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The Christmas cactus<\/strong>, sometimes also called the Easter cactus<\/strong> (Schlumbergera bridgessii<\/strong>), is a beautiful winter-flowering houseplant that brings a splash of colour to almost any interior.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This well-known plant is not only easy to care for, but can be easily propagated and, following simple precautions, made to flower continuously.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christmas cactus<\/strong> can be propagated by cutting a small “Y” shaped segment from the tips of the stem. The segment should only be taken from a healthy part of the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plant the cut segment by inserting about a quarter of its length into a slightly sandy potting soil. Moisten the soil evenly and place it in a bright area but away from direct sunlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To generate roots for new plants, cut the shoots from the tips, at the second joint of each plant. The cut part should show signs of growth after a few weeks, after which it can be transferred to another pot, with a mixture of soil, compost and sand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although it does not need special care, a few small precautions are enough to ensure a healthy and abundant flowering of the Christmas cactus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This plant easily adapts to low light conditions, but it will produce more flowers if placed in brighter environments. Caution: Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so place the plant in a well-protected, albeit bright, corner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watering is very important for the Christmas cactus. The plant needs frequent and abundant irrigation during spring and summer, to keep the soil always moist but without stagnant water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Water frequently and dry the potting soil, although never completely. Overwatering can cause roots to rot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christmas cactus prefers temperatures between 15\u00b0C and 21\u00b0C and a medium humidity level. It can be a good idea to place a pebble tray filled with water under the Christmas cactus pot to increase humidity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once the Christmas cactus has finished flowering (usually in the fall), let the plant complete its dormancy cycle by reducing watering frequency and light. Make sure that the plant receives at least 12-14 hours of darkness, and a temperature between 10\u00b0C and 12\u00b0C. Keep the plant away from heat sources (e.g. stoves or radiators) and drafts of cold air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If cared for correctly, the Christmas cactus can surprise us with frequent and unexpected flowering cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share article<\/p>\n\n\n\n Important: This website does not give medical advice, nor does it suggest the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical problems, for which medical advice is required. If you decide to apply the information contained in this site, you do not assume responsibility for it. The intention of the site is to be illustrative, not exhortative or didactic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Christmas cactus, sometimes also called the Easter cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii), is a beautiful winter-flowering houseplant that brings a splash of colour to almost any interior. This well-known plant is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20375,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20374","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-advice"],"yoast_head":"\nHow to care for the Christmas cactus to make it bloom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n