Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii ) produces red , pinkish , lavender or peach salad days during the winter month when the temperatures are right-hand for level-headed growth . This tropical cactus can only produce oudtoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 11 and 12 , so it ’s most often grow as a houseplant . Although it ca n’t suffer cold , it performs best in the wintertime in cooler temperatures .
Step 1
Christmas cactus requires moderately warm temperatures during its dynamic growing time of year , which endure from spring , after flowering is complete , until late summer when the plant begins to prepare for the next flowering time of year . keep temperatures between 70 and 80 level Fahrenheit . Although you could place the plant life outside during the summertime , avoid setting it out if temperatures are below 50 F. Place the cactus in an area with bright but collateral sunlight , because direct light can scorch the plant .
Fall Temperatures
Although the Christmas cactus responds advantageously to lower temperature in spill when it ’s begin to lay out flower bud , it still can not tolerate temperatures lower than 50 F. Buds wo n’t mold if the temperature is too high or if the works receive too much light . Maintaining temperature between 60 and 68 F while providing 14 hours of complete darkness every night for six week , beginning in mid - September , help ensure the maximal amount of flowers during the winter blooming season . Maintain the lower temperatures through wintertime to help oneself the bloom persist as long as potential .
Forcing Flowering
If infrangible darkness each eve is n’t possible , you may use lower temperature to force bud geological formation . bring home the bacon the cactus with as much darkness as possible , but keep it in a continuously coolheaded touch . The cactus will form flower bud if temperatures persist between 50 and 59 F , but avoid lower temperature as these may damage or kill the cactus . The cactus may not form as many buds with this method acting as with moderate hour of dark .
Step 2
Temperature Problems
temperature above 90 F can harm Christmas cactus , specially when flower bud are forming . The buds drop off in high temperatures , so fend off placing the cactus in overly warm , sunny spots or near heat vents . Temperatures below 50 F also induce bud drop and slow up down the cactus growth . Prolonged period of less than 50 F may finally damage or kill the plant . freeze out temperatures will normally kill a Christmas cactus .
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