how much heat can a christmas cactus take
Generally, most cacti plants will do well when kept in temperatures between 45oF -85oF (7oC-29oC). But first, let’s understand some facts about the Christmas cactus. Most of these would bloom at the slightest sign of rain, giving the otherwise flat and arid land some rare ambiance and color. Keep in mind that extremely high temperatures can cause severe harm to your plants. During the hot summer season, a combination of extremely high temperatures and full sun exposure can cause sunburn to your cacti plants damaging the spines, stem, and root system. But during the flowering season, it is crucial to keep the soil evenly moist by misting it frequently. As direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves of the plant and stunt growth, placing the plant near East or North-facing windows are the best solutions. You should avoid positioning the cacti in some places like the living room or your kitchen, There are several common reasons why a cactus might be dying: overwatering or underwatering, getting less or more sunlight than required, and using a soil that cannot drain properly. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) Schlumbergera truncata and S. × buckleyi are the two species of epiphytic cacti that are both commonly known as Christmas cactus.So called because they flower from late November to late January, they give a wonderful Christmas display or are an ideal Christmas gift. Christmas cactus requires moderately warm temperatures during its active growing season, which lasts from spring, after flowering is complete, until late summer when the plant begins to prepare for the next flowering season. Even in normal temperatures, you can still achieve excellent colors as long as you water your plants properly and provide them with the right type and amount of fertilizer. The desert is an amazing place to explore and discover and what some people don’t know is that many of the unique plants found in the desert can also be grown in your home or office. However, this is only feasible if the plant is potted, and the size of the container is physically possible to move. Don't expose the plant to freezing temperatures. Furthermore, if you can manage to catch the problem before the epidermis is scorched, then you might be able to save the poor plant. There are a plethora of benefits to having a cactus at home, helping to improve both your physical and mental condition, Just like any other plant, cacti need nutrients to help them grow and thrive. During the relatively dormant months in fall and winter, anything between 45oF and 55oF will do fine. Some cacti species are well adapted to do well in full sunlight and will tolerate extreme heat conditions whereas others will need full protection from intense heat. Keep your Christmas cactus cool. Be sure to spray and treat your cacti plants if they show any signs of diseases or bug infestation. There are over 35 cacti species in the Rhipsalis genus with one of the most common ones being the Rhipsalis baccifera (mistletoe cactus). In other words, Christmas cactus does not exist naturally in the wild. While cacti plants are known to be drought-tolerant plants, it doesn’t necessarily mean they love excessive heat. It is still on the smallish size and I can get it to fill a pot much more quickly by taking a piece from it, … But unlike desert cactuses, the Christmas cactus won't tolerate the intense full summer sun. This will generally go away with time, or your cactus plant will revert to its original color if you move it to a much cooler environment. After flowering, move to a cool room (around 12°C) for two months, and reduce watering. However, a majority of cacti species need warm weather to survive. This means that it will go into a stage where it won’t be growing for some time. These small house plants are one of the most popular African succulents among indoor gardeners because they are easy to grow and great to look at. Here are a few tips to help you: Obviously, the first thing you need to do to rescue your plant from any further damage is to get it out of the hot sun. Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and more! How Long Can A Cactus Survive Without Water? However, with time, you will start learning about the water requirements of your plant, and you will be able to tell if you are overwatering it, Many people prefer keeping cacti as a houseplant because they are low-maintenance and easy to care for. It’s a good idea to keep them out of heavy traffic areas to avoid bruising. 7 health benefits of having cactus in your house, Cactus Care: 11 Essential Tips For Beginners, Here are 10 amazing desert plants with flowers. direct sunlight can cause burns on the leaves, 5 Easy Ways How to Protect Cactus from Frost, 5 Ways to Keep Trachyandra Plants Healthy and Happy, 4 Ionantha Air Plant Care Tips to Keep Them Happy, How to Grow Adenium from Seeds: 5 Tips to Successful Germination, How to Grow Aloe Vera from Seed the Right Way, Preferably in East or North-facing windows, If in South or West-facing window, diffuse the light with semi-transparent curtains or some other light-diffusing device. These five amazing plants will give your indoor space a refreshing look with extremely low maintenance, Proper watering is vital as it helps in cell production, blooming, and fruiting. In this post, we discuss the optimal temperatures ideal for growing cacti plants, how to take care of your plants during the hot summer season, and how to know if your plants have been exposed to excessive heat. Keep them out of drafts and away from heating vents or