can christmas cactus go outside in winter
They should remain in their pots and not be planted outdoors in the garden if you live where it freezes in the winter. Since they grow relatively slowly, space is never a big issue. Sign up for our newsletter. Growing cactus indoors isnât challenging. Zone 9 is 20-25 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -3 C) and zone 11 is 45 to 50 (7-10 C). Yes, Cactus too. 5 Easy Tips To Do It Right, 20 Amazing facts You Didnât Know About Cacti. We are here to help! So as you can see, the cold hardiness in Christmas cactus is fairly broad. Many gardeners commonly misconceive that cactus plants can handle any amount of sunlight without any problems. Be sure to find ways of keeping these animals away from your plants. Can You Cut Off A Piece Of Cactus And Plant It? It is always good to primp your cacti plants and give them some good grooming before you move them outside. Plant your Christmas cactus in a light-weight, free-draining soil, such as a succulent, cactus mix or African violet mix.Make sure to use a pot with drainage holes. The average lifespan of these plants varies greatly from one species to the other. Several factors will contribute to how often you water your cactus, such as the location of your plant and what climates you experience where you live, among other things, Succulents Care 15 Essential Tips For Beginners, Saguaro Cactus 101: Facts And How To Grow, Does A Cactus Need Sun? You can give them some time indoors before you initiate the movement again. Holiday cacti are popular houseplants that bloom around the holiday in their name. Feed a Christmas cactus with a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 plant food diluted with water to 50% strength. It went from a beautiful, healthy plant to a gray, wilted, sickly looking thing. Knowing how to maintain your cacti during the year will help them grow healthy and beautiful, Once you develop the techniques of being able to understand when your cactus needs watering, everything falls into place, and your cacti will start to thrive, While most cacti plants are known to be desert plants, they can grow and thrive in a home environment too. Place your pot in a cool area with indirect sunlight. If it is exposed to freezing temperatures for more than a quick nip, you can expect the pads will be damaged. Self-Aerating so air always ⦠Depending on your cactus collection, that can potentially mean hundreds or thousands of dollars in cacti damage. Stay updated with the latest facts, tips, advice, and more! To force bloom, place the cactus in a cooler area in October where temperatures are about 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 C.). During the summer months, and only once the risk of frost has past, you can place your Christmas cactus outside. Cold hardiness in Christmas cactus is greater than some cacti, but they are tropical. Because they are low-maintenance plants, it’s important to tell if a cactus is rotting or merely shriveled. A Christmas cactus can be beautiful all year with the right care and watering ... Full sun would only be fine during the fall and winter. Itâs called a âcactusâ, but thrives in cool temperatures. Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is not a desert plant, but rather has its ⦠The other factor you need to keep in mind is that although cacti plants have an incredible ability to handle intense sunlight, this capability must be turned on. Yes, you can always move your indoor cacti outdoors during the warm summer months when night temperatures rise to at least 65oF. While there is no specific cause of the issue, a close inspection of your succulent can help you determine why it is falling over. The problem is, your cacti havenât received many hours of sunshine in winter, and can suffer from burns after being suddenly exposed to strong sun rays. While this might sound simple, it can be hard to implement depending on the size of your cacti collection. Zygocactus bloom in winter because their flowering is initiated by winterâs longer nights (or shorter days). Drooping is a relatively common problem that affects cacti plants. During winter months, most of the outdoor cacti do not require to be watered at all. Therefore, giving them a little more food will help them produce new offshoots and regain their aesthetic color pretty quickly. ... Plants grown outside ⦠Treating Christmas cactus exposed to cold requires patience. Perfect nighttime temperatures range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15-18 C.). A Christmas cactus is a tropical cactus, not a desert cactus⦠They like bright filtered light, though a south or west window may be a little too warm for them unless you have shades. Dump out the old soil and also remove as much soil from the roots as possible. When you think of cactus, you probably envision a desert with heat wavering vistas and blazing sun. So following the advice of one, I put my cactus out in full