Who doesn’t love Christmas cactus? Everyone loves this passion plant. But, care is another name of love. So, I believe every Xmas owner should know where this blessed plant should be placed.
In a single word, undoubtedly the north or east-facing window is the best position to nurture Christmas cactus. Though Christmas cactus-like sunlight, bright and indirect sunlight, and good humidity. Because direct sunlight can damage its leaves.
Isn’t it wise to learn the best window position for different Christmas cacti in different seasons?
There are three types of holiday cactus: easter cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Christmas cactus.
Table of Contents
Which Is the Best Window for Easter Christmas Cactus?
Unlike desert cacti, easter Christmas cactus needs indirect sunlight and a less heated zone.
The ideal temperature for its well-being is 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
When the buds appear they can be brought into a warmer area for your enjoyment. Sometimes a plant might start to drop buds at this time. That could be due to drafts, too-warm temperatures, too much water, or direct sunlight. The plants enjoy bright light but not direct sunlight.
Source (IOWA State of University): Is it a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter Cactus?
Which Is the Best Window for Christmas Cactus?
Though these three Christmas cacti are different in the shape of leaves, they are well nurtured in the same sunlight conditions, like indirect bright light.
During the summer, put plants outside on a deck, patio, window box, etc. in part shade (3-6 hours of sunlight per day). Filtered sunlight, such as under a tree, is ideal as it mimics the plant's natural habitat. Excessive sunlight may result in pale green branches, drought and sunburn.
Source: University of Minnesota Extension
Which Is the Best Window for Thanksgiving Cactus?
Not so different for Thanksgiving cactus also. Provide similar sunlight as for Christmas or Easter cactus.
Which Type of Window Is the Best for a Christmas Cactus?
As per my knowledge, there are 4 types of windows available in the market. These are:
- Single-Hung Windows.
- Double-Hung Windows.
- Awning Windows.
- Horizontal Sliding Windows.
Now, the question is which type of window should you use for getting the optimum level of light for your Christmas cactus. From the above four, my pick is a single-hung window. Because of its user-friendliness, chance to get the desired level filtered sunlight and price.
Which Materials Type of Window Is the Best for Xmas Cactus?
1. The two types of materials for window panes are vinyl and aluminum.
2. Vinyl windows are a better option for Xmas cactus because they don’t corrode over time as aluminum windows do.
3. Vinyl windows also insulate better than aluminum, making your home more energy-efficient, and will provide filtered sunlight to your Christmas cactus.
4. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option, vinyl windows are the way to go.
5. Vinyl protects your cactus from UV rays.
5. However, if you want a more traditional look for your home, aluminum windows might be a better choice, but not a better choice for your cactus.
Where Do I Put My Christmas Cactus in the Summer?
Christmas cacti can’t tolerate too much heat and need a humid environment. In the summer season, keep your Xmas cactus temperature under 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. In summer humidity is high so you don’t need to think about humidity issues for your cacti. Just make sure that it is in a shady area, and get indirect light.
Where Should I Put a Christmas Cactus in the Winter?
Unlike summer, in winter cactuses need a humid environment. They can tolerate temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, and temperatures of 50 t0 60 degrees F in evening hours. And make sure of the humidity by putting your cactus pot on a tray of pebbles that merge into water.
Which Direction Should a Christmas Cactus Face?
There are many opinions on this issue. Some say, east or north-facing windows are ideal, but some say west-facing windows are great for Xmas cacti.
It was a confusing situation for me when I was a novice in cactus growing and planting.
I hope you will not be in such overwhelming scenery. Because I am here with authenticity.
North, east or west-facing window is the most sustaining environment for Xmas cactus. Why?
- Morning sun is not too intense for cacti.
- North never shot any sunlight to earth.
- Similarly, sunsetting light isn’t too bright.
Warning: Never place your Christmas cactus south-facing.
Should Christmas Cactus Be in Direct Sunlight?
Some disadvantages of Christmas cactus putting direct sunlight are:
- Burn out leaves and plant
- Day by day the leaves start to become dark red.
- Reduced blooming.
- Symptoms of sunscald: yellow or white lesions on foliage and/or fruits.
HOw Much Sun Does a Cactus Need?
There is not any strict rule for that amount of light is necessary for Christmas cactus.
On average, 12 to 15 hours of sunlight is good enough for cacti, but not direct.
Shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures actually induce blooming. Water the soil when it begins to feel dry, only enough to keep the leaves from shriveling. Overwatering, insufficient light or relocating during bud development can cause buds to drop. The Christmas Cactus is easy to grow and makes a lovely addition to any home.
Source: the happy gardener
Is a West Facing Window Good for Christmas Cactus?
The west-facing window provides mild sunlight on the Christmas cactus all day long. Since Christmas cactus prefer dim and diffuse light.
Some more points why the west-facing window is good for Xmas cactus
- Too much sunlight will damage the sensitivity of christmas cactus.
- Experiment results: less light side of xmas produces buds,but more lighted side does not.
- West is the direction which is the optimum for not much light or not less light.
What Temperature Is Too Hot for Christmas Cactus?
Above 32 degrees celsius is very harmful to a blooming Christmas cactus. Beyond that temperature will surely promote the fall of flowers of Christmas cactus.
Inversely, below 10 degrees celsius, cold, the temperature the cactus buds dropdown.
Can I Put My Xmas Cactus Outside in Summer?
Direct sunlight is not assisting or growing elements for the Christmas cactus. Yes, you can put your cactus outside in summer, but partial, shady, diffuse, and indirect sunlight is mandatory for it.
In summer, the evaporation rate is very high, so regular watering is very essential to protect from drying out.
What Light Does the Christmas Cactus Need?
Too much light or too little light both are harmful to Xmas cactus. So, keep your cacti near a window where sunlight is sufficient but indirect. Don’t put it on the edge of the window, otherwise, it will get burned.
Wrap up
In summary, one single caution is enough for the Christmas cactus that is direct sunlight. A North, east, or west-facing window is ideal for its optimum benefits and growth.