The primary purpose of growing house plants, like Christmas cactus in most cases, is successful flower production. Surely, many times, when a prized plant bursts into beautiful bloom, the rest of the household is subjected to a flurry of excitement by a “green thumb” window gardener who seems to think the event is no less … Read more
Who has seen a Christmas cactus tumbling over itself, the branch tips weighted down by delicate red blooms, who hasn’t been filled with admiration? But how many people realize it is one of the most satisfactory plants to grow in the home? Somehow, with the arrival of so many outside-the-home activities, the old-fashioned Christmas cactus … Read more
The Christmas cactus sits among a select few popular plants bloom in winter. These attractive and rather bizarre plants are one of three known as the “holiday cacti” because they bloom around specific American holidays. They also have an unusual design where the stems and leaves are the same (known as cladodes). As a Christmas … Read more
Christmas Cactus is one of the three-holiday cacti, so named because each blooms around a specific holiday. With its segmented, round-toothed stems called cladodes, hanging flowers, and distinctive pink pollen, the Christmas Cactus is a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts. However, while generally low-maintenance, this plant isn’t immune to a few problems. One of the … Read more
Question: I have been told that every house plant must have a resting period – some brief, some long. As the Christmas cactus blooms in the Winter and grows in the Summer, when does its resting time come? Answer: From the time the Christmas cactus is brought indoors in September until the first flower buds … Read more
Question: I’ve had a Christmas cactus plant for years – it always grows nicely until about August. Then large branches rot at joints near the main plant and fall. Although I root these branches and start new plants, I’d rather they didn’t fall off. What can be done to prevent this? Answer: At about the time you … Read more
Question: I have a large healthy healthy-looking Christmas cactus. Its flower buds fall off, and only two or three remain to open fully. What can I do to prevent this? – J.K., Naugatuck, Conn. Answer: Overwatering, especially in the fall as plants come into bloom, will cause the Christmas cactus to drop its buds, as will insufficient water. … Read more
The most important disease-causing problem for the Christmas cactus plant is caused by a fungus – Fusarium oxysporum. Stem lesions are water-soaked initially and rapidly enlarge to reddish-brown areas which appear sunken or mushy. The fungus spores love this environment, and it is easy to find the dusty yellow-brown covering of spores. Splashing water moves … Read more
Plant enthusiasts love having a range of flowering plants that bloom at different times of the year. This is perhaps why Schlumbergera (shlum-BER-ger-uh), the so-called holiday cacti, especially the Christmas cactus, are so popular. Christmas cactus care is easy. This succulent begins blooming between late November and early December, providing colorful flowers into early Spring. It’s often … Read more
Botanically, Christmas Cactus is, indeed, a true cactus; but for its well-being, it really should have been given some other common name. The word “cactus” brings visions of extreme heat, sand, and dry air to many people. Consequently, these would-be gardeners give any and all cacti the growing conditions they assume (incorrectly, by the way) … Read more