sun last summer. You need to carefully take a cutting, allow it to try, and root it into a proper-sized pot with suitable soil. Although there may be variations in seasons, the change is usually gradual. This is a guide about Christmas cactus left outside in freezing weather. You can kill these bugs by pouring alcohol on them. Saguaro Cactus is an iconic symbol to the peoples and animals that are indigenous to the lands depicted in these Westerns. In addition, fertilize the plant with a monthly application of a magnesium sulfate solution at a ratio of 1 teaspoon to 1 gallon of water, but donât apply the same week you add the plant food. Rooting cactus pups is a technique for vegetative propagation, for that you will need to cut pups at a 45-degree angle and root them in well-draining soil. If the cactus is out too long in freezing temperatures, the water stored in its tissues will freeze and expand. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) produces red, pink, lavender or peach blooms during the winter months when the temperatures are right for healthy growth. Christmas cactus is grown as a houseplant in most areas of the United States, but it can be moved outside to a shady spot in the summer. Things to Know about Cactus and Dogs. The strong sunlight wakes up the plant’s immune system and initiates growth. For many gardeners who do not enjoy the luxury of keeping their cacti plants outdoors throughout the year, spring is always the best time to start moving your indoor plants outdoors. This results in limp stems, and eventually dropped leaves and rotten spots. Try placing them within six feet of a south-, east-, or west-facing window. Water your cuttings sparingly to prevent rot. Avoid direct sunlight as this can easily burn the cactus leaves. My Cactus Is Dying! The truth is that winter can be tough on cacti plants. We show five tips on how to take care of Christmas cactus. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. You’ll still need to find ways of protecting them from extreme weather conditions. Therefore, any move from indoors to outdoors is a move to more light intensity, and you need to manage that transition carefully. The burnt spots will discolor and eventually dry out, leaving behind an unsightly rough texture. The Christmas cactus ⦠While they may seem like normal âPrickly Pearâ cactus on the outside, in the spring they produce the most beautiful flowers you'll ever see on succulents. Instead of moving back and forth with only one plant at a time, you can always carry several of them at once. They grow close to the ground and have flowers that can be red, yellow, or bright pink. Moving indoor cacti plants outdoors also helps to expose them to better airflow, which allows the roots to dry up quickly. Once the water thaws, the tissue contracts but it is damaged and doesn’t hold its shape. They can’t tolerate frost but they need cold temperatures to force blooms. Be sure to use the right type of fertilizer that can help you achieve better results before fall kicks in. Whether you want to feel energized or get leaner, the cactus fruits have both nutritional and health benefits, There are over 1,500 cacti species that come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. If the plant survives six months, give it some houseplant fertilizer that has been diluted by half once per month during its growth months. Cacti are undeniably the most rewarding house plants as long as you provide them with adequate lighting. How cold can Christmas cactus get? Most likely, they never reach the level of darkness that your indoor cactus plants experience. Its juicy red fruits are also edible. Natives of South America, these houseplants are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12. First, remove any tissue that appears to be badly damaged or rotten. Because they are native to desert areas, cacti store water in their thick swollen stems, grouping is a root word describing a plant specifically adapted to grow in regions of scarce moisture. To answer the question, we need to consider the growing zone. The Opuntia compressa species is also cold-hardy and does well in most parts of the United States and Canada. But if you live somewhere with cold winters with short sunshine hours, then your cactus might suffer from burns after winter. It likes to be warm but keep the plant away from extremes such as drafts, heaters and fireplaces. If your cacti plants have been growing in the same pot for some time, they will appreciate the new soil and clean environment. Read more articles about Christmas Cactus. The Schlumbergera is very easy to care for. The Opuntia species usually come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Mealybugs love cacti plants and other fast-growing succulents. But, this doesn’t mean that you must always move your plants indoors every time the cold season kicks in. This tropical cactus can only grow oudtoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 