Holiday Cactus

<h2>How to Plant and Care for a Holiday Cactus</h2> <p>The Holiday Cactus is a tropical cactus that grows well indoors and produces bright blooms around the holidays. Follow these steps to plant and care for it properly.</p> <h2>Planting Instructions</h2> <ul> <li><strong>Container:</strong> Choose a pot with drainage holes. A shallow, wide container is best for their shallow roots.</li> <li><strong>Soil:</strong> Use a well-draining potting mix. A cactus or succulent mix enriched with peat moss or compost is ideal.</li> <li><strong>Planting:</strong> Set the cactus so the base of the stems is just above the soil. Gently press soil around the roots to stabilize the plant.</li> <li><strong>Location:</strong> Place in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.</li> </ul> <h2>Watering</h2> <ul> <li>Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.</li> <li>Allow all excess water to drain completely—never let the pot sit in standing water.</li> <li>In early fall (around October), reduce watering to encourage blooming.</li> <li>Once flower buds appear, resume regular watering and keep soil lightly moist during blooming.</li> </ul> <h2>Fertilizing and Blooming</h2> <ul> <li>Fertilize monthly from spring to early fall with a balanced 20-20-20 liquid houseplant fertilizer.</li> <li>Stop fertilizing in early fall to encourage blooming.</li> <li>To trigger flowering, provide 12 to 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about six weeks in the fall and keep temperatures between 55–65°F.</li> </ul> <h2>Maintenance</h2> <ul> <li>After flowering, pinch back stem segments to promote branching and more future blooms.</li> <li>Repot every 2 to 3 years in spring if the plant becomes rootbound or the soil is exhausted.</li> </ul> <p>Consistent care will help your Holiday Cactus thrive and bloom year after year.</p>