The plant that’s called the Christmas cactus isn’t a cactus at all, it just looks like one, said Michael Payne, University of Tennessee Master Gardener state advocate.
“It’s called a Christmas cactus because of its looks, and it blooms around Christmastime (depending on the variety),” Payne said.
“A friend of mine had a Christmas cactus that he never touched — never watered and never fertilized — but it bloomed every year,” Payne said. “I asked him his secret. He said, ‘neglect.’ “
Payne offers the following tips on caring for a Christmas cactus.
1. Give the plant even moisture during the winter. Place the pot on a plastic saucer with rocks and fill halfway with water.
2. Keep the plant in a sunny window, but out of direct sunlight, which can burn the foliage. Move the plants outside once the outdoor temperature reaches about 65 F. Keep out of direct sunlight.
3. Fertilize two to four times a year. Do not fertilize one month before blooms appear around the end of October. A 10-10-10, 15-15-15, 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer should keep the plant healthy.
4. All Christmas cacti are thermoperiodic, meaning they will bloom about the time day and night are each 12 hours long and the temperature is 50 to 60 F. Place the plant where it receives indirect sunlight during the day and 12 hours total darkness at night. Place in a cool location (like a garage) for several weeks, and it should bloom at the holidays.
5. After the plant blooms, cut back the growth on each plant to promote additional branching and to make it a much larger plant next year. Use the cuttings to make new plants by rooting in water and then placing into small pots with potting soil.