11 and 12, so it's most often grown as a houseplant. The most important thing to keep in mind is that your cacti require more water in summer, the relatively hot weather conditions cause water to evaporate more quickly and two, this is an active growing season for your plants. If you are planning to keep your cacti plants outdoors throughout the year, be sure to check their cold hardiness level before buying them. In this post, we discuss how to make the transition without endangering your plants and some of the critical things you need to keep in mind. A couple of years ago, I was able to go down to Waterwise Botanical Gardens in Escondido, California., when they launched a line of cold-hard Opuntias. Taking your cacti plants outside can help them thrive. But, you also want to make sure you do so after the extremely low winter night temperatures rise securely above the freezing point. Follow up by applying half the recommended rate of a liquid houseplant fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks. Well, there are two critical factors you need to keep in mind. Your Christmas cactus will always need sun protection a good part of the day, indoors or out. We are here to help you understand everything you need to know about moving your indoor cacti plants outdoors. Keep a close eye on them, and if you notice any abnormal changes in their appearance, be sure to return them indoors. "Christmas Cactus" has become a generic term for three different cacti in the same family. Protecting Cactus Plants. Christmas cactus cold damage is common in cold drafty homes. Keep it near a window when indoors or shaded by trees if kept outdoors in warmer months. You might give your holiday cacti a summer vacation in a ⦠Late in the year you can find them anywhere - from grocery stores to big box stores - in shades of pink, red or even white. A lot of people donât even realize they exist. The real champions of cold climate come from the infamous prickly pear cacti family referred to as Opuntia.Â. However, if you do not manage the transition properly, you can end up ruining your cacti plantsâ aesthetic appeal. Christmas cactus are most often treated as houseplants, though they can be grown outdoors in the warmer areas of the state if they're protected from freezing temperatures. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Self Watering + Self Aerating Round Pot. Here are a few tips to help you throughout the process: The watering routine tends to change in summer, especially when you decide to take your plants outdoors. So, how are you supposed to manage this transition? The evergreen shrubs with showy blooms are a classic choice for gracing Southern gardens in late winter but gardeners outside the South can try them, too, and get blooms in both spring and fall depending on the type. However, you need to be careful when making the transition. The freezing cold will make them look dull, and if you don’t protect them, they may die. This ⦠What determines whether the cactus survives or not is how well you take care of the plant. (The plant was not out in full sun all summer.) If you have a lot of cacti, consider grouping them in bins or crates so you can move them easily. Both the Christmas cactus and the poinsettia are not hardy outdoors and will freeze if planted outside. Always keep a close eye on your plants for these nasty bugs once you move them outdoors. Each zone is 10 degrees Fahrenheit (-12 C). While it can easily adapt to low light conditions, your Christmas cactus will thrive in bright, indirect light. Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition. They donât like temps much over 80F anyway. They are best served being slightly neglected over being micro-managed with too much water or interference, Even after blooming, the length of time the flowers last will depend on a wide range of factors and how you take care of your plant, Origin of the word cactus, cactus can store water, and able to live for 200 years! The secret to migrating your plants from indoors to outdoors successfully is to start early when sunlight is still at a lower intensity. Can you put a cactus outside? Cactus fruits have amazing benefits you probably didn’t know existed. The overall concept of acclimatizing your indoor plants before moving them outside is pretty straightforward. Start their outdoor stay in a well-protected spot and allow them some time to get used to the outdoor conditions. Iâve moved Christmas cactus outside during the summer but experience â a cruel teacher â has shown that they need to be mostly shaded, especially where the sun is intense. But before you start growing these amazing plants, you need to know the different types of cacti that exist and their unique needs. Plant experts highly recommend taking your indoor cacti plants outside for the warm spring and summer conditions. Caring for Christmas Cactus Christmas cactus thrives in bright, but indirect sunlight. Two of