Although poinsettias remain the all-time favorite holiday plant, let's not forget the beauty of Christmas cacti and Norfolk Island pines. Both of these plants are naturals as houseplants and will continue to thrive for many years with the proper care.
The first thing we need to remember about the Christmas cactus is that it is actually a tropical plant. Because it is a succulent, its leaves do have the ability to hold extra water; however, don't confuse it with a true desert cactus. Christmas cacti need to be watered regularly. Water the plant thoroughly when the top half of the soil becomes dry. The soil should be moist but not wet. Then don't water again until the top half of the soil becomes dry again. Too much water will cause yellow leaves and maybe even root rot. Not enough water and the leaves will wilt and shrivel and flower buds will drop off.
During winter months, place your Christmas cactus in a sunny location such as a south or west window, away from drafts and heating sources. This plant can live outside in summer months; please find a shady area where the cactus is protected from the strong afternoon sun. When moving your Christmas cactus indoors for the winter start to acclimate it by bringing it indoors for few hours, then increase the indoor time a little each day.
People are also reading…
The Christmas cactus, like the poinsettia, is a short-day plant. To help the cactus set blooms for the holidays, you will need to follow a regimen of light and dark for bud setting. This process should be started mid-October to the first of November for holiday blooms. Put your cactus in a dark place, such as a closet, or improvise by covering with a box for 12 hours each night. Even brief exposure to any artificial light will interrupt the bud-setting process. Remember that the plants will need some light during the day and water also, although it's okay to keep them a little on the dry side until buds begin forming. Cool temperatures will also encourage bud set. Once you see pinpoint buds you can discontinue the short-day treatment. Place the plants in a sunny location and resume regular watering habits. Avoid extremes in temperature to prevent bud drop. Buds will last longer if you maintain a cooler temperature of 60 degrees to 70 degrees.
When buds begin to fade, prune your Christmas cactus by pinching or cutting off a couple of sections of each stem. This will encourage the cactus to branch out and become bushier. The stem cuttings can be rooted in moist vermiculite to create new plants. When roots are about 1-inch long, transplant them into a commercial potting mix for succulents or make your own by using two parts plain potting soil with one part vermiculite. Christmas cactus prefers being slightly root bound, so frequent transplanting is not recommended.
Another Christmas plant we might not think of as tropical is the Norfolk Island pine. It originated from a tiny island in the South Pacific. This plant in its native environment can grow up to 200 feet tall; but don't worry; it will only grow 3-6 inches a year as a houseplant!
Norfolk Island pines are actually quite easy to grow, but you do need to give them the right conditions. The pines need a couple of hours of sunlight a day, so a window with eastern or western exposure works great. They also prefer to be a little on the dry side, so don't over water. Check your plant daily; if the soil feels dry to the touch give enough water to run out the bottom of the pot. Don't saturate the soil and remember to empty excess water from the drain pan. Too much water can cause lower limbs to turn brown and fall off.
At the same time, remember these are tropical plants. They require light and humidity. Increase the humidity surrounding your Norfolk Island pine by placing on a pebble tray. Place a large drip pan filled with pea gravel (or other similar substance), keeping water in the bottom, under your pine. Keep the water level below the top of the gravel so your plant has a dry place to sit. Too little water, light and humidity will also cause brown limbs on your Norfolk Island pine.
Your Norfolk Island pine requires very little fertilization. Fertilize three or four times a year with a water soluble fertilizer, following label directions. Norfolk Island pines do not like being transplanted. Every three to four years, in the spring, is good enough using a pot only slight larger than the one it is in.
These little trees are one of the few true evergreens that will adapt to indoor living. That makes the Norfolk Island pine a popular Christmas tree. It is just the right size for dorm rooms, nursing home rooms and small apartments. You can hang decorations and lights on them, but for the health of your tree, don't leave the lights turned on all the time. The heat from the bulbs is very drying to the needles. After the holiday season is past, remove the lights altogether.
A little attention and care throughout the year will keep both your Christmas cactus and Norfolk Island pine in good shape, and ready to help you enjoy the holidays year after year.
If you have questions regarding this article or any other lawn and garden question, please call Woodbury County Extension at (712) 276-2157 or e-mail Mimi Shanahan, horticulturist, at mimishan@iastate.edu.
