Known for their trumpet-shaped flowers, Christmas cacti come in many different colours including pink, white and purple.
Like any houseplant, they require specific care, especially because they bloom when most houseplants are in their dormant period.
Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “There are some fantastically festive plants and flowers which are easy to care for during the chillier months and will add the spirit of Christmas to any room.
“The Christmas cactus has nothing to do with either the Christmas tradition or the story of Christ’s birth, but they are easy to maintain during the cooler months.
“They look amazing too, flowering from late November to late January. They will live happily in humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.”
This is because they thrive in high-humidity spaces due to their tropical nature. Direct sunlight will scorch the houseplant so it is important to make sure the light is indirect.
Christmas cacti can also adapt to live in low light conditions, perfect for rooms with small windows or bathrooms.
Chris added: “During the summer months, when the risk of frost has gone, they can be placed outside. This will help to ripe new growth and encourage flowering.”
During its flowering period, make sure to only water the plant when the top inch or two of soil is completely dry.
To avoid overwatering, consider placing it on a pebble-filled tray of water to increase humidity.
Houseplant experts at Essential Living have shared their top tips on propagating Christmas cacti and when the best time to do so is.
While it is pretty easy to propagate this houseplant, it is best to do it during the spring months, when it is in its dormant period.
The experts said: “It is possible to propagate a Christmas cactus, and it is relatively easy.
“The springtime is usually the best time to propagate your Christmas cactus and you want to make sure that it is several weeks after the bloom time and at least a month before the fall dormancy period.”
There are three different ways to propagate this indoor plant and it’s pretty simple.
The houseplants pros added: “You can regrow a Christmas cactus in three different ways including, upright in soil, flat in soil, and water. However, first things first you need to ensure you get a healthy cutting.”
Every branch is made up of several sections linked together and at the very bottom of the pad is where you can get roots to grow.
The experts continued: “Carefully take cuttings of one to four segments from your existing cactus and let them sit in a cool, dry place for two to four days.
“Then plant an inch deep into new soil, preferably an organic potting mix and water sparingly until new roots or growth develops.”