the toughest cacti species in the Opuntia family are Opuntia fragilis that can survive temperatures as low as -35oF and Opuntia Poryapantha that can withstand temperatures as low as -25oF. If you leave it outside too far into fall, you can expect Christmas cactus cold damage. These scars are permanent. Christmas cacti tend to flower around the winter months and produce bright bountiful pink blooms. The United States Department of Agriculture provides hardiness zones for plants. Take It Outside In springtime, you can take your Christmas cactus outside in its pot as long as day and nighttime temperatures stay above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Spring is always a great time to fertilize your cacti plants. Nothing can be frustrating as killing your precious plants as a result of not paying attention to their needs. You aren’t too far off the mark with most cacti, but the holiday cacti actually flower better in slightly cooler temperatures. They are tropical plants that need slightly cooler temperature to set buds, but that doesn’t mean that Christmas cactus cold tolerance is high. Water a Christmas Cactus with care. First, you need to understand that the sun outdoors, even if it is under a shade, is much stronger than even the brightest indoor lights. Cacti are succulents and grow well in dry climates. Typically I just use a regular good quality potting soil or my DIY Potting soil and add 1/3 builders sand or horticultural sand to it for a well draining mix.. The Christmas cactus I have came with two care tags. But, the big question is, can you take your cacti plants outside? In warm weather, you can keep it outside on a shady patio. Unfortunately, the cold-hardy varieties are mostly overlooked in the world of cacti plants. Planting and Care. Keep the plant lightly watered, but not soggy, and place it in an area around 60 degrees F. (15 C), which is moderately warm but not hot. This damages the cells inside the pads and stems. Just remember to bring the plant inside when the temperatures start to drop towards 50F. You ideally need to maintain a temperature of 18-20°C. That being said, frost or snow is a definite no-no for the plant. I prefer Terra Cotta pots and I tell you why in this post. Help! Snails and slugs love cacti and other succulents and may destroy your plants completely if you donât manage them. And this is still true of Christmas cacti, despite their blooming in winter. While you may feel like the indoor lights are brighter, the energy output is much greater outdoors. Christmas cactus can be moved outdoors in summer but should be kept in a partial to full shaded area. Many gardeners are surprised to learn that there are many different types of cacti plants that can survive all year round outdoors, even during the cold months. Holiday cacti are popular houseplants that bloom around the holiday in their name. The wild cacti have been outside their entire lives, so the level of sunlight they are used to is pretty the same throughout the year. This is because, during the winter, itâs best just to let nature run its course and water the plants whenever need be. But unlike desert cactuses, the Christmas cactus won't tolerate the intense full summer sun. If you put it outside the next summer, just remember Christmas cactus cold tolerance doesn’t extend to freezes, so get it inside when those conditions threaten. Christmas cacti need to be kept away from ⦠Prune any dead matter and aerate the soil properly. Find a shady spot at the back of your yard and move them there. Once the plants are in bloom, avoid sudden temperature fluctuations which can make Christmas cacti lose their flowers. As a tropical plant, Christmas cacti like warm, balmy temperatures; moderate to low moisture levels; and bright sun. Dogs are naturally curious animals, and that means that they can easily smell and try to taste every plant that you grow. How to Plant Your Holiday Cactus. There are general 5 aspects that you should consider to keep your cacti hydrated. Caring for this plant can be a bit tricky as you need to take care not to overwater or underwater it. Can A Cactus Grow Indoors? Why Is My Cactus Dying? Well, you need to carry out an acclimatization session to help your plants slowly get accustomed to the outdoor conditions. Let us take a look at the acclimatization process. Pay attention to visual changes, texture, and soil moisture while taking into account seasons and weather. Given some minimal care, your cactus will bloom on its own at the beginning of winter. Their flowering can be severely reduced by exposing the plants to additional light during the night (even household lighting). This is the best time to take advantage of the growth spurt you can get from the relatively strong sunlight and heat. After all, we are talking about the sun here. Wild cacti plants do scar but not to the level that may happen if you neglect to acclimatize your indoor plants before bringing them outside.