Can Christmas Cactus Be Outside? A Comprehensive Guide
Can Christmas Cactus Be Outside?
Yes, Christmas cactus can be placed outside in warm climates (USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above) but should be planted in a container or hanging basket.
In cooler climates, it is best to bring the Christmas cactus indoors when temperatures fall below 50 F (10 C).
It is important to use a well-drained potting medium and choose a location in light shade or early morning sun for outdoor growth in warmer climates.
Maintaining temperatures of 70-80 F (21-27 C) is ideal.
Sudden changes in light and temperature should be avoided to prevent bud dropping.
Watering should be done when the soil is dry but not bone dry, and overwatering in winter should be avoided to prevent rot.
Regular inspections for pests and pruning in early summer promote healthy growth.
Key Points:
- Christmas cactus can be placed outside in warm climates (zones 9 and above) in a container or hanging basket.
- In cooler climates, bring the Christmas cactus indoors when temperatures drop below 50 F (10 C).
- Choose a location in light shade or early morning sun for outdoor growth in warmer climates.
- Maintain temperatures of 70-80 F (21-27 C) for ideal growth.
- Avoid sudden changes in light and temperature to prevent bud dropping.
- Water when the soil is dry but not bone dry, and avoid overwatering in winter to prevent rot.
- Regularly inspect for pests and prune in early summer for healthy growth.
Did You Know?
1. Christmas cacti, also known as Schlumbergera, are native to the coastal mountains of Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes, meaning they attach themselves to trees and other plants without taking nutrients from them.
2. Contrary to its name, the Christmas cactus is not actually a cactus. It belongs to the family Cactaceae, but unlike most cacti, it does not thrive in arid environments and prefers the humid conditions found in its native Brazil.
3. If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom in time for the holidays, it requires a period of darkness for about 12-14 hours every night for about six weeks leading up to the desired bloom time. This mimics the shorter days of the winter season and encourages the plant to flower.
4. Christmas cacti can live for many decades if cared for properly. There have been reports of these plants surviving and thriving for over 100 years! With the right conditions and care, these long-lasting plants can become treasured family heirlooms.
5. Christmas cacti are known for their ability to adapt and propagate easily. If you have a healthy plant, you can propagate it by taking a few segments, allowing them to dry for a day or two, and then planting them in a well-draining potting mix. With patience and care, you can create beautiful gifts for your loved ones by sharing the joy of your own Christmas cactus.
Growing Christmas Cactus Outside In Warm Climates (USDA Zones 9 And Above)
The Christmas cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera, is a popular plant associated with the festive season. While many people keep their Christmas cacti indoors as houseplants, they can also be successfully grown outside in warm climates. If you reside in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 and above, you can enjoy the beauty of these plants in your outdoor garden.
To ensure optimal growth, choose a location that provides light shade or early morning sun for your Christmas cactus. Direct sunlight can be too intense for these plants. The ideal temperature range for Christmas cacti is between 70-80 F (21-27 C). Be cautious of sudden changes in light and temperature, as they can cause the cactus to drop its buds.
When planting your Christmas cactus outside, use a well-drained potting medium to prevent water from accumulating around the roots and causing root rot. Water the plant when the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering, especially in winter, to prevent rot. Regularly inspect your cactus for common pests such as mealybugs, aphids, scale, and mites.
Tips For Container Growing In Cool Climates
If you live in a cool climate and can’t grow your Christmas cactus outdoors year-round, container growing is an excellent option. Keeping your cactus in a container or hanging basket allows you to bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 50 F (10 C), ensuring that you can still enjoy its beauty even in colder regions.
When choosing a pot for your container-grown Christmas cactus, make sure it has drainage holes. This is crucial to prevent waterlogging and root rot. Fill the pot with a potting blend rich in humus, and add drainage material like gravel or broken pottery at the bottom. Place the container in an area that receives morning sun or dappled sunlight during the growing season.
To ensure the health of your container-grown Christmas cactus, water it when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Additionally, feed the plant every two weeks with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. When temperatures rise above 50 F (10 C), gradually expose your cactus to outdoor conditions. Begin with one hour of outdoor exposure, and slowly increase the duration over a period of one week to ten days.
Ideal Conditions For Outdoor Growth In Warmer Climates
For gardeners in warmer climates, growing Christmas cacti outdoors can be a rewarding experience. In USDA Zones 10-12, where mild winters prevail, these plants can thrive with proper care and the right conditions. Partial sun or shade, along with moderate summer temperatures and mild winters, are ideal for outdoor growth.
When planting your Christmas cactus in the garden, choose a location that offers light shade or early morning sun. The soil should be humus-rich, slightly acidic, and well-drained. Adding organic matter such as compost can improve the soil’s fertility and drainage. Regular watering is necessary, but ensure that the top two inches of soil dry out between applications to avoid overwatering.
Pruning is an important aspect of promoting bushy growth and encouraging more flowers. In early summer, remove two or three segments from the plant. This stimulates branching and results in a fuller, more robust cactus. For larger plants, you can remove up to one-third of the overall growth to reduce their size. Trimmings can be rooted as cuttings to create new plants.
Pruning Guidelines For Bushy Growth And More Flowers
Pruning your Christmas cactus is essential for maintaining its shape, promoting bushiness, and encouraging more flowers. It is recommended to prune right after the plant has finished flowering or within four weeks afterward. This allows the cactus to recover and produce new stems before the next blooming season.
When pruning, use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to make precise cuts. Remove two or three segments from the plant to stimulate branching and promote bushy growth. Pruning can be more extensive for larger plants, with up to one-third of the overall growth being removed to reduce the size.
Additionally, the trimmings can be rooted as cuttings to produce new plants. To propagate from cuttings, allow the ends to dry for a few days before placing them in a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until roots develop.
- Prune right after flowering or within four weeks afterward
- Use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears for precise cuts
- Remove two or three segments to stimulate branching and promote bushy growth
- Pruning can be more extensive for larger plants, removing up to one-third of overall growth
- Trimings can be rooted as cuttings to produce new plants
- Allow cuttings to dry for a few days before planting in well-drained potting mix
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged until roots develop.
Note: Pruning your Christmas cactus is important for its health and appearance. By following these techniques, you can maintain a well-shaped cactus with abundant flowers.
Care Tips For Container Plants During Growing Season And Winter
Container gardening provides flexibility for growing Christmas cacti in cool climates or indoors year-round. Proper care is crucial for the cactus’s health and longevity.
During the growing season:
- Place container plants in a location with morning sun or dappled sunlight.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks at half-strength.
- Gradually acclimate to outdoor conditions when temperatures rise above 50 F (10 C).
As winter approaches:
- Bring container plants indoors.
- Check for pests and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
- Allow the plant to dry out before moving it to its winter location to prevent rot.
Indoors:
- Avoid cool drafts and warm air from heaters to prevent bud dropping.
- Control pests with appropriate treatments for mealybugs, aphids, mites, and scale.
- Reduce watering and let the top two inches of soil dry out between applications to prevent rot and wilt.
With proper care, Christmas cacti can thrive outdoors or in containers. Follow these guidelines for healthy and vibrant plants throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a Christmas cactus outside in the summer?
Yes, it is possible to put a Christmas cactus outside during the summer months. Christmas cacti thrive in the increased humidity during this time and can be placed in a shady spot, such as hanging them among the branches of a tree to create a pleasant surprise in your landscape. However, it is crucial to ensure that the pots do not sit in water after heavy rainfall to prevent root rot.
Can Christmas cactus be in full sunlight?
Christmas cacti prefer bright indirect to medium indirect light and are not well-suited for prolonged exposure to intense, direct sunlight. While they require a certain level of brightness, extended periods of lower light in the early fall can actually benefit the plant by promoting future winter blooms. Therefore, placing a Christmas cactus in full sunlight may cause sunburn or damage to the plant, compromising its overall health and blooming potential. It’s best to provide these cacti with the appropriate amount of indirect light to ensure their optimal growth and vibrant blooms.
Is it OK to put cactus outside?
Absolutely! It is perfectly fine to place cactus plants outside, as long as they receive ample sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil. Most cacti species thrive in full sun, so placing them outdoors allows them to soak up the sunlight they require. Additionally, cacti prefer soil that drains quickly, so make sure to use a well-draining potting mix or add perlite to the soil if planting them in the ground. By providing these conditions, you can create an ideal environment for your cacti to flourish in your outdoor landscape.
What 2 things trigger a Christmas cactus to bloom?
In order to trigger a Christmas cactus to bloom, two key factors come into play. Firstly, cooler temperatures are essential as the cacti require a shift away from warmth to initiate the blooming process. Secondly, the cacti are short-day plants, meaning that they rely on long dark cool nights. To set flower buds, they need a consistent duration of 14-16 hours of darkness along with 8 hours of daylight for a period of 3-6 weeks. Therefore, it is the combination of both cooler temperatures and long nights that acts as the catalyst for a Christmas cactus to bloom, creating a mesmerizing display of vibrant flowers.