easter cactus care

those growing condtions are for the easter cactus cultivars. the species can need a bit of extra care.

lighting

the easter cactus does best in bright indirect light with some morning and/or evening sun. afternoon sun can cause leaf burn. a light shaded place will be tolerated. in summer it can be placed outside but should kept back if the temperature is falling below 10 °c/50 °f constantly. make sure that rainwater can easily flow out of the pot.

soil

a well drained soil is welcome. you can use a regular cactus mix or a mix between regular potting soil and sand (3:1). i’m using my own mix between humus, sand, gritty and orchid soil (2:1:1:1). there are also special mixes for epiphytic cacti available.

watering

drench the soil well, water running out of the pot’s hole should be removed after a few minutes. sitting in water can cause root rot. before adding water next let the soil become nearly dry.

feeding

a half diluted cactus fertilzer can be given monthly from spring to late fall.

reblooming

for blooming at easter time, the easter cactus should be placed a bit colder (10-15 °c/50-59 °f) for approx. eight weeks, starting in january. it now has to be kept nearly dry, a fertilizer must not be given. if the flower buds are approx. 1-2 cm (0.39-0.79 inch) long it can be replaced to its old position.