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 % (1^st 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.