CHRISTMAS CACTI

CARING FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS CACTI

DEAR IAN
I have seen some lovely Christmas Cacti in the shops. I have one that never flowers until February. How can I get it to flower for Christmas? Is there anything else I should know when it comes to the plants needs? Thanks T.N. Carndonagh

REPLY
The Christmas cactus has been a favourite houseplant for years. There are loads of different types in the shops and you won’t be short of colours to choose from if you decide to increase your stock. It's not unusual for a single plant to be passed down from generation to generation because they're long-lived, rather easy plants to grow. But if you want to get them in bloom for the upcoming holiday season, they will need a little special care during the coming weeks.

Both Christmas and Easter cacti are native to Central and South America. Although these plants are called cacti, they are truly different in all aspects from the common desert cactus. These plants, called epiphytes are found in the same environments as orchids, which you will also find in glorious colour in the shops at the moment. They are most often found in the forks of tree limbs where they grow in decayed leaves and other natural debris that accumulates there. Since they are tropical cacti, their cultural requirements are totally different from true cacti.

Christmas cactus plants should be kept in a cool room where temperatures will remain around 50 degrees from September. Be sure not to expose them to freezing temperatures. It's also very important they be kept in a room where no artificial light will be turned on at night.

The key to getting Christmas cactus to flower during the holiday season is the proper light exposure, correct temperatures and limited watering. So during autumn and early winter the Christmas cactus should be placed in a spot where it receives indoor indirect bright light during the daylight hours but total darkness at night. (Much the same exposure you would give a poinsettia except a Christmas poinsettia requires warm temperatures whereas the Christmas cactus needs a spot where the temperatures are cool during the autumn months.)

Since the Christmas cactus is a tropical plant it will require watering on much the same basis as any other type of tropical plant. A good procedure to follow is to water the plants thoroughly and then allow about the top inch of soil to dry before watering again. Watering less in winter helps the plants flower and stops any rotting of the stems.

Christmas cacti like humidity. Place a glass, vase or tray of water near the plant or support the pot on gravel inside the saucer. As the water evaporates it will provide the humidity the cactus needs.

The Christmas cactus should never be placed near a door that opens and closes to the outside. Likewise, keep it away from radiators, fireplaces or drafty areas.

Apply a 0-10-10 type liquid fertilizer. This has no nitrogen to promote leaf growth, so the plant can concentrate on producing flowers. A second application of this fertilizer can be made in February. During the growing season from April to September, use an all purpose liquid houseplant type fertilizer.

One of the most frustrating things that can happen to Christmas cactus is after the flower buds have developed they drop off the plant. Bud drop can be caused by anyone of several different conditions. Usually it's because of over-watering, lack of humidity or insufficient light or air circulation.

This is not the time to pinch, prune or shape a Christmas cactus. The best time is when the new growth begins in March or early April. Likewise, the best time for repotting a cactus is in February, March or April. However, keep in mind the plant will flower best if it's kept in a container where it's pot-bound, the same as spider plants. If your Christmas cactus is given proper care and is placed in the right location, it's not unusual for it to flower several times throughout the year.

If you want to increase your stock, simply twist off a mature leaf in the spring and push it lightly into the soil at the edge of a pot. It will be rooted by the summer.