Product Description
The color of the White Christmas Cactus may vary from white to pinkish-white, to purple-white depending upon conditions beyond our control. These include temperature, shipping time, pH of the soil, and the fertilizer content of the soil. To the left we have shown examples of the color range of the White Christmas Cactus. As Christmas approaches we cannot guarantee the plant will arrive in bloom. Christmas cactus can drop their flower buds in shipment, again due to conditions beyond our control.
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.