GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Judging from your pictures posted on the Grow with KARE Facebook page, you all are loving your holiday cacti right about now. And for good reason… they are gorgeous!
They are relatively easy to take care of with a few simple tips.
They are not true cacti; they're actually native to the rainforest. High humidity is key for a healthy holiday cactus. Misting the leaves or setting them atop a tray of rocks filled with water can help it through the dry winter months.
Water as you would a regular houseplant when the top 1" of soil is dry,
And speaking of soil, holiday cacti do not like heavy, wet soil. So make sure you have good-quality, loose potting soil.
If you fertilize, do so in the summer months. Your cactus will love a pot outside in the warm weather in a part-shade location. Dappled light under a tree mimics its natural habitat.
Indoors, choose a spot with bright light. A cool location will help to encourage blooms. Mine loves an east-facing bay window in my kitchen.
Stop watering about six weeks before the bloom season. Then, once the flower buds are set, begin to water as normal.
You can tell if you have a Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter cactus by the shape of the leaves.
Truly one of my favorite plants. I hope you enjoy your holiday cactus for years to come!
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