Many of us will receive poinsettias or mistletoe at Christmas, but because you live in the Sonoran Desert, you just might receive a Christmas cactus instead.
Did you know they are native to the beaches of Brazil? These seasonal succulents live on trees and rocks and like high humidity, unlike our weather. Let me tell you what it’s like to be a thriving Christmas cactus.
We are true succulents that can grow branches up to 3 feet long. At the end of those branches will be a flower of pink, red, white or yellow, though most of us have purplish-red flowers — yellow is the rarest color.
When you receive me, keep me in the pot I came in. Place me in a spot that will get plenty of light — indirect light is OK, but during my blooming season, I like brighter lights. I like temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees with no drafts, please (we are delicate, you know).
Water? Yes, please! I am not like my desert cacti cousins — I like moist soil, not dry. When you check my soil and find it is dry to the touch, it is time for some water. In the heat of your spring and summer, I will need to be watered more often. Be careful not to give me too much water as it can cause root rot and boy do I stink when that happens. I also appreciate a good misting every day.
Like you, I need nourishment, so a good indoor liquid plant or cacti fertilizer once a month will keep my inners working (not too rich now). Be sure you keep a regular schedule of watering and fertilizing because I do like consistency.
Once I finish blooming, close to springtime, it will be time to repot me. Be sure to use a planter that is bigger than I am, so I can grow a bit. My favorite soil mixture is a combination of sand and peat moss that allows my roots to drain properly, or I could get “constipated.” I really like crowded roots but be sure there is good drainage, or I could develop that dreaded root rot.
I do not like spider mites, mealy bugs, fungus gnats or scale insects. Use houseplant insecticide to get rid of those nasty little things. They make me itch just thinking about them.
If you want me to bloom again next Christmas, stop the fertilizer and rotate me for 12 hours of light and darkness starting in October. When in the dark, please be sure the temperature is around 55 degrees. Once I start to show buds at the ends of my branches, I can go back to living in light.
I really am looking forward to living and thriving in your home.
Cheryl Purvis is a Pinal County Master Gardener.
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