I’ve had this cactus for about 10 years. I got it at my g...
0ft to light, direct
2” pot without drainage
Last watered 2 weeks ago
7
@SizableGarlic56 It’s important to know that the schlumbergeras are not your typical desert dwelling cacti! Schlumbergera truncata (Thanksgiving Cactus) requires bright, indirect light, a loose, well-draining soil (like a blend of potting soil and orchid bark), and watering when the top inch becomes dry. As a rainforest native, it needs 50-60% humidity. Avoid waterlogged soil, which leads to root rot. 1. Watering & HumidityWatering: Water thoroughly, but allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. The plant needs more frequent watering during its spring/summer growing season. Reduce watering significantly in the fall and winter.Humidity: Provide high humidity, ideally between 50% and 70%. You can use a nearby room humidifier or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and a little water. 2. Light & TemperatureLight: Place the cactus in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the segmented leaves and turn them yellow.Temperature: Keep temperatures consistent, ideally between 70°F and 80°F during the active growing season. 3. Soil & FertilizingSoil: Use a porous, well-drained substrate. Standard cactus soil mixed with peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark creates the perfect environment.Fertilizer: Feed the plant with a balanced, houseplant fertilizer once every 3 to 4 weeks throughout the spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. 4. Blooming & PruningForcing Blooms: To trigger buds, provide the plant with cool night temperatures (50°F to 55°F) and 12-14 hours of total darkness (e.g., place in a dark closet overnight) for about 6 weeks starting in the fall.Post-Bloom Rest: Once the flowers drop, give the plant a 6-week rest period by cooler temps and reduced water.Pruning: Prune after blooming to encourage a bushier plant. You can twist or cut the stems between leaf segments.
@SizableGarlic56 How much direct sunshine are they getting per day, and how do you water? That red coloring is, I think, most likely due to a combination of sun stress and watering inconsistencies. Holiday cacti are jungle cacti, not desert cacti, and they grow as epiphytes on trees, so they are used to dappled sunshine instead of direct.
Have you repotted at all in 10 years? If not, there may be quite a bit of roots in the pot and not much soil left, which would mean they are going through water faster, and might need to be watered more frequently.
I would recommend: moving them back a bit from direct sunshine, and making sure you are watering when the pot is dry, not on any kind of schedule. Once they look like they’re recovering nicely, I would think about repotting with fresh soil, if you haven’t done that in a while. Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions 🤍🌻
Have you repotted at all in 10 years? If not, there may be quite a bit of roots in the pot and not much soil left, which would mean they are going through water faster, and might need to be watered more frequently.
I would recommend: moving them back a bit from direct sunshine, and making sure you are watering when the pot is dry, not on any kind of schedule. Once they look like they’re recovering nicely, I would think about repotting with fresh soil, if you haven’t done that in a while. Good luck, and let me know if you have any questions 🤍🌻
@SizableGarlic56 My guess would also be that it’s very thirsty and very sun-stressed. I’d suggest giving it a good soak (letting all extra water run out) and moving it as little as possible to get it out of direct sunlight.
I’d also take a couple cuttings from the green end and pop them in water to root (just to be safe).
Then once it perks up and settles in, you could consider repotting.
Keep us posted! 🪴
I’d also take a couple cuttings from the green end and pop them in water to root (just to be safe).
Then once it perks up and settles in, you could consider repotting.
Keep us posted! 🪴
