Hirt's White Christmas Cactus Plant -Zygocactus - 6" Hanging Basket

by Hirts: Cacti & Succulents

Product Features

• Homegrown by Hirt's Gardens
• Makes a great gift. Blooms between Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Prefers morning sun or very bright, indirect light
• Water when dry
• The plant you will receive is growing in a 6" Hanging Basket

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B000PBYI48
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,038 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden)
  • #93 in Patio, Lawn & Garden > Plants & Planting > Plants, Seeds & Bulbs > Cacti & Succulents

Product Description

The Christmas cactus (Zygocactus) is native to the South American jungles. The flowers bloom once a year and come in shades of fuchsia, yellow, salmon, pink, white, orange, red and sometimes will even have a combination of the colors.

The Christmas cacti are tropical plants. They require sunlight and the blooms last longer with cooler temperatures. Keep them away from heaters, fireplaces, radiators, furnace ducts, and other heat sources. Place in a sunny location while indoors and if outdoors during the summer, find a place that has a sun/shade mix to prevent the plant from getting burned.

The best way to be sure your plant is getting just the right amount of water is to wait until the soil is dry on the top and still a bit moist toward the bottom. Then water the plant until the soil is saturated. Drain off any excess water that accumulates on the bottom. Then do not water again until the top half of the soil feels dry to the touch again.

Well-drained soil is very important. A high quality cactus mix is great. If you can't find any that is made for cactus you can mix two parts regular potting soil with one part coarse sand.

In order to insure your plant will bloom in time for Christmas, you will need to give the plant a rest period. Cut back on the watering leaving the soil only partly moist. Allow at least 14 hours of total darkness for the plant at night and sun during the day, until the buds begin to form. Start the dark period in early September. Once the buds form they can take from 10 to 12 weeks to fully bloom. After the Christmas cactus is done blooming you can prune it to incourage new growth. You'll also find that the plant will bloom better next year if it is trimmed.

As new growth appears in the spring, put a diluted solution of liquid houseplant fertilizer 2 to 3 weeks after the start of the new growth. The cactus should be repotted every 2 to 3 years depending on how depleted the soil is. Repotting should be done in the spring.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars pleased, March 4, 2010

By 

V. Weber (South Williamsport, PA, US) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hirt's White Christmas Cactus Plant -Zygocactus - 6" Hanging Basket

The white christmas cactus arrived promptly and in good condition. The segments were not quite as sturdy as others I have purchased,(thick and meaty) but it is coming along nicely...and after searching for months to find a truly white one, I am gratefful to have it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the best, December 25, 2009

By 

Marsha Shoreman "forrestag" (Marlton,NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Hirt's White Christmas Cactus Plant -Zygocactus - 6" Hanging Basket

I ordered this magnificent white Christmas cactus the Friday before Christmas which came with the caveat that I may not receive it by the 25th. It arrived on Monday - MONDAY. I could hardly believe it. But now I had a plant in a carton that I didn't know what to do with - should keep it closed or take it out and give it out of the carton. What happens if my cat nibbles on it. I just didn't know. I e-mailed Hirt's Gardens and that night I got an answer to my questions - take it out in a day or so and my cat would be fine. I knew what to do. I am so happy with this company that I will not hesitate to order from them again. The plant is magnificent - on bloom with more on the way and this is a company that cares about it's customers.
I want to thank Hirt's Gardens for making this a Merry Christmas for my mother who received this gorgeous plant and for me because I gave such a lovely gift.White Christmas Cactus Plant Zygocactus in 6 Inch Pot