Polk County Master Gardeners
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Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus really is a succulent that originated in the tropics, but
whatever you call it, it is beautiful this time of year. And it is one holiday
purchase you can feel really thrifty about because you can keep it beautiful for
years to come with blooms every winter. When choosing a plant, be sure to pick
one that is free of disease or pests and one that has lots of buds this time of
year.
Christmas Cactus comes in a variety of colors from white through pink and
orange to brilliant red. The flowers are tube shaped and the petals recurve on
many varieties. There are also varieties (called Thanksgiving Cactus or Easter
Cactus) that bloom at other seasons of the year. They all require similar
growing conditions.
They need lots of bright light, but not much direct sun. They need moist
soil, but do not like standing in water. You can give them a weak solution of a
balanced houseplant fertilizer every two to four weeks or you can make a very
weak solution and use it every time you water. They like humid conditions, so
they will respond well to misting on a daily basis - most houses are too dry to
suit them.
In order to bloom, Christmas Cactus needs about four weeks of twelve-hour
nights. If you are careful to check the freeze predictions and bring them inside
if there is a chance of a freeze, you can leave them outside when the days begin
getting shorter. Be sure there is no street or porch light where you put them.
If you do not have a dark place for them outside, you can put a box or paper bag
over the plants in the house. I find it easier to check the weather reports for
possible freezing conditions than to remember to cover them every evening and
uncover every morning.
When most of the segments have buds forming, you can forget about the dark
cycles and move them inside to enjoy the blooms.
After blooming is done, prune them to encourage branching. The segments cut
off with a sharp knife can easily be rooted in moist vermiculite. When new
growth appears, repot the cuttings in a good potting soil mixed with sand or
perlite and begin fertilizing them like the parent plant. During the summer, you
can put them out in a shady location. Be sure to remember to water and fertilize
them so that the soil stays moist but not soggy.
About the only problems with Christmas Cactus are mealy bugs (wash with soapy
water or wipe off with an alcohol swab), scale insects (scrape off and isolate
the plant), purple ring spots or line patterns on leaves from virus. There is no
good solution for the last two - discard the plants.
And if you plan far enough ahead, you can be creating enough new Christmas
Cactus each year to share with friends and family.
By Barbara M. Tobias
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