Things You'll Need:
- Christmas cactus
- Water
- Houseplant fertilizer
- Soil for succulent plants
- Sunny window or florescent light
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Step 1
Prune the cactus. When your Christmas cactus finishes blooming for the season, use your fingers or gardening shears to pluck a few pieces from each stem. This will encourage growth and more profuse blooming next year.
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Step 2
Care for your plant differently in the winter. Place your Christmas cactus in a cool spot indoors where it will receive plenty of light. You can make its home near a window or under a florescent light.
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Step 3
Water your Christmas cactus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In spite of its name, the Christmas cactus requires more frequent watering than other types of cacti. Water the plant thoroughly then allow it to drain. Never allow it to sit in water.
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Step 4
Place your Christmas cactus outdoors during the summer months, but keep the pot in a shady spot. Unlike many other cacti, it will not thrive in full sun. Feed it with houseplant fertilizer during the growing season, according to the directions on the package.
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Step 5
Begin moving your Christmas cactus back inside gradually during early October, increasing the number of hours it spends inside a little at a time. At the end of October, begin placing it in a closet or other cool, dark place at night and put it back in its usual spot during the day. These long periods of uninterrupted darkness will prepare it for blooming during the December holidays.