other heat sources. It doesn’t matter even if you have to move it in and out every day; your primary objective is to save it. Christmas Cactus | Click here to purchase In summers, the temperature can be from According to SF Gate, you can also fertilize your plant with 1/2 teaspoon of 20-20-20, water-soluble fertilizer per 1 gallon of water, monthly from April to September. Just remember to bring the plant inside when the temperatures start to drop towards 50F. If you notice any yellowing or shriveling on your cactus and it is still exposed to full sunlight, move it indoors or to shade. Carefully check for bugs and ants that may cause more harm than what the sun has already done. The flowers come in colors of purple, pink, yellow, red, or white, and blooms at various times throughout the year. If you have moved your plants to a shady area, but they are still experiencing hot temperatures, you may notice a yellow/golden color start to appear. Christmas Cactus Basic Care If you’re keeping the Christmas cactus indoors with not enough sunlight, it is recommended to use a grow light. But if it’s in a South or West-facing window, diffuse the light with semi-transparent curtains or some other light-diffusing device. My Cactus Is Dying! The only thing you can do to salvage the situation is to cut off the areas that have started turning dry and black. Plants should bloom in about 6 weeks. When your plants are getting the right amount of sunlight, they will often change colors or “blush” which is a beautiful transformation to see. The ideal level is around 50-60% and if you are close to that, your plant will grow fine. Well, the amount of heat that a cactus plant can tolerate will depend on its species. The Christmas cactus is one of the rare plants that bloom near Christmas, so it takes a bit of care to ensure that blooms do occur. They are native to the coastal mountains of South East Brazil. Most of us know that a desert is a harsh environment, but how is the cactus adapted to the desert? Avoid metallic and glass containers. Not all cacti species need bright and direct sunlight to survive. Christmas cacti will reflower every year with the right care. These materials include ceramic, terracotta, wood, and concrete. With time, you may begin to notice pale or white patches on the stems and spines. During these months watering can be reduced to every 14 to 21 days typically (again only watering once the soil base has had an opportunity to dry a little before re-watering)," Gaumond says. The amount of heat that a cactus plant can tolerate will depend on its species. On the other hand, some cacti species, especially those from genus mammillaria prefer bright light but are also fine with partial exposure to direct sunlight. Therefore, make sure you transfer them to shade for a few hours every day of the hot season. When the Christmas cactus light requirements are not met, the most common issue is dropping buds and leaves. Christmas cactus moisture is … If you must plant your cacti in containers, go for container materials that are great at insulating your cacti plants against sudden fluctuations in temperature. If your Christmas cactus doesn’t bloom, it is most likely due to the amount of light it’s receiving or the temperature. Full direct sun will give the plant severe sunburn. Take 1 teaspoon of the salt and mix it in 1 gallon of water once a month from early April through early September. Some cacti species are well adapted to do well in full sunlight and will tolerate extreme heat conditions whereas others will need full protection from intense heat. While some thrive in extreme heat conditions, other species may need protection from the intense heat, Origin of the word cactus, cactus can store water, and able to live for 200 years! Although the Christmas cactus is able to adjust to low light conditions, it thrives and blooms more readily in bright and indirect light. Plants should be blooming for the … Too much heat or light can burn its leaves and stunt its growth. So, you’re a cactus person? cacti plants have developed unique features that help them go for longer periods without water. Take It Outside In springtime, you can take your Christmas cactus outside in its pot as long as day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. While its scientific name is Schlumbergera bridgesii (try saying that five times fast), it’s also known as a Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus, and orchid cactus. The sad thing is that this damage is irreversible. After all, we can all agree that the Christmas cactus looks superbly beautiful when it’s in full bloom. As fall approaches and temperatures begin to drop, take your cactus indoors. One hack to reboot your Christmas cactus is through using Epsom salt. Instead, this group of cacti plants prefers shade since they have their natural habitat in the tropical rainforests. If placed outdoors in summer, be sure to keep the plants in shady areas. Temperatures below this point can lead to severe irreversible damage to your plants. Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgesii) is a genus of cactus plants that have about 6-9 species. In fact, the Christmas cactus has needs similar to a succulent. Temperature: The optimal temperature for your Christmas cactus is between 15˚C to 21˚C (60˚F to … Perfect nighttime temperatures range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 C.). Like any other living thing, there are a lot of factors that come into play with the amount of heat that these plants will tolerate. Otherwise, you can obtain a separate automatic timer to go with your grow light.