Care tips for a thriving and blooming Christmas cactus

The Christmas cactus, also known as the zygocactus or holiday cactus, brings a festive atmosphere to interiors. Its vibrant flowers often adorn homes during the winter months when other plants are dormant.

Despite appearances, cultivating a Christmas cactus doesn't have to be challenging. If given the proper care, this plant can adapt well to home conditions. Understanding its requirements and avoiding common mistakes is key to helping it flower successfully.

Choosing the right spot is the first step in growing a Christmas cactus. This plant doesn't tolerate direct sunlight well, as it can damage its delicate leaves. An ideal location is bright with diffused light. The surrounding temperature should be between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius (64 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Too high a temperature can negatively impact its ability to bloom and may even cause buds to drop.

Humidity is another important factor when growing a Christmas cactus. The plant thrives in humid conditions, so investing in a humidifier or regularly misting its leaves is beneficial. Proper humidity can support flowering and help maintain the plant's healthy appearance.

Watering a Christmas cactus is straightforward. This plant doesn't tolerate overwatering, so keeping the soil moderately moist and not waterlogged is essential. During its flowering phase, it's best to water the Christmas cactus once a week with a small amount of water, and outside this period, every two weeks should suffice. If the leaves become wrinkled, it's a sign that it needs water.

Although the Christmas cactus is relatively easy to care for, it sometimes doesn't bloom. What could be the cause?

1. Improper lighting: The Christmas cactus doesn't like direct sunlight, which can harm its leaves. It thrives in bright, yet diffused, light.
2. Ambient temperature: High temperatures above 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) or sudden temperature changes can affect blooming. Optimal conditions are moderate temperatures around 18-21 degrees Celsius (64-70 degrees Fahrenheit).
3. Overly wet or dry soil: The Christmas cactus requires moderately moist soil. Waterlogged or dried-out soil can lead to bud drop.
4. Moving the plant: Moving the Christmas cactus, especially before it blooms, can cause buds to drop. The plant doesn't like to be moved and should be protected from drafts.

What to do to make the Christmas cactus bloom? Above all, provide the plant with the right conditions. Ensure it has the correct temperature and proper soil moisture in the pot. Once you notice flower buds, refrain from moving the Christmas cactus, as this can cause bud drop. When the buds appear, gently fertilize the plant. A homemade banana fertilizer works perfectly for this. The recipe is simple—just pour hot water over chopped bananas (including the peel) and leave it for two days. After this time, use the mixture to fertilize the Christmas cactus and other potted plants.

You can also use black tea. It contains tannins that benefit plants and stimulate flowering. Simply brew the tea, dilute it with water, and water the plant with the solution once a week.