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1. When does the Christmas cactus bloom?
The Cacraceae can have different flowering periods, but what characterizes the Christmas cactus is the fact that its flowers bloom just as the end-of-year holidays approach, hence the name of this wild plant from Brazil and other parts of Latin America that was imported to Europe as a houseplant.
You can admire the flowers of the Christmas cactus between December and January. Their colors can range from pink to red and from purple to reddish-purple. To prevent the flower buds from wilting before they open, the Christmas cactus must be carefully kept away from drafts and heat sources. Therefore, the Christmas cactus should not be placed near a frequently opened door or too close to a fireplace, stove, or radiator.
2. Where to place it?
The ideal temperature for the indoor Christmas cactus is 20°C. To prolong the cactus’s flowering during the winter, you should place it in a bright room. Later in the summer, the Christmas cactus can be placed outdoors in a partially shaded position, so that excessive exposure to direct sunlight does not cause leaf burn. In autumn, from the beginning of September, the plant can be moved indoors. The reduced daylight hours and its exposure to sunlight may delay its flowering until the Christmas period.
One of the perfect places to keep Christmas cactus in your home during December and January is on the inside of a windowsill, so the flowers can take advantage of the daylight to flourish during the winter.
The elevated position of the plant is essential if you have pets such as dogs or cats. Ingesting certain parts of the plant can cause diarrhea or vomiting in pets. Therefore, it should be placed so that pets cannot easily reach it. If any problems occur, consult a veterinarian immediately.
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