Some of you may have gotten a Christmas cactus over the holidays. I figure this is a good time to tell you a little about the plant, and to give some tips about how to care for it.
The Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera, is native to the mountains of south-eastern Brazil. It likes shade and high humidity. It can be recognized by its leaf-like pads and pink flowers which flower only around Thanksgiving or Christmas (hence the name).
Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus:
1. Keep away from direct sunlight, drafts, heat vents, or fireplaces.
2. Provide a source of humidity. You can put a tray of water next to the plant, so that the water evaporates and provides humidity.
3. Do not overwater. Once a week should be enough. And if you can, don't water from the top. It is best to put the plant in a tray of water and allow water to seep through holes in the bottom of the container.
4. Prune your cactus one month after blooming.
The Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera, is native to the mountains of south-eastern Brazil. It likes shade and high humidity. It can be recognized by its leaf-like pads and pink flowers which flower only around Thanksgiving or Christmas (hence the name).
Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus:
1. Keep away from direct sunlight, drafts, heat vents, or fireplaces.
2. Provide a source of humidity. You can put a tray of water next to the plant, so that the water evaporates and provides humidity.
3. Do not overwater. Once a week should be enough. And if you can, don't water from the top. It is best to put the plant in a tray of water and allow water to seep through holes in the bottom of the container.
4. Prune your cactus one month after blooming.
Before I go, I'd like to thank those of you who voted for my book, Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig to China in the cover contest. I appreciate it! There's one more day to vote in round two. If you'd like, please follow this link to vote for it:
In other words, it's not an easy plant to keep alive.
ReplyDeleteFor those with a green thumb it is. I know a couple of people who have ginormous Christmas cacti.
DeleteI've killed cactus before. I'm sure I could kill that one, too. LOL
ReplyDeleteIf you don't have a green thumb, you probably would.
DeleteHi Sherry - I love Christmas cacti ... but plants can be challenging we all want to love them loads ... yet if we let them be and treat them not too well - they thrive ... I'm trying to keep a pointsettia alive, as too a cyclamen ... surviving (just) so far! Happy New Year and good luck with the book ...
ReplyDeleteI kept a poinsettia alive for years. We had to move, so I ended up giving it away. With proper care, plants can live a long time.
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