How do I move Christmas Cactus outside?

17 years ago

I have just moved back to CA from Utah and brought with me my pathetic Christmas (actually it's a Thanksgiving one) cactus. I really wasn't very good to it (it sat indoors), but it doesn't die. I would like to treat it right now, and think moving it outside is probably best (when it's inside I mess with it too much).

I live in the Inland Empire - gets up to 100+ most of the summer (lately somewhere around 95ish). I heard that I'm suppost to introduce it outside gradually...especially since it's been in a house that is no hotter than 80. But, I also heard that it's not suppost to be moved much. I put it on the porch tonight, it's suppost to be 90 tomorrow. Does gradually mean leaving it outside for longer and longer periods but bringing back inside the rest of the time?

Thanks for clearing this up for me.

Peg

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Comments (5)

ines_99
17 years ago
Yes, I would think gradual is best. I am not sure but if you do that, and make sure it gets no direct sun and leave it out till the shorter days/cool nights can affect it, you may be able to get it to bloom. However, I am unfamiliar with your climate and seasons out west so I may be wrong. Also, I put my plants outdoors in the late spring and don't know if the extra summer days they spend out there make a difference. Someone should know. As far as moving plants, I hear that alot and I am always moving mine with no negative results. Unless you are moving them from and into extreme climate and lighting changes, I don't think they really care.
baci
17 years ago
One possibility is to let it cool down a bit & move it outside permanently. I have not had good luck moving plants between temperature extremes myself. Ask the locals in your area, but maybe it may cool down in September or October. I keep mine under shade cloth, although I would probably increase the lighting in the winter. You will probably need to protect it from winter rains & frost (if you get any). I keep mine outdoors all winter.
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Well kitha1215, I need a few more details about what you observe as wrong, since the pic isn't very big. But off the bat I'd say, it looks like its in a pot that's too big for it. Have you potted up recently? Being in to large of a pot can be bad for your christmas cactus, esp. during the winter months, when a good watering in too large of a pot can be very detrimental--b/c too much wet soil next to the roots can cause rot as the roots are unable to absorb all the water surrounding them. It appears to be in a 6" pot. I would down grade to a 4" pot. Christmas cactus actually seems to enjoy being a little root bound, and will concentrate almost exclusively on root growth until they feel they've filled the pot to they're liking. It's best not to re-pot in the winter months if at all possible--spring is best time to 'pot up' as it gives you plant lots of time to fill its new space--but as we're down sizing our pot and you seem to be worried demise is imminent I would repot into a smaller pot right away. Christmas cacti are actually a jungle cactus and appreciate a good drink every two-three weeks or so in the winter (at least here in WA). I plant mine in a bromeliad mix with a little extra vermiculite for drainage. But if you are worried about overwatering (maybe you like to baby your plants) I would definately go with something with good drainage, poss. a good quality cactus and succulent mix. I also plant most of my jungle cacti in terra cotta as they breath better, I find. When you repot give your plant a good look, if you see any bugs (seem to get spider mites quite easily (little cobwebs--mites are so small that if you can see them easily you got it pretty bad)) rinse off the plant and roots and give it a good dose of Safer houseplant insecticide (it has a aerisol like sprayer on it and I find it easier to use)--reapply as needed. Then re-pot in sterile potting mix give it one good drink and try not to water it until it actually appears dry all the way through (2-4 weeks depending on conditions)--to keep from having the same issue again. Also, as a last ditch I would pinch off a couple of leaves of the new growth on the ends--to clone your cactus if it looks like it won't continue (christmas cactus are super easy to clone take the leaves you've removed and push the pointy end in some potting soil (smaller pot 2" is best) water once and don't water again until you can tug and feel roots formed). Hope this helps!
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murmanator
17 years ago
Peg,

Im not so sure you want to move this plant outside in your zone. Im in Phoenix, very hot summers, and I keep mine inside all year long. I actually had trouble with it in my house when I would be out all day and leave the AC off, it still could not take the heat. Now I have it at my office, with the more regulated temps it is doing great. South facing window area that has an overhang so no direct sun but very bright. My advice is to find a good spot in your house, perhaps in a more humidified area like the bathroom or kitchen, and leave it there permanently. Below is a link to a good article with more detail on care.

Here is a link that might be useful: Care of Christmas Cactus
birdsnblooms
17 years ago
Moving when not in flower isn't the problem..they say, once you see a bud it shouldn't be moved..Otherwise moving around doesn't matter. When/if your plant starts to flower, then let it be..otherwise flowers can drop..Toni
ca_peg
Original Author
17 years ago
I just checked on my the plant...not super happy I think. I bit droopy and two segments fell off! It got some sun this morning (we have had cloud cover for several days and none this morning) and I think that made it sad. I'm such a bad plant mama. I took your advice Murmanator - put it in the south facing bathroom. Lots of light there. Now hopefully it will flower this year. It never flowered after the first time since I moved it all the time because it was on the counter in my itty bitty kitchen and needed to move it to use the counter. Thanks.

How do I move Christmas Cactus outside?

Comments (5)

ines_99

baci

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How do I move Christmas Cactus outside?

Comments (5)

ines_99

baci

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ca_pegOriginal Author

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