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Friday, December 20, 2019

Christmas Cactus


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.  

I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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11 comments:

  1. bazzaDecember 20, 2019 at 10:33 AM

    Christmas and New Year greetings to you and your family Sherry X
    CLICK HERE for Bazza’s foolishly festive Blog ‘To Discover Ice’

    ReplyDelete
  2. JoanneDecember 20, 2019 at 7:35 PM

    I am famous for killing Christmas cactus. Very sad. But I'm managing to keep a poinsettia alive so far.....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisJanuary 23, 2020 at 10:02 AM

      I think I'm in the process of killing my Poinsettia. My apartment is not a good place for it. Hope yours does well.

      Delete
  3. Hilary Melton-ButcherDecember 21, 2019 at 2:33 AM

    Hi Sherry - they are amazing plants ... my SIL has been trying to kill hers off for years... poor plant! Still it keeps coming back when someone gives it a little care ... she's a busy lady - so an excuse or two! Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year - cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  4. L. Diane WolfeDecember 21, 2019 at 12:09 PM

    I can kill them within a month! I do have a pointsetta still alive from last Christmas, but it's certainly not blooming.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sherry EllisJanuary 23, 2020 at 10:03 AM

      It'll bloom again. That happened to me, too. I was shocked when it turned red again.

      Delete
  5. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comDecember 22, 2019 at 11:55 AM

    That's a colorful cactus plant.
    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Sherry.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lowcarb team memberJanuary 9, 2020 at 2:50 PM

    The Christmas Cactus is so colourful, I love the pink colour.
    My good wishes for 2020.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete