- Grudnik, the popular “Christmas cactus”, blooms in autumn and winter, adding charm to long evenings.
- It comes from Brazil and grows as an epiphyte, and its care is relatively simple.
- Do you want your December tree to bloom beautifully? Learn the key rules of autumn and winter care and avoid mistakes!
The common beetle (Schlumbergera) comes from southeastern Brazil, where it occurs in humid tropical forests. In nature, it grows as an epiphyte – that is, it does not take root in the ground, but settles on the bark of trees or in crevices between rocks, absorbing nutrients from rainfall and organic residues that accumulate there.
Why is grudnik so popular in Poland?
Its biggest “selling feature” is its flowering in autumn and winter – often from November to December, which adds charm on long, dark evenings. Hence names such as “Christmas cactus” or “winter cactus”. The plant has an attractive appearance – its soft, segmented shoots (segments) create decorative forms, often hanging. The flowers appear at the ends of these segments and are shaped like bells, in color variants: pinkish, red, white, salmon, etc. It is relatively easy to grow (compared to many other orchids or exotics), which makes it attractive to house plant enthusiasts. Additionally, it serves a decorative function during the holiday season, which makes it popular in interior decoration.
Thanks to these features, it combines aesthetic values and relative ease of cultivation, which is appreciated in Poland and is therefore present in many houses and apartments.
Important care rules – general rules
Light/position
- Bright, but without harsh, direct sunlight; semi-shaded positions or places sheltered from strong sun.
Substrate/earth
Permeable, slightly acidic, with the addition of sand, perlite or fine gravel. Mixtures for cacti with the addition of humus work well.
Air humidity
- Fairly moderate or slightly elevated – in dry air of central heating, it is better to use a humidifier or place the plant on a tray with water.
Watering
Moderate, allowing the topsoil to dry out slightly before watering again; avoid overflowing.
Fertilization
- During the growth and flowering period, use fertilizers for cacti or potted flowers; limit or stop fertilizing during the dormant period.
Caring for the December tree in autumn and winter
. Below are further aspects that should be taken into account:
Position and light
In autumn, it is worth placing the plant in a place where there is a lot of light in front of the window, but protected from intense sun (e.g. north-eastern or eastern window). Excessive sun leads to burns of shoot segments.
In winter, when there is less light, you can consider additional lighting (with a floral lamp), especially if the plant tends to elongate its shoots or lose buds. Avoid placing the plant on a southern window sill without any covers – direct rays may burn the leaves.
TEMPERATURA I KLIMAT
To achieve this, from September to October it is worth gradually cooling the December tree to a temperature of about 12-16 ° C for part of the day. This is a signal for the plant to enter the flowering phase. Note: the temperature should not drop below approximately 10 °C, as this may result in damage to the shoots or loss of buds. During the active flowering period, it is best to keep the temperature in the range of 15–20 °C – optimally around 18–20 °C during the day, 15–17 °C at night. During frosts and cold weather, avoid drafts – sudden drops in temperature may cause the buds to fall off.
Watering (autumn/winter)
Watering at these times of the year requires a balance – too much moisture promotes rotting, too little moisture causes the buds to dry out and fall. Water moderately – when the top part of the substrate (e.g. the upper 1-2 cm) dries out, you can water it. It is best to water from the bottom – place the pot in a pot of water for 10-15 minutes, let the soil absorb the water and then remove the excess. This helps prevent the soil surface from getting wet. Use soft, settled water (chlorine may be harmful). During the period of intensive flowering (winter), you can water more often, but still in moderation – avoid stagnation. During the rest period (after flowering), limit watering to minimal – the soil may be slightly dry for some time. During flowering, it is a good idea to lightly spray the plant (with a diffused, gentle spray) – this helps maintain the humidity and condition of the buds, but you must be careful not to get the leaves excessively wet and not to cause fungal diseases.
Fertilization in autumn and winter
We only fertilize during the period of active growth and flowering – we do not fertilize when the plant is in the resting phase.
Use fertilizers intended for cacti or flowering plants, with higher potassium and phosphorus content (which support flowering). Fertilizers are usually applied every 2–4 weeks (according to the manufacturer’s instructions), diluted mixtures to avoid salting the soil. When cold weather begins and the plant is in the resting phase, we stop fertilizing.
Dormancy period and bud stimulation
The December tree needs some “rest” to regain its strength and bloom again. In practice, this means limiting watering and fertilizing after the flowering period and maintaining a slightly cooler temperature. This period usually lasts several weeks – the plant should be kept moderately cool and watered to a minimum. Once you see buds emerging, gradually increase watering and resume fertilizing, maintaining moderate moisture.
Can December be replanted in autumn?
This is an important question because repotting is an activity that can stress the plant, especially during the period of preparation for flowering.
The best time to replant the grove is usually early spring, after the end of the flowering and rest period, when the plant begins a new vegetation cycle. Other sources suggest that if you need to repot (e.g. due to overgrown roots) – this can be done right after flowering, before a new cycle begins. Replanting in autumn is not recommended, especially when the plant begins to flower – this may disturb the development of buds and weaken the plant.
How to replant – step by step
If you decide to replant (preferably in spring), here is the recommended method:
- Choose a pot that is only slightly larger (1-2 cm more in diameter); too large a container promotes overflow.
- Prepare a slightly acidic, well-drained mixture – e.g. soil for cacti with the addition of sand, perlite, peat or acidic humus.
- Gently remove the plant from its current pot, paying attention to the roots – remove any old, rotten parts.
- Place the plant in a new pot and add fresh soil, pressing lightly around the roots, but not too hard.
- Water moderately (preferably from the bottom) and do not fertilize for at least 4 weeks to allow the roots to “settle”.
- Provide the plant with partial shade for a few days and avoid direct sun to reduce stress.
