The Christmas cactus is native to the Brazilian rainforest. It's bright there, but not exactly sunny. In order for it to thrive indoors, you need to find a location where the original conditions can be recreated as best as possible.
Which location does the Christmas cactus prefer?
The optimal location for a Christmas cactus is light to partially shaded, without direct sun and protected from drafts. The temperature should be 21 degrees during the day and 17 to 19 degrees at night. In summer it can be kept cooler and outside.
How to find the optimal location for the Christmas cactus
- Bright to partial shade
- no direct sun
- protected from drafts
- during the day at 21 degrees
- at night at 17 to 19 degrees
- keep cooler in summer
In the summer, you can put a Christmas cactus outside. However, it must be brought back into the house in good time before flowering in winter.
In winter the Christmas cactus finds a place in the flower window. Ensure there is sufficient humidity and occasionally spray the plant with lime-free water.
Tip
The Christmas cactus is a short-day plant. From September to December it needs at least twelve hours of complete darkness. If it is light for longer, the cactus will not bloom.
