The Lavender Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) is a popular houseplant, known for its unique soft purple or lavender blooms. This tropical succulent typically flowers between late November and late January, making it a favorite during the holiday season. Its trailing, segmented stems add to its appeal.
Essential Care for Lavender Christmas Cactus
Light Needs
The Lavender Christmas Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light, mimicking its natural rainforest habitat. An east or west-facing window is ideal, providing 4-6 hours of filtered sunlight daily. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially in hotter months, can scorch its leaves.
Watering Practices
Proper watering is important for Christmas Cactus health; it prefers moist but not soggy soil. Use the “soak and dry” method: water thoroughly until drainage, then let the top inch or two of soil dry before rewatering. Overwatering causes root rot. Watering frequency varies seasonally, with more water needed during spring and summer growth, and less in fall and winter.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix is necessary. Standard potting soil is often too dense and retains too much moisture. An ideal mix combines houseplant potting soil with perlite, vermiculite, or sand for better drainage. The optimal soil pH ranges between 5.5 and 6.2.
Temperature and Humidity
Christmas cacti prefer moderate temperatures, between 60-70°F (15-21°C). They are sensitive to extreme changes, so keep them away from drafts, heating vents, and frequently opened windows. High humidity is also important, especially in dry indoor environments during winter. Increase humidity with pebble trays or a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During spring and summer growth, a Christmas Cactus benefits from regular fertilization. A balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, applied monthly is suitable. Stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall to prepare the plant for its blooming cycle. Over-fertilization can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, damaging roots and plant health.
Encouraging Abundant Blooms
To encourage abundant blooms, the Lavender Christmas Cactus needs specific light and temperature triggers. Starting in late September or early October, provide 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness for six to eight weeks. This mimics shorter days, signaling bud formation; even brief light interruptions can hinder development.
Cooler temperatures are also important for flowering, with nighttime temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C) and daytime around 60-70°F (15-21°C). Slightly reduce watering during this time. Once flower buds form, the plant can be moved to its display location.
Propagating Your Lavender Christmas Cactus
Propagating a Lavender Christmas Cactus is straightforward using stem segment cuttings. The best time is late spring to early summer, after blooming. To take a cutting, gently twist or cut a stem section of one to four flattened segments. Select healthy, young tissue for better rooting.
After taking cuttings, allow them to “callus” for at least 24 hours, or up to two to three days. This prevents rot. Once callused, plant cuttings about one inch deep in a well-draining soil mix, such as sandy potting soil or a cactus mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not saturated, and place them in bright, indirect light. Roots form within weeks, and new growth indicates establishment.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Several common issues can affect a Lavender Christmas Cactus’s health and blooming. Dropping buds or flowers can result from sudden changes in light, humidity, or temperature, or from overwatering or underwatering. If moved, the plant may drop buds while adjusting. Consistent conditions and proper watering prevent this.
Wilting or limp stems indicate overwatering (leading to root rot) or insufficient watering. If soil is soggy, root rot is likely, requiring repotting into drier soil after trimming rotten roots. If soil is too dry, thorough watering revives it.
A lack of blooms is due to insufficient dark periods or incorrect temperature and watering. Ensuring 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness and cooler fall temperatures is important for flowering.
Pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats can affect Christmas cacti. Signs include yellow or mottled foliage, visible insects, or webbing, often treatable with insecticidal soap or neem oil.