1 week Ago By Sophie Harris
The Christmas cactus houseplant comes in various different colours, providing homes with a pop of colour throughout the winter months. Whilst they are known to be low maintenance, they may require a little extra care throughout the winter months. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.
co.uk said: “There are some fantastically festive plants and flowers which are easy to care for during the chillier months and will add the spirit of Christmas to any room. “The Christmas cactus has nothing to do with the Christmas tradition or the story of Christ’s birth, but they are easy to maintain during the cooler months.
“They look amazing too, flowering from late November all the way to late January. “They will live happily in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.” These locations are perfect for the plant because they help to mimic their natural environments.
Direct sunlight can cause the plant to burn, even in winter, so make sure to keep it in indirect light. Bright light such as a windowsill can help the plant to “produce more blooms”. However, make sure to keep the houseplant away from direct heat sources such as radiators or fires.
One common problem when it comes to looking after the houseplant is overwatering. It is very easy to overwater a Christmas cactus, and they may need less water than owners think. Instead of watering it every day, owners should mist the plant.
Misting it every day will help it to retain its moisture and increase its humidity levels. Only water the houseplant when the top two inches of soil are dry to the touch. The gardening pro continued: “During the summer months, when the risk of frost has gone, they can be placed outside.
This will help to ripe new growth and encourage flowering.” When placed outside, they should be kept in shady spots as well as be protected from slugs..
