Wouldn’t it be great to give a
present that not only won’t be eaten,
used up, