The vibrant red, pink, white, or orange blooms of the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) make it a festive addition to any indoor space during the holidays But did you know these tropical plants also thrive with some time outside in the summer sun? Placing your Christmas cactus outdoors for the warmer months can promote healthy growth and lead to a bountiful holiday display However, some care is required to help it transition and flourish in an outdoor environment.
Is It Safe to Put a Christmas Cactus Outside in Summer?
Christmas cacti naturally grow as epiphytes in tree branches within Brazilian rainforests. Outdoors they receive filtered sunlight, warm days, high humidity, and regular rainfalls. Replicating these preferred conditions as much as possible makes summering a Christmas cactus outside a viable option.
With the right location that provides the following, Christmas cacti can safely spend the summer months outside:
- Partial sun or light shade
- Daytime temperatures between 65-85°F
- Nighttime temperatures above 60°F
- Shelter from harsh rain or winds
- Routine watering as needed
- Occasional fertilizing
As long as you avoid full sun exposure, extreme heat, dry conditions, or sudden shifts in temperature, a Christmas cactus will positively respond to its summer sojourn outdoors.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Location
One of the keys to success with an outdoor Christmas cactus is situating it in the optimal spot. Here are the key factors to consider when selecting its summertime home:
Lighting
A location with bright but indirect light ensures a Christmas cactus receives adequate sunlight to fuel growth without scorching its delicate leaves, Dappled sun beneath a tree or an east-facing site works perfectly,
If situating it in a south or west placement, provide shade from intense afternoon sun using a cover or canopy. Never place in full sun.
Temperature
Ideally, aim to keep a Christmas cactus in temperatures between 65-85°F when outside. It thrives within this range and can tolerate short periods of heat over 85°F.
However, it must be protected from cold nights. Temps dipping below 60°F can damage the tender tropical plant.
Air Flow
While Christmas cacti like humid conditions, they are also prone to fungal issues in stagnant air. Select an outdoor spot with good air circulation to prevent diseases.
Protection
Ensure the location shields your Christmas cactus from harsh rain, which can damage its shallow roots. Avoid windy areas that can bend and break its segmented stems.
A covered porch or shaded patio are often ideal outdoor homes for summer.
Caring for a Christmas Cactus Outdoors
While appreciating the outdoor environment, your Christmas cactus still requires attentive care, including:
Watering
Check soil daily, watering when just the top 1-2 inches becomes dry. Avoid soaking the soil completely.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer to nourish its growth and blooming.
Inspecting
Watch for pests like mealybugs or signs of disease; treat promptly.
Pruning
Trim back any damaged or excess growth to improve form.
Transitioning
Gradually re-acclimate it to indoor conditions in early fall over 7-10 days.
With attentive care, your Christmas cactus will flaunt vigorous growth and an exceptional holiday flower display after a healthy summer outdoors.
Tips for Successfully Overwintering After Outdoor Summering
After enjoying the lush conditions of the great outdoors all summer, your Christmas cactus must make a careful transition back to indoor life in preparation for its all-important winter flowering season. Follow these tips:
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In early fall when nighttime temperatures begin dipping to the 50s, start bringing your plant back indoors at night, leaving it outside during the day for the first week.
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For the second week, leave your Christmas cactus outside for just a few hours in the morning before bringing in for the rest of the day and night.
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For week three, keep it indoors near a bright window 24 hours a day, monitoring for any signs of shock from the transition.
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Resume a regular watering and fertilizing regimen to support it indoors.
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Around October, cease fertilizing and limit water to avoid stimulating new growth that could hinder blooming.
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Maintain indoor temperatures between 60-70°F once indoors.
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In 6-8 weeks, enjoy a spectacular holiday floral display!
Easing the transition from its summer vacation back to indoor life in fall will keep your Christmas cactus happy and blooming beautifully.
Common Questions About Outdoor Summer Care
Can a Christmas cactus stay outside at night in summer?
It’s best to bring Christmas cacti indoors overnight once temperatures drop into the 60s. The cool nighttime air can damage them.
Should I acclimate my Christmas cactus before placing outside?
Yes, allow it to adjust to sunlight and outdoor temps for 7-10 days by incrementally increasing its time outside daily.
How much sunlight does a Christmas cactus need outdoors?
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun during the hottest times of day which can burn delicate leaves.
Can I fertilize an outdoor Christmas cactus?
Yes, use a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly to nourish summer growth and flowering.
Should I repot my Christmas cactus after keeping it outside?
If roots have filled its current pot, repot in late summer using cactus soil mix. Otherwise, wait until after blooming.
When should I bring my Christmas cactus back inside for winter?
Once night temperatures fall below 60°F, it’s time to transition it indoors over a period of 7-14 days.
The Rewards of an Outdoor Summer
While they flourish as popular indoor holiday plants, Christmas cacti also relish time spent outdoors when conditions are right. Allowing it to summer on a patio or under a tree rewards you with:
- More robust vegetative growth
- Vibrant green, healthy foliage
- A stronger, well-established root system
- Resistance to pests and diseases
- More copious and dazzling winter blooms
Just be sure to situate your Christmas cactus in a suitable spot and care for it properly while outdoors. With the right conditions and care, its summer vacation can lead to thriving growth and spectacular winter flowers. Ready to let your Christmas cactus soak up the sun?
