- Author: Mary B. Gabbard
Looking for that perfect hostess gift, why not try a live plant? Specifically, the Christmas Cactus: Schlumbergera bridgessii. Not a true cactus, more similar in environmental needs to that of an orchid. This plant is native to Brazil and grows as an epiphyte (plant that grows above ground, deriving its nutrients and water from rain, the air, and natural debris), in the forks of tree limbs. Right now you can find this plant budding, or in full bloom, at your local hardware store. The leaves are dark green, flat and grow in segments. The plant flowers at the tips of these segments with red, pink, and white flowers. Here are some easy care guidelines should you receive one as a gift!
As the holidays wind down and you don’t see any more blooms, your Christmas Cactus needs to rest. (Just like Santa) A month of rest in a cool dark room and very little water is exactly what this plant needs to get ready for new growth in spring. Do not fertilize during this month of rest.
Anytime between February – March, you can prune, propagate, or repot your cactus. A point to remember is that this is one plant that actually prefers to be root-bound and will actually promote more blooms when it feels “cramped”. A good rule of thumb is to repot about every 2 years. Pruning at this time is highly recommended because spring begins a period of active growth. Pruning will help the plant branch out, creating a fuller plant for the next holiday season. To propagate, take a segment of the leaf and place upright in a small pot filled with soil similar to parent plant. New plants will begin to grow in 4-6 weeks.
Easy growing tips:
- Don’t overwater; will cause rot on leaves. If kept indoors, watering weekly is advised, or when top inch of soil is dry. Water less frequently in fall and winter to promote blooming.
- Prefers humidity: place pot on saucer filled with gravel. Create humid environment by adding water to saucer.
- Fertilize: October/November, September, and February- liquid all purpose houseplant type fertilizer. Do not use a fertilizer with nitrogen ratio higher than 10 % (1st number on fertilizer label is nitrogen).
I consider the Christmas cactus a gift that “keeps on giving’ because with proper care it will grow and bloom for many holidays.
![plants cats 009 plants cats 009](https://ucanr.edu/blogs/USS/blogfiles/13603.jpg)
- Author: Sally Livingston
Did you get a holiday cactus plant this year? I noticed many in the nurseries and stores with exquisite blossoms in shades of red, pink, purple, salmon as well as other colors. They add cheerful color during a time when few other houseplants flower. Popular plants are the Thanksgiving cacti, (Schlumbergia truncate), and the Christmas cacti, (Schlumbergia x buckleyi).
The secret of good bloom is to control the temperature and light. Plants develop buds and bloom if given bright light, short days, and night temperatures between 55º F and 65º Fahrenheit during bud formation. Full sunlight is helpful during the winter months. In the summer, the bright sun can make the plants look pale and yellow.
For Christmas bloom next year, the light and temperature treatment should be started in mid-September and continue for eight weeks. Christmas cacti bloom best when somewhat pot-bound. Re-potting is necessary only about once in three years.
These plants require less water from October to March then they do from April to September when growth is active. Take care that the soil does not become waterlogged during the dark days of winter.
![Holiday cactus. (photo by Jennifer Baumbach) Holiday cactus. (photo by Jennifer Baumbach)](http://ucanr.org/blogs/USS/blogfiles/9734.jpg)