Who wouldn’t want a lovely blooming Christmas cactus on a plant stand? If that sounds like you, we have good news. There is not one, not two, but five different ways you can propagate them at home.
Not only can you expand your collection, but these also make adorable gifts for friends and family with green thumbs! And did we mention you can also propagate a Christmas cactus in water?
5. They Can Turn Purple!
Christmas cacti are beautiful plants that thrive in bright, indirect light. But if you give them too much direct sunlight, their stems and leaves will turn purple.
We’re not kidding! It happens because they are not used to intense sunlight (they are found under large trees in rainforests and grow in dim, filtered daylight), which can cause stress to the plant. In response, the plant produces anthocyanins–pigments that give the parts a purple color.
Anthocyanins are actually beneficial to the plant because they help protect it from the harmful effects of UV radiation. However, if your Christmas cactus is turning purple, you need to move it to a location where it will receive less direct sunlight before it goes in stress.
6. You Can Grow Them Outdoors
Since the Christmas cactus is a day-length-sensitive plant, it is quite exposed to temperature changes and light conditions. Therefore, any location with direct sun will cause it to burn. But that doesn’t mean you can’t flaunt it outdoors!
Just monitor the temperature, ensuring it is a steady 65 F (18 C) or higher during the day and does not fall below 50 F (10 C) at night. If suitable, you can move your plant outdoors in the shade. Don’t forget to watch it for a few days for successful acclimatization and any signs of stress.
7. Christmas Cacti Live Quite Long
While many indoor plants have short lives, Christmas cacti can outlive you! If you meet all their requirements in terms of care, they can live for decades. Don’t believe us? Here’s the story of a specimen that is over 145 years old!
Obviously, there are a lot of things at play that can harm a plant’s life cycle, but its average lifespan of 20-30 years is still pretty decent.
8. They Can Grow on Rocks!
You may know that the Christmas cactus is an epiphyte, meaning it can grow on trees. But did you know it’s also a lithophyte like some orchids?
It means they can grow on rocks or spaces that have minimal soil. The root systems of Christmas cacti are so strong that they can hold onto small organic matter, enabling them to thrive on cliffs and crevices and absorb nutrients from rainwater and air. How cool is that? Here are more Christmas cactus facts that will blow your mind!
9. Christmas Cacti Can Produce Bicolored Flowers
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