If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, consider planting a Christmas cactus(Schlumbergera) in your garden! These succulent plants are available in most garden stores and can easily be grown in a container or in the ground.
The Christmas cactus is a succulent, drought-tolerant plant that can be grown outdoors in the ground or in a pot. In this post, I would discuss whether you can plant Christmas Cactus in the Ground.
Let’s get started!
Can you plant Christmas Cactus in the ground?
Christmas Cactus can be planted in the ground only if the outside temperature and humidity are suitable for the plant. The temperature outside must be moderately warm.
You should avoid planting the Christmas cactus outside in the ground if the temperature is freezing cold, or if there are chances of a spell of snowfall. These should be avoided as Christmas cactus does not do well in such freezing cold temperatures.
What is Christmas Cactus?
Christmas Cactus is a succulent that blooms during the Christmas season. It is a member of the Genus Schlumbergera. It is found in the coastal mountains of South-Eastern Brazil. (Source)
Other common names are Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, and holiday cactus.
How Do You Transplant a Christmas Cactus to The Ground?
When it comes time to transplant your Christmas cactus to the ground, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
- Remove the plant from its container and set it on a flat surface. Make sure not to damage the roots while moving the plant around.
- First, make sure you select a spot to place the Christmas Cactus on the ground that gets an ample amount of sunlight. The Christmas Cactus needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day before blooming time.
- Also, choose a spot in the ground that has a type of soil that is well-drained.
- Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the plant’s root ball and place the cactus in the hole so the top of the ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Once it is in place, fill in around the roots with soil and tamp down gently. Water thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
Can Christmas Cactus Be Planted In A Pot?
Christmas Cactus can be planted inside a pot. When planting a Christmas cactus in a pot, make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. This is important, as the cactus needs to be able to drain properly or it will rot.
You will also need to make sure the pot is big enough for the cactus to grow in. Also, if you are using a soil mixture it should be one that is well-drained.
How do I make Christmas cactus soil?
Christmas cactus should be planted in cactus soil or potting soil. You can also prepare your own by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and topsoil with a small amount of bone meal thrown in.
You can also mix some old coffee grounds for extra nutrients. you can also use regular coffee grounds potting soil from the store. However, this may be too rich for it.
Does Christmas cactus need cactus soil?
Christmas cactus should be planted in cactus soil or potting soil. Most garden centers have this type of soil. You can also make your own.
A sub-soil or separate potting mix will allow for better drainage, less compacting, and easier plant watering.
Do Christmas Cactus need succulent soil?
Christmas cacti need well-drained soil. A succulent soil or separate potting mix will allow for better drainage, less compacting, and easier plant watering.
Moreover, the potting mix should be fertilizer-free, as the Christmas cactus has a sensitive root system.
You can also make your soil by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and topsoil with a small amount of bone meal.
Can I use regular potting soil for cactus?
Yes, cactus does well in regular potting soil. You can use a sub-soil or separate potting mix for better drainage, less compacting, and easier plant watering.
Also, the potting mix should be free of fertilizer, as the cactus has a sensitive root system.
You can also make your soil by mixing equal parts of sand, peat moss, and topsoil with a small amount of bone meal thrown in.
Is Christmas Cactus Considered a Succulent Plant?
When it comes to categorizing plants, understanding the difference between a cactus and a succulent is crucial. Is Christmas cactus considered a succulent plant? According to the cactus versus succulent: 16 plant guide, Christmas cactus falls under the category of succulent due to its ability to store water in its leaves, just like other succulents.
Conclusion
Let’s conclude the post on whether you can Plant Christmas Cactus in The Ground!
So, planting a Christmas cactus in the ground is possible, but there are a few things you need to consider first.
Make sure the climate is right for your cactus, choose a spot that gets plenty of sun, and water it once needed. With a little bit of care, your Christmas cactus will thrive in the ground and bring joy to your holiday season for years to come.
I hope you enjoyed reading the post.