Caring For Christmas Cactus

[ladyisis]

Hello all,

I hope someone can give me some advise on how to care for Christmas cactus. I received this as a gift but no directions on how to water and feed it.

Would appreciate any response as this plant is dear to my heart.

Thanks.

Susan

[Countryboy]

The holiday Cacti are great plants . . . quite hardy . . but a little fussy to bring into bloom. The trick for getting the plant to flower involves cooler temps and some guaranteed darkness.

Here's more detail from the Purdue University plant expert.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/cactusFAQs.html

Frank . . ON5a

[B_BQ]

The 'Christmas' cactus does like cooler temperatures, and it also seems to thrive on neglect! Don't water it too often, just when the soil seems dry to the touch. Also water with very cool water, (I actually use ice cubes), and not too much. It does like some nice light, but not in a very sunny window.
Mine doesn't actually bloom at Christmas. It is just starting to bloom again for the 3rd time this year.
~BBQ

[ladyisis]

Hello B-BQ and Countryboy,

It wonderful to hear from both of you and such a quick response. I am so happy to know all about the Christmas cactus.

I read both your responses and I loved both your comments. They have helped me tremendously.

As a matter of fact, I have put the Christmas cactus on my kitchen table. There is indirect light and the kitchen temperature is always cool.

I did not know about giving the cactus cool water. I am glad that I posted here.

I have lots of buds but no flowers yet. I will keep my fingers crossed and give my plant a lot of TLC.

I will post back and let you both know how it doing. I hope to give good news that the flowers will come out.

Thank you both and its a pleasure to meet you both.

Take care.

Susan

[B_BQ]

Hi Susan:
Nice to hear back from you!
The fact that your cactus is in the bud stage now bodes well!
Don't forget though, not too much TLC, and don't over-water.
You may also have to quarter-turn the pot every few days, so that it flowers evenly.
Good luck. Such a pretty plant.

Just edited to ask a question. Where are you? Not specifically, but a Province or State would be helpful; also your zone. Any future questions, about anything, would be much easier to answer.

~BBQ

[ladyisis]

Hello B-BQ,

I live in Quebec and we have not had snow yet

I want to thank you for the tip also for turning the plant every few days.

Good to know that I plant is thriving.

I will give it a little TLC and watch it grow. Not too much water.

How often do you think I should water my plant? I read somewhere that I should water it only half way down the pot? Is this right?

Would love your feedback.

[B_BQ]

How often do you think I should water my plant? I read somewhere that I should water it only half way down the pot? Is this right?

I don't have any set watering time for mine. I feel the soil about once a week or so and if it feels very dry to the touch I give it a little water, maybe half a cup, (depending on the size of the pot), or a handful of ice cubes which then melt very slowly and don't soak the soil too quickly.

When your plant is in flower it would be nice to see a picture of it!

Here's mine, which is just now starting to flower for the 3rd time this year:



~BBQ

[ladyisis]

Hello again B-BQ,

Thanks for the tip on water my cactus. This is very helpful info.

I am jealous, your cactus is beautiful and large. It looks like you care for this cactus really well.

When the flower bloom I will take a picture and upload here.

Thanks again B-BQ for all your help.

Susan