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A Christmas cactus has an exceptional longevity! It can last 20 to 25 years with proper care. Incredible, isn’t it? And just because it no longer has flowers doesn’t mean you should throw it away.
– After flowering, water about every 10 days. – Fertilize it every year after flowering and until the end of summer. – Repot the cactus about every 3 years in a slightly larger pot.
– Choose a well-draining mix of potting soil and sand. Like all cacti, it hates having its feet in water. – Don’t move it too much. Once it likes a spot, don’t move it.
– In summer, if the weather is warm enough, place the cactus outside. It loves shady, draft-free spots.
– Check its leaves regularly. Like many succulents, this cactus is prone to mealybugs. As soon as you see any, remove them immediately.
Can you take cuttings from a Christmas cactus?
Detach a section of leaf from the cactus where it narrows, as shown in the photo above. Then, place it in a glass of water to allow it to root. Roots will emerge from the cut leaf in two to three weeks. Finally, plant the leaf in the ground in the spring and care for it like a normal cactus.
What kind of plant is a Christmas cactus, anyway?
Its branches droop, and at each end, a trumpet-shaped flower forms once a year. It’s a plant that’s really easy to care for, as it requires little attention and little water. The only downside: the flowers are very fragile and break easily.
Therefore, do not move the cactus when it is in bloom. This plant loves mild temperatures. Do not take it outside below 10°C. However, do not place it on a radiator either.
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