How to Grow Christmas Cactus

A Christmas cactus in full bloom is a colorful addition to the holiday season. Given the proper care it will produce beautiful blooms year after year, growing larger and more spectacular as time goes on. It's easy to keep it blooming at just the right time each year when these simple steps are followed.

Instructions

1. Use the right growing medium. The Christmas cactus prefers a soil that is one part coarse sand, one part potting soil and two parts peat. Make sure your pot has proper drainage.

2. Know the cycle. For your Christmas cactus to bloom in December and January, it's important to know what it needs each season and to treat it accordingly. The time to start preparing for the following year is just after it has finished blooming in the current year.

3. Let it rest. After blooming, during the months of February and March, the Christmas cactus should be kept at a temperature of around 55 degrees F and should be watered infrequently.

4. Begin watering regularly. In April and May the plant can be watered thoroughly when the top half of the soil begins to dry out. A weak fertilizer can be applied every two to three weeks.

5. Place outdoors. During the months of June, July and August the Christmas cactus can be placed in a shady spot outdoors. Direct sunlight can damage your plant.

6. Keep it dry, cool and dark. In September and October the plant should be placed in a dark location and returned to cooler temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees F. Give small amounts of water, infrequently.

7. Enjoy the blooms. Buds will begin to appear in November. Water and temperature should be increased, and the plant should be returned to normal amounts of light.