While Christmas cactus can only live outdoors all year in warmer locations, it can certainly benefit from a summer vacation in the garden in cooler zones.
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As the seasons change and temperatures begin to rise, you may wonder: can a Christmas cactus live outside? While these popular holiday bloomers are most often kept indoors, they can, under the right conditions, thrive outdoors in the summer months – or even year-round, depending on your climate. But there are some important limitations and specific care requirements to keep in mind before moving your cactus beyond the windowsill.
Originally native to the cool, shady cloud forests of Brazil, Christmas cactus isn’t your typical desert dweller. It prefers dappled light, mild humidity, and warmth – but without extremes. That’s why much of the usual Christmas cactus care advice assumes an indoor environment. If you’re planning to move your plant outside, even just for the summer, understanding its environmental preferences is essential.
Like other types of holiday cactus – such as Thanksgiving and Easter cacti – the Christmas cactus has similar needs when grown outdoors. Much of this guidance also applies to their care. If you’re growing multiple species, it’s worth reading up on Thanksgiving cactus care and Easter cactus care, as they follow similar seasonal patterns and environmental preferences.
Can I Put My Christmas Cactus Outside in the Summer?
Many indoor plant owners wonder if they can move their Christmas cactus outside during the summer months After all, who wouldn’t want their plants to get some fresh air and soak up the summer sunshine?
While Christmas cacti are tropical plants that prefer warm and humid conditions, they can absolutely thrive outdoors in the summer with proper care. Here’s what you need to know about safely transitioning your Christmas cactus outside for the warmer months.
Characteristics of the Christmas Cactus
First, let’s do a quick rundown of the Christmas cactus and its ideal growing conditions:
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Native to Brazilian rainforests
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Classified as an epiphytic jungle cactus
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Prefers bright, indirect sunlight
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Thrives in temperatures between 65-75°F
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Requires high humidity
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Prone to root rot if overwatered
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Blooms in late fall/early winter
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Can live for over 50 years with proper care
As you can see, the Christmas cactus enjoys warm and humid environments with partial sunlight exposure—very similar to the conditions of an outdoor summer setting.
Gradual Acclimation is Key
While the Christmas cactus can thrive outdoors in the summer, it’s important not to shock the plant by moving it straight from the cozy indoors into the elements. A gradual transition is best.
Start by placing your Christmas cactus in a shady outdoor location for just an hour or two on the first day. Slowly increase the time spent outside over a 7-14 day period until the plant is acclimated. This prevents any sunburn or wind damage to the foliage.
Choosing the Right Spot Outdoors
Location is everything when moving a Christmas cactus outside. Be sure to choose an area with the following:
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Morning sun, afternoon shade. This provides gentle sunlight without intense afternoon rays. East facing locations work well.
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Shelter from wind, which can dry out the foliage quickly.
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Near other plants that offer evaporative humidity. Group pots together.
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Warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Move indoors if cooler or extremely hot.
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Outdoor seating areas like patios and decks are ideal spots.
Proper Watering is Crucial
Christmas cacti prefer slightly moist, but not soaked soil. When first moving your plant outside, check the soil moisture daily. Water only when the top inch becomes dry.
As temperatures climb, you may need to water as often as every 2-3 days. Always water deeply until it drains from the bottom, but don’t allow the pot to sit in a saucer of water.
Providing some shade on extremely hot and sunny days reduces the evaporation rate and keeps the soil moist longer.
Fertilizing for Growth
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks to fuel strong growth and flowering. Dilute the fertilizer to half strength and avoid over-fertilizing.
Rinse any spilled fertilizer from the leaves to prevent leaf burn. Christmas cacti are sensitive to excess salts and minerals.
Controlling Pests in an Outdoor Setting
While indoors, the Christmas cactus has limited pest exposure. But outdoors, it can become a target for common attackers like:
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Scale
- Whitefly
Inspect the plant thoroughly including the undersides of leaves for any signs of pests. At the first sight, use natural solutions like neem oil or insecticidal soap spray to control infestations.
Keeping Critters Away from the Cactus
Curious cats, dogs, squirrels, and birds may show an interest in your outdoor Christmas cactus. Ensure the pot is out of reach of pets and hang ribbons or pinwheels nearby to deter wild critters.
Many cacti can be toxic if ingested, so prevent access to prevent health risks. Bring the plant indoors at night when fewer eyes are watching.
Caring for the Cactus in Cooler Weather
While the Christmas cactus enjoys warm weather, it cannot tolerate any frost or freezing temperatures. At the first sign of temperatures dropping below 50°F at night, it’s time to bring it back indoors.
This is especially important in climates with an early frost. A cold snap can damage the foliage and flowering potential of the cactus. Slowly transition it back indoors over a week or two so it doesn’t go into shock.
Getting a Christmas Cactus to Rebloom After Being Outside
Many gardeners move their Christmas cactus outside to improve blooming next holiday season. For the best rebloom:
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Bring the plant indoors 6-8 weeks before desired bloom time.
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Place in a cool location with temperatures around 60-65°F to initiate bud formation.
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Only water when soil is dry and reduce feeding.
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Provide 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for 6-8 weeks.
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Once buds form, increase light and humidity.
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Stake heavy blooms as needed.
By providing optimal reblooming conditions, you should see flowers by the holidays.
Common Concerns When Moving a Christmas Cactus Outside
If you notice any of the following, your Christmas cactus may be struggling with the transition outdoors:
Wilting, drooping leaves – Likely too much sun. Move to a shadier spot immediately.
Brown leaf tips – Probable sunburn or dry soil. Increase watering frequency.
Leggy growth – Needs more sunlight. Move to a sunnier location.
Few blooms – Too much nitrogen fertilizer or improper reblooming conditions.
Root rot – Overwatering issue. Allow soil to fully dry out between waterings.
Mealybugs – Use an insecticidal soap spray to control these common pests.
With attentive care and optimal growing conditions, there’s no reason a Christmas cactus can’t spend the summer relaxing outdoors. Just be sure to acclimate it slowly, keep it pest-free, and bring it back in before temperatures drop. With a little TLC, your Christmas cactus will positively thrive outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Christmas cactus stay outside all summer?
Yes, a Christmas cactus can stay outdoors all summer as long as temperatures remain consistently warm between 65-80°F and it’s kept in partial sun. Bring it indoors before nighttime temps drop below 50°F.
What causes a Christmas cactus to stop blooming outdoors?
Too much direct sun, over-fertilizing, improper watering, and nighttime temperatures below 50°F can cause a Christmas cactus to stop blooming when kept outdoors.
Should you put Christmas cactus outside at night?
No, it’s best to bring Christmas cacti indoors at night when outside temperatures may drop too low. Leaving it out overnight can damage the plant if frost develops.
How much sun does a Christmas cactus need outdoors?
Christmas cacti do best outdoors with morning sun and afternoon shade. Avoid intense midday sun. Aim for about 4-6 hours of gentle, filtered sunlight per day.
Can you leave a Christmas cactus outside in the winter?
Absolutely not. Christmas cacti are tropical plants and cannot survive below freezing winter temps. If kept outdoors in winter, the plant will quickly die.
Keeping your prized Christmas cactus healthy while giving it a taste of the outdoors is totally possible with smart care. Transition it slowly, monitor soil moisture, fertilize lightly, and bring it back inside before cold weather arrives. With a little TLC, your Christmas cactus will thrive outdoors!
Where Can a Christmas Cactus Live Outdoors?
You can grow Christmas cactus outdoors year-round only in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, where winters are consistently mild and frost is rare. In all other zones, your plant should stay in a container so it can be moved back inside as temperatures cool. Once nighttime temperatures approach 50°F (10°C), it’s time to transition the plant indoors to avoid cold damage.
If your region allows for planting outdoors in-ground, choose a sheltered site with excellent drainage and amend the soil with compost and loose material. Otherwise, a hanging basket or portable container gives you far more flexibility – especially in climates with cold winters or unpredictable temperature drops. Shop Indoor/Outdoor Planters
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Growing a Christmas cactus outdoors requires closely replicating the conditions of its natural environment. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Christmas cactus needs bright but filtered light – think morning sun or dappled shade, like under a tree or a covered patio. Avoid the harsh midday sun, which can scorch its segmented stems. Plants placed in too much light will show stress through reddish or bleached leaves.Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
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The ideal Christmas cactus temperature ranges from 60 to 80°F (15 to 27°C) during the day, with tolerances down to 45°F (7°C) at night. Anything below that risks damage. In drier climates, you’ll also need to boost humidity – misting the plant or placing it near a tray of water and pebbles can help.
Outdoors, the plant may dry out more quickly due to air circulation and heat. Water Christmas cactus when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, but never let it sit soggy. Use a container with excellent drainage, and avoid heavy soils that hold moisture too long, as Christmas cactus root rot is a real risk.
Christmas cactus soil is ideally slightly acidic and well-draining. A blend of potting mix, perlite, and peat moss works well. If planting outdoors, amend the soil with loose material and plenty of compost to improve aeration and drainage, and enhance fertility. ( credit: Getty s)
When to Bring it Back Inside
Knowing when to bring in a Christmas cactus from outside is key – too soon, and it misses out on helpful seasonal cues; too late, and cold stress or damage may occur.
If your plant is outdoors in a container, you’ll need to bring it back inside before overnight temperatures fall below 50°F (10°C). To minimize stress, move it indoors gradually, matching indoor light and temperature as closely as possible for the first few weeks. This transition period helps avoid bud drop or leaf loss as the plant acclimates.
How to Care for Christmas Cactus // Garden Answer
FAQ
What temperature is too hot for a Christmas Cactus?
A daytime temperature of 70 degrees F and an evening temperature of 60 to 65 degrees F is preferred. In the summer, Christmas cacti can be placed in a shady spot in the garden or in an unheated porch until temperatures get below 50 degrees.
Does a Christmas Cactus do better inside or outside?
Find them a shady and cool hangout, perhaps a breezy, covered patio or a bright area in your home. You can also bring them indoors during the toasty months and then shift them outside in October when the chilly nights roll in and the evening nights are longer. Don’t forget, frost is a no-go for them!
How to care for a Christmas Cactus in the summertime?
Water your Christmas cactus sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings, with a general rule of thumb being to water every 7-10 says in the spring and summer, and every 4-6 weeks in the fall and winter.
How long can you leave a Christmas Cactus outside?
You can grow Christmas cactus outdoors year-round only in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 11, where winters are consistently mild and frost is rare. In all other zones, your plant should stay in a container so it can be moved back inside as temperatures cool.