“There’s something wrong with my cactus... I just can’t put my finger on it!”
“Christmas Epiphyte” at Garden Supply Co.
Commonly called a Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter Cactus, this plant is not actually a cactus at all! So, what is this blooming holiday showstopper? And what makes it entirely different from an actual cactus?
Epiphytes
‘Christmas cacti’ should be called ‘Christmas epiphytes!’ Epiphytes are plants which root and attach themselves to other plants and don’t require soil to grow. Think orchids, bromeliads and air plants! Epiphytes grow in humid, tropical climates, shaded from direct sunlight under the canopy of larger trees and foliage. Therefore, these holiday epiphytes actually require an entirely different standard of care from your true cacti.
Cacti
True cacti love an arid, dry climate, full sun and are able to tolerate the harshness of direct light and infrequent access to water. Humid conditions can cause a cacti to rot, whether above or below the soil where roots are shallow and require a well-draining potting medium, like Espoma’s cactus and succulent soil. Dessert living is not preferred for our favorite holiday ‘cactus.’
Christmas cactus care
These special house plants have again come into popularity as an enticing and coveted heirloom plant. Well-cared for, these ‘crab-cactus,’ flowering beauties can grow for decades, making for a wonderful gift passed piece-by-piece or generation-to-generation. Use these tips as a guide towards plant longevity!
Allow filtered sunlight, preferably in an east-facing window, where the plant has a large view of the sky with little direct sunlight (less than 2-3 hours)
Feel the soil and keep potting medium moist but not soaked. If your plant gets too dry, water slowly until all soil is moist and consider aerating the soil with a skewer or chopstick to break up compact soil so it can absorb water again.
Before the bloom season, cover your plant or provide 12 hours of complete darkness each day. Buds will appear in 3-4 weeks, in which case you can move your plant to its 'show spot!’
Your plant may stress but, you don’t have to! If your Christmas cactus suddenly loses its buds, consider the above factors and make strategic changes to your plant’s conditions. Extreme changes in light, temperature or water can cause stress.
Take a picture or bring in your specimen for addition advice or for assistance reporting your precious plant! These holiday cacti are very resilient and can maintain an exuberant appearance for many holidays to come!