Be Inspired Blog - Arizona

Extend the Joy: Caring for Poinsettias and Christmas Cactus in Your Desert Garden

The holidays bring festive cheer to our homes, and poinsettias and Christmas cacti are among the most iconic plants of the season. With their vibrant colors and unique beauty, these plants can brighten your space long after the holidays. But did you know, you can extend their life by planting them outdoors in the Valley?

Here’s how to plant, care for, and enjoy poinsettias and holiday cacti (“Schlumbergera truncata” and “Schlumbergera bridgesti”) in our desert climate.

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima)

Poinsettias are beloved for their vivid red bracts (often mistaken for flowers) and lush green foliage. While they are typically considered short-term holiday plants, with the right care, you can keep them thriving and even get them to rebloom next year!

Planting Poinsettias

• Timing: Poinsettias are not frost-tolerant, so plant them outdoors in late winter or early spring, after the last frost.
• Location: Choose a spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Summers in the Valley are intense, and poinsettias need protection from our harsh afternoon sun.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. A mix of potting soil and compost works well.
• Container Care: If planting in pots, ensure good drainage holes and avoid letting water accumulate in saucers.

Caring for Poinsettias

1. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Let the top inch dry out before watering again.
2. Humidity: Poinsettias prefer moderate humidity, so misting them occasionally can help in our desert’s dry climate.
3. Fertilizing: During active growth in spring and summer, feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.
4. Summer Protection: Move potted plants into the shade or indoors during the extreme summer heat.
5. Reblooming: In late September or October, provide 12-14 hours of darkness each night for 8-10 weeks. This mimics their native environment and triggers blooming. Maintain bright indirect light during the day.

Christmas & Thanksgiving Cacti – aka Holiday Cactus

Unlike their desert cousins, Christmas/Thanksgiving cacti hail from the cool, shaded rainforests of Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes (plants that grow on trees). In the Valley, providing the right balance of light, water, and temperature will ensure your holiday cacti thrive.

Varieties

• Schlumbergera truncata (Thanksgiving Cactus): Often called the "false Christmas cactus," this variety blooms in late November. Its leaves have pointed, claw-like edges.
• Schlumbergera bridgesti (True Christmas Cactus): This variety blooms closer to Christmas and has smoother, scalloped leaf segments.

Planting Your Holiday Cactus

• Containers: Use pots with good drainage. Christmas/Thanksgiving cacti prefer to be slightly root-bound.
• Soil: A light, well-draining mix is essential. Use cactus soil mixed with peat moss or perlite for added aeration.
• Light: Place them in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun, as it can scorch the leaves.
• Temperature: Holiday cacti thrive in temperatures between 60-80°F. They will need cooler temperatures (around 55-65°F) to encourage blooming.

Caring for Your Holiday Cactus

1. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Holiday cacti prefer consistent moisture but dislike soggy roots.
2. Humidity: These tropical plants appreciate humidity. Place a tray of water near the plant or mist regularly to combat the Valley's dry air.
3. Fertilizing: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a diluted, water-soluble fertilizer.
4. Rest Period: To trigger blooms, reduce watering and place the cactus in a cooler, darker location for 6-8 weeks in the fall.
5. Summer Protection: If growing outdoors, place them in shaded areas or covered patios to protect them from our intense desert heat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Poinsettias Dropping Leaves: This may be due to overwatering, cold drafts, or extreme heat. Ensure they are in a stable, warm environment with proper watering.
• Christmas/Thanksgiving Cactus Not Blooming: Insufficient darkness or temperatures that are too high can prevent blooms. Be consistent with the rest period to encourage flowers.
• Wilting or Yellowing Plants: Check soil moisture and drainage. Overwatering is the most common culprit.

Final Tips for Success

• Seasonal Rotation: Bring these plants indoors during extreme desert summers, where they can thrive in cool, shaded rooms.
• Consistent Care: Both plants require a little extra attention when it comes to light, water, and temperature, but the reward is well worth it.
• Holiday Magic All Year: With proper care, your poinsettias and holiday cacti will not only survive but thrive year-round, bringing joy to your home and garden.

At SummerWinds, We Guarantee Success!