your Christmas Cactus, consider misting your plant (especially when it’s in bloom).
- These plants love a lot bright indirect sunlight.
- They can tolerate some direct sunlight as well, especially in winter.
- In summer, you can set your cactus outside in a shaded area. The cooler, darker conditions help it achieve dormancy, which helps it to bloom again in winter.
- Alternatively, sticking it in a darker, cooler area of your home also works!
- The ASPCA considers the Christmas Cactus non-toxic to cats and dogs.