Do your cactus’ leaves fall before blooming? Here is the most common reason why

It is pretty common to grow the real Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera Buckleyi) or the “fake” Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). These plants are very similar and they have the same needs. If you want to grow either of them you should know what they are.

The Christmas cactus comes from the rainforest and mountainous regions of Brazil and lives for about ten years. It forms star-shaped flowers that are usually red or pink. The Schlumbergera genus includes only about six species, but because these plants are very popular, botanists have bred many hybrids that produce different colours and sizes.

How to choose the right Christmas cactus

The offer is wide, and in addition to original colours, you can choose a plant with white and golden flowers. Nice, but if you want your Christmas cactus bloom, you must not cut it, transplant it or turn the pot.

Photo: Pixabay

Growing requirements

Christmas cactus requires shade and you should place it on a north window. It hates direct sun and would not bloom if the sun is shining on it. It also needs an adequate temperature which should range from 12 and 22 °C. Pay attention to air humidity, which should be at least 50%. If you cannot provide the right air humidity, sprinkle your cactus with water mist few times a week.

Christmas cactus growing mistakes

Do not wet flowers and make sure to provide a nutritious and well-drained substrate, which must contain peat, moor soil and humus. Only water Christmas cactus once every 10 days and use soft water that has been sitting for a while.

A trick to make the Christmas cactus bloom

A little tip. Do not rotate the pot to make it bloom better. Anyone who wants to support nice flowers should observe this tip.

Preview photo: Pixabay

Source: https://abecedazahrady.dama.cz/clanek/jak-pestovat-vanocni-kaktus, https://www.zahradajezek.cz/jezkuv-tydenik/kvetiny-pro-kouzelne-vanoce-12/