With their brightly colored blooms, Christmas cactus are an iconic symbol of the holiday season.
But did you ever wonder if these festive plants could survive outdoors? With the right conditions and proper care, Christmas cactus can thrive outdoors, bringing cheerful color to your garden year-round.
In this article, we’ll cover the types of Christmas cactus, the ideal conditions for outdoor growth, how to prepare and plant your cactus, how to recognize signs of stress in outdoor plants, and how to bring your Christmas cactus safely back indoors.
Let’s get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Christmas cactus can be grown outdoors in areas with mild, humid climates such as USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9-11.
In these climates, the plant can be planted directly in the garden and will often bloom in late fall or early winter.
In any other climates, it should be grown in a container and kept indoors or in a sheltered outdoor space.
This will help protect the plant from extreme temperatures, drought, and other environmental conditions that could damage it.
Types of Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera bridgesii, is a type of epiphytic cactus that is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil.
It typically grows in the crooks of trees, using its aerial roots to attach itself to the bark.
Christmas cactus is known for its beautiful pink, white, and red flowers that bloom in the winter, giving it its name.
There are two main types of Christmas cactus: 1.
The Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) This type of cactus has distinctive pointed leaves and blooms around Thanksgiving time.
2.
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) This type of cactus has wider, more rounded leaves and blooms around Christmas time.
Both types of Christmas cactus can be grown indoors as houseplants, and both require similar care.
However, the Christmas cactus is the type most commonly kept outside in temperate climates.
When grown outdoors, it should be placed in an area with indirect sunlight, such as in the shade of trees or under a lattice.
It should be watered regularly and monitored for signs of pests.
With proper care, the Christmas cactus can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden.
Ideal Conditions for Outdoor Growing
When growing Christmas cacti outdoors, it is important to keep in mind that these plants prefer mild temperatures and indirect sunlight.
They should not be placed in direct sunlight, as this can cause the plant to become sunburned and stressed.
The ideal temperature range for Schlumbergera bridgesii is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with temperatures no lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is also important to note that Christmas cacti need to have adequate drainage, as too much moisture can cause root rot.
When planting in the ground, be sure to choose an area that is not prone to standing water.
If youre planting in a container, opt for a pot with drainage holes to ensure sufficient air and water circulation.
How to Prepare Your Christmas Cactus for Outdoor Growing
If youre looking to bring a bit of festive cheer to your outdoor garden, then growing a Christmas cactus can be a great way to do it.
Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera bridgesii, is usually grown indoors as a houseplant, but can also thrive when kept outside in temperate climates.
When kept outside, these cacti need to be watered regularly and should be monitored for signs of pests.
With proper care, Christmas cactus can be beautiful additions to any outdoor garden.
When preparing to move your Christmas cactus outdoors, its important to keep in mind that these plants need full or partial shade to thrive.
They should not be placed in full sun as this can cause the leaves to burn, and they are more likely to suffer from pests and diseases in full sun.
If youre planting directly in the ground, make sure to prepare the soil with compost and mulch to help retain moisture and provide the plant with nutrients.
If youre using a container, make sure that it has good drainage and is big enough to accommodate the size of your Christmas cactus.
When it comes to watering your Christmas cactus outdoors, its important to remember that these plants are drought-tolerant.
That means that you should only water when the soil is dry to the touch and avoid overwatering.
The frequency of watering will depend on the weather and the amount of sunlight your cactus is receiving, so its important to keep an eye on it and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Its also important to be aware of the temperature when keeping your Christmas cactus outdoors.
If temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the cactus should be brought indoors.
If temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the cactus may suffer from heat stress and should be moved to a spot with more shade.
Finally, its important to inspect your Christmas cactus regularly for signs of pests and diseases.
These can include yellowing leaves, wilted stems, and small bumps on the leaves.
If you notice any of these signs, its important to take action to address the problem before it gets worse.
By following these tips, youll be able to keep your Christmas cactus healthy and happy when its kept outdoors, and enjoy its cheerful blooms all year round.
Planting and Caring for Your Outdoor Christmas Cactus
When planting a Christmas cactus outdoors, it’s important to choose a spot that gets plenty of indirect sunlight.
Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch or even burn.
If possible, choose a spot that is sheltered from strong winds, as these can also cause damage to the delicate leaves.
