One of the plants that begins to be sold in these pre-Christmas dates and that is not as famous as the typical poinsettia (the typical red although it is in different colors), is the Christmas cactus. It is called that, although its scientific name is Schlumbergera X Buckleyi.
It can also be known by other names such as Saint Therese, but it depends as always, on the place where you are. The best known and the one that we will refer to the most, is how the Christmas cactus.
It is a very curious plant, since it is from the cactus family, but it does not puncture. It does not withstand temperature changes or extreme heat (like the rest of cacti) and its beautiful and striking flowers only bloom in the winter. Curious, right?
Instructions
- The Christmas cactus does not resemble him at all neither for aesthetics nor for care, the rest of his “family”. It is even, we could say, one of the most delicate cacti. It does not withstand temperature changes, nor does it carry extreme heat, nor cold … Of course, it is very special with the minimum care it requires. And something that should be known in advance, is that its striking and beautiful flowers, only bloom in winter. A pity, because really, they look for a very short time. But if they are cared for and maintained throughout the year, it blooms again the following year. Therefore, patience is required to care for and maintain this plant.
- In general, this plant to grow it is simple if you know what to do and how. If you observe that at time, as it grows, it takes shape and falls, there is no need to worry. This is because the weight causes it to fall down and is normal. In fact, it can fall down and take that shape where it will be fallen and also at ground level.
- The flowers with their striking colors can be found in different shades: white, red, fuchsia, pink, yellow, with marbled tones, etc.
- In general, this plant is more of an indoor plant. Outside you have to take great care of it due to temperature changes. Both for temperature and for irrigation.
- The type of irrigation will depend on the place where each one is and season of the year. You have to be very careful and even if the plant is inside the home, inside, watering must be careful. Do not wet it excessively, that the water is not stagnant and the leaves even that of the rain, if it falls on it, the flowers and the plant spoil.
- Do not mix the issue of being a kind of cactus, with needing the same type of watering. In this case, it has nothing to do because it is more delicate. If we are in a hot season or a place or country with a lot of heat, we will have to water more often. For example, daily if the weather is very extreme or two or three times a week. The type of water, be careful if you live in a place with water with a lot of lime. Calcareous water does not suit you at all. As we said, the water that is necessary but that does not flood the earth. If this happens, it can rot or die full of fungi.
- The trick: touch the earth. If the soil is very dry, it’s time to water. But very carefully so that it does not get soaked or puddled. If you touch and the soil is wet, it does not need to be watered.
- The thing changes instead, if you are making cuttings and you want the plant to reproduce. In these cases, watering should be more continuous. When the Christmas cactus no longer has flowers, after its flowering, it is convenient or ideal (if it is not in the garden or in a very dry climate) that it is not watered in a few weeks.
- The ideal temperature of the Christmas cactus is temperate and neither severe in heat (from 20 degrees) nor cold, below fifteen degrees.
- Lighting should not be scarce. It needs enough light but yes, it is not direct. That is, if it is placed in the garden outdoors and in full sun, it will burn and its leaves can burn and wither. But inside the home, inside, you have to look for a place that is not dark. So that it develops and grows well. Florican and lighting go hand in hand. You will observe after a few days if the area where you placed your plant is ideal or not. If the leaves and flowers look colorful and vigorous, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you will begin to observe how the leaves lose their intense color, fall off, lose vitality, wrinkle the stems and wither.
- If you manage to have the beautiful and perfect Christmas cactus, you can make it cutting s and you have several options in this regard. On the one hand, it can be done by seeds and on the other hand, by cuttings. The right time to prevent the cuttings or the plant from dying, you will have to do it in spring. Never in winter or summer.
- How are cuttings made? A leaf is cut and with that leaf, another plant can be made. A very common mistake is to cut it and directly plant it. Error. Before planting it again, you have to dry the leaf. When it is cut, it will be wet and you never have to transplant it like this. If it is done directly, it will dry out and rot. Therefore, he will die. It is best to dry it. With leaving it a day or two in the air, on top of a plate or wherever. When dry, it is planted.
- The roots must be very dry so that they do not rot. Beware of moisture, pests, fungi and excess water.
- When having it inside the house, you will also have to be very careful with possible drafts. We say it both in summer (be very careful with where it is placed and the air conditioning and fans) the drafts or direct air can end up drying its leaves too much and directly, kill it. The same if it is in outdoor areas, such as on a terrace or balcony. Protect it from the rain so that it does not break or drown it. With direct heat, such as heating, fireplace, stoves … The same thing happens with air. Be very careful. As a trick in these cases (with heat) and water it but without reaching the extreme and load it, you can water it with sprayers. The water is better if it is warm and throw it through the earth and on top of its leaves. As it is based on spraying it will cool, moisten but not flood.
What You Need
- Christmas cactus plant.
- Water for irrigation that is not calcareous.
Councils
At this time, you can find this the most outstanding plants to decorate, give or decorate, not only the most famous as the Poinsettias (the best known the red) but there are also white, pink, yellow, orange, etc. And the Christmas cactus or also called as Santa Teresa (although this name is less known).
It is a pity that it is a plant whose leaves last so little time, but if you can get the typical Christmas, which is in red and white tones or even with both colors mixed, they are very beautiful and are great to decorate and give away this holiday season.