Monday, December 21, 2015

Christmas Cactus

 Last post, I talked about a popular winter plant called the Amaryllis. This week, the featured plant is another popular Christmas gift:  The 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 won't post here again, before Christmas, so I'd like to wish all of you who celebrate, a very Merry Christmas! 

10 comments:

  1. Ray's mother has one she's kept going for over 4 years. Pretty plant. Merry Christmas to you!

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    1. That's about how long my last one lived. Hope you had a very Merry Christmas!

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  2. I think we killed one of those once...
    Merry Christmas, Sherry!

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    1. It seems you've killed just about everything green at your place. ;-)

      I hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Alex! Happy New Year!

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  3. Hi Sherry. We received a card from friends in Australia with a pack of seeds that has a picture on the pack that looks just like this Christmas cactus. Maybe it's a seasonal thing but I know it's native to Australia.

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    1. That I did not know. When I go to Australia, I'll have to keep my eyes open for them.

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  4. Hi Sherry - happy Christmas and New Year ... and for all your tips and trips to beautiful gardens through the year.

    Christmas cacti are lovely .. and they will tolerate not a lot of care ... cheers and Happy Christmas to you and your family - have fun! - Hilary

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    1. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas, Hilary! Wishing you all the best in 2016!

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  5. I'd like to try a Christmas cactus sometime.

    Merry Christmas.

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    1. They are pretty and easy to care for.

      Happy New Year!

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