I love Christmas and Thanksgiving cactuses. These plants are so easy
to take care of. The flowers are gorgeous, come in an array of
colors and come right when we need them -- usually when it's cold and
flowerless outdoors. A houseplant that flowers and doesn't take much
to take care of it is a big plus in my book! They can be grown in
hanging baskets or regular pots.
Care
My Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus bloom every year now. They
didn't always before. The main difference has been that my plants
have become root bound. The other difference is temperature -- they
like it cool so I moved mine to a cooler area of the house. If they
get too warm, the buds will fall off. I'd say 68* or under is what
they prefer. A south-facing window with filtered light also helps
and only an occasional feeding when they are actively growing. I
think where people go wrong with these is in giving them too much
attention. Too much water will cause them to die. Let the plant dry
between waterings to the point where the leaves start to shrivel.
This is all I do to my cactuses and they bloom reliably every year.
Sometimes they even give me a second show!
These plants can last you a lifetime! My grandma has a plant that
has been in the family for over 60 years! Two of my three plants are
plants made from taking cuttings from hers. Let me tell you how to
do that.
Propagation
It's very easy to propagate Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactuses. All
you need is a small pot of moist potting soil, a Christmas or
Thanksgiving cactus to take a cutting from and rooting hormone is
helpful but not necessary. Simply clip off a four-segment piece; dip
the cut end into rooting hormone if desired, then push the cut end
into the soil about an inch or so. From there, the only thing you
have to do is be sure the soil stays moist. It will stay moist
longer if you prop a see through plastic bag over it. To do this you
can insert a popsicle stick into the soil, then drape the plastic
over that. Rooted and growing cuttings of these make wonderful gifts
to friends and family. Put them in a pretty pot and attach a bow and
card then they're ready to give!
Descriptions
There's a difference between Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas
Cactus. Christmas cactus segments are scalloped and Thanksgiving
cactus segments are toothed.
Well, that is what I know about growing Thanksgiving and Christmas
cactus. I hope it will help you in growing yours!
Copyright ©, 2000, Monica Resinger
About the Author:
Monica Resinger publishes an e-mail newsletter for homemakers that poses fun questions to readers about organizing, crafting, gardening, frugal living and other homemaking subjects; readers can respond to the questions and receive the resulting, very informative 'tip sheet'. If you'd like to join the fun, send a blank e-mail to: HomemakersJournal-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe.