You can either plant your Christmas cactus directly in the ground or in an outdoor container, but be sure to provide a good draining soil.
When caring for your outdoor Christmas cactus, it’s important to water it regularly, but don’t overwater.
The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
If youre in an area with a dry climate, you may need to water your Christmas cactus more frequently.
Additionally, you should keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites.
If you spot any signs of pests, treat them quickly to prevent damage to your cactus.
If you live in an area where the temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll need to bring your Christmas cactus indoors for the winter months.
Keep it in a bright, sunny spot and water it regularly, but make sure the soil isn’t soggy.
Once the temperatures start to warm up again, you can move your cactus back outside.
With proper care and attention, your outdoor Christmas cactus can be an eye-catching addition to any garden.
Not only will it add a unique and colorful touch, but it will also provide you with a beautiful reminder of the holiday season all year long.
Signs of Stress in Outdoor Christmas Cactus
When caring for an outdoor Christmas cactus, it is important to be aware of signs of stress.
These plants are generally hardy and can survive in a wide range of temperatures, but they may still become stressed if conditions are not ideal.
Common signs of stress in an outdoor Christmas cactus include wilting leaves, yellowing foliage, and stunted growth.
If the leaves of the cactus appear wilted or limp, it is likely that the plant is not getting enough water.
It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, to ensure that the cactus has enough moisture.
If the foliage appears yellow, it could be a sign of too much sunlight.
Christmas cacti prefer indirect sunlight, so it is important to find a spot that is shaded for most of the day.
If the cactus is not growing as much as it should, it may need more nutrients or fertilizer.
A balanced fertilizer can help the cactus get the nutrients it needs to thrive.
It is also important to keep an eye out for pests.
While Christmas cacti are generally pest-resistant, they can still be vulnerable to certain pests such as mealybugs and scale.
If you notice any pests on your cactus, it is important to take action right away to prevent further damage.
Common Pests and Diseases
When it comes to keeping Christmas cactus outdoors, its important to be aware of potential pests and diseases that can affect the plant.
A few of the most common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and nematodes.
These pests can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves of the cactus, and can quickly spread if not treated.
Additionally, the cactus is susceptible to a few diseases, including root rot, powdery mildew, and black spot.
Root rot can cause the roots to become soft and mushy, while powdery mildew can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves.
Black spot is a fungal disease that causes dark spots to appear on the leaves.
In order to keep these pests and diseases at bay, its important to practice good garden hygiene and to monitor your Christmas cactus for signs of distress.
Regularly inspect the leaves for any signs of discoloration or damage, and look out for any new pests or diseases.
If you find any, its important to act quickly to treat the issue before it spreads.
Additionally, make sure to water the cactus consistently and avoid overwatering, as this can increase the risk of root rot.
Bringing Your Christmas Cactus Inside
When bringing your Christmas cactus inside, its important to take the proper precautions.
First, make sure to check for any pests.
These can be difficult to spot, so youll need to use a magnifying glass to look for signs of spider mites, aphids, or mealybugs.
If you find any, use a pesticide thats safe for cacti to treat them.
Next, its important to acclimate the plant to its new environment.
Start by placing it in a cool, dark spot for a few days.
This will help it adjust to the new conditions.
Then, gradually move it to a brighter area.
Once its adjusted, give it a thorough watering and fertilize it with a cactus-specific fertilizer.
Its also important to monitor the temperature when bringing your cactus indoors.
While Christmas cactus can tolerate temperatures down to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, its best to keep it in an environment thats above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
This will help the plant stay healthy and happy.
Finally, make sure to keep the soil moist but not soaked.
Christmas cactus likes to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
Overwatering can lead to root and stem rot, so its important to be careful when watering.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your Christmas cactus will thrive when brought indoors.
With proper care and attention, it can be a beautiful addition to any home or garden.
Final Thoughts
With the right care and attention, Christmas cactus can be a beautiful addition to any outdoor garden.
By taking the time to prepare, plant, and care for your Christmas cactus, you can create a lush environment that will bring joy to your garden.
Make sure to monitor your cactus for signs of stress and pests, and be sure to bring it indoors if temperatures drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
So go ahead and give your outdoor garden a festive touch – you won’t regret it!.