christmas / thanksgiving cactus schlumbergera succulent red flower Red Christmas Cactus

christmas / thanksgiving cactus schlumbergera succulent red flower Red Christmas CactusRed Christmas Cactus does well in bright and indirect light. These cheery winter flowers brighten indoor spaces and look beautiful when placed in a brightly colored pot. The flowers have brightly colored downward facing petals. *Please note, these holiday cacti fall under the botanical name Schlumbergera buckleyi.* Other common names include False Christmas Cactus or Thanksgiving Cactus. Christmas cactus comes in various colors: yellow, red, white,

Red Christmas Cactus does well in bright and indirect light. These cheery winter flowers brighten indoor spaces and look beautiful when placed in a brightly colored pot. The flowers have brightly colored downward-facing petals. *Please note, these holiday cacti fall under the botanical name Schlumbergera buckleyi.* Other common names include False Christmas Cactus or Thanksgiving Cactus.

Christmas cactus comes in various colors: yellow, red, white, pink, salmon, and bi-color.

Red Christmas Cactus will adapt to low light conditions, but the plant will readily produce blooms if exposed to bright light. The flowers are bright red and appear prolifically when in these conditions and when exposed to room temperatures, anywhere between 65 - 75 degrees F.

The plants do like to stay on the dryer side. Red Christmas Cactus looks fantastic during the holiday season, adding the traditional red color with bright green foliage. The Red Christmas Cactus is also a cute gift for a hostess when attending a party or gathering. They are a great addition to any household because they are easy to care for and add a touch of color.

Light Requirement of Red Christmas Cactus:

The best place for your Christmas cactus to flourish is indoors. Red Christmas Cactus does best with bright indirect to bright direct light. Eastern exposure is ideal. A western window with a curtain works as long as the plant does not receive too much direct light. Too much direct sunlight can burn its leaves, so keep the Christmas Cactus in an appropriate area to avoid this. Protect them from cold drafts and extreme temperatures; 65-75 degrees F is recommended.

Watering Red Christmas Cactus:

Water weekly. Remove plants from any decorative foil wrappers if necessary. Place the pot with drainage holes in the sink so it can drain. After watering, let it sit for five minutes to drain. Depending on how hot and dry the environment is, you may need to water more often. Optimum humidity is 50-60%. Once all flowers are gone, withhold water for up to 6 weeks. Begin watering again when new growth appears.

Fertilizing Red Christmas Cactus:

Do not fertilize your Christmas Cactus while it is in bloom. The blooming period is from the beginning of November through January some as late as May. Once the flowers fade and drop, fertilize with a blooming houseplant fertilizer such as Jack's Classic All Purpose Fertilizer or Jack's Classic Houseplant Fertilizer. Follow the directions on the label. New foliage should begin to appear about six weeks after blooming ceases.

Best Growing Soil for Red Christmas Cactus:

Christmas Cactus Red does best in soil that provides optimum aeration & drainage, with improved moisture retention, such as Espoma Cactus Potting Mix or Espoma Organic African Violet Soil. Any mix that contains sand is best because it is optimal for drainage. Drainage is critical because it helps prevent rotting, a common concern with overwatered cactus plants.

History and introduction of Red Christmas Cactus:

Christmas Cactus, also known as a hybrid Schlumbergera buckleyi, is a member of the family Cactaceae. They are categorized by their flattened stems and are grown for their colorful flowers that bloom indoors. It is native to Brazil and grows in the rainforest, on top of trees or shrubs, or sometimes in shady places among rocks.