Take Care Of Your Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cacti have a lengthy and loving tradition in my family that is documented back to my grandparents through photos. As I look back on my childhood photos, I encounter several images of myself in front of my parents' hale and hearty Christmas Cactus. This cactus always bloomed at Christmas and Easter and still does! After my mom and dad both passed away in the late 1990s, I began my investigation of the Christmas Cactus magic.

My eldest sister took the remarkable cactus that was half-a-century old! That first Christmas without my parents, their beloved cactus flowered even more spectacularly than usual. The spirit from all those years of love and care that my parents had provided to each other and our family lived on through this plant. It was then that I realized I needed a slip of this cactus to extend the family Christmas Cactus tradition in my own home.

As I began my journey into the Christmas Cactus world, I discovered how relatively easy it is to start a plant from a slip and grow it into a prosperous thing of beauty. The perfect time to take a slip is after the cactus has finished blooming. A mature plant usually requires a good pruning after each blooming to keep the blossoms all around the plant as the flowers form at the end of each stem. These pruned stems are perfect for starting new plants that can be ready as flowering gifts by next Christmas! Once you have your slips, they can simply be rooted in damp sand. This also makes them easy to mail or transport. Let your slips dry out a couple of days after pruning, before putting in the damp sand. You are ready to plant the slips as soon as a good root system is established. Plant several slips in a pot with a good-draining potting soil. I like the potting soil made especially for cacti. Place your young plants in a spot that gets bright, filtered light. Keep your fledgling plants evenly moist when watering, and wait until the soil is dry in between watering.

As there are numerous varieties of Christmas Cacti, you will discover that some are easier to blossom every year than others. Since I received the slip of my parents' cactus, it has developed into a large thriving plant. I have also acquired a selection of cacti varying in stem structure, flower dimensions, and color. Some of my cacti blossom easily annually from their designated spot in our home, while others need the short-day treatment. This process ensures that you will have a flowering plant during the Christmas season. Between mid-September and mid-October, put your plant into a cool room that you don't use in the evening, or even a closet, so the plant is in darkness at least 12 hours a day. Quit watering at this point and don't water for 3-4 weeks until the flower buds develop or the plant begins to go limp. Once the buds have formed, put the plant back in its showcase spot for a beautiful, natural Christmas decoration and resume regular watering. Since I have numerous Christmas Cacti and other plants, I find that putting them in natural jute macrame hangers are a great manner to display them, saving space and adding to my decor.

Yes, Christmas Cacti are fun, make perfect gifts, and can bring many years of enjoyment to your family.

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