Tips for Christmas cactus care

A Christmas cactus care after and before holiday season should be taken in account. The most popular plant of the holiday is the poinsettia; people usually chose this plant as a gift. With lot of flowers and a healthy appearance will be a nice present for our relatives and friends. The poinsettia will keep its blossoms flowers better in cooler temperatures. It has to be kept away from fireplaces, heat vets and all sort of hot air. The main problem for Christmas cacti is the watering. This plant is a tropical cactus; this plant can store water in the leaves. You have to water it only when you touch the pot and it is dry. For knowing this just touches the half of the pot. Then do not water it again till you feel the pot dry again. It depends on the air temperature the length to water the plant, relative humidity, rate of growth, amount of light and a good Christmas cactus care.

Cacti can adapt to low light but the most light the most flowers they will have. It is recommended to put cacti on a sunny place indoors. Of course in summer they can be placed outdoor but better in a shady location because if it is put under direct sun the leaves will be burned. You should increase gradually the hours indoors of your cacti each day. Like this you slowly adapt the plant to live outdoors.For Christmas cacti it has to be used a mixed of well- drained soil, that is, a part of vermiculite or clean sand and two parts of plain potting soil. You can buy it or prepare yourself, it is easy.

To encourage the plan to branch out, prune the plant after blooming. With a sharp knife or simply with your fingers pinch the stem and remove some sections of each one. Then to propagate new nice plants, you can root these sections in moist vermiculite. If the Christmas cacti have long and uninterrupted periods of darkness they will bloom better and more. This period should be from the beginning of October till holiday season that they will be full of flowers. Remember, if you want to have this plant next year give it some extra care. to have a healthy poinsettia each year, is important a good Christmas cactus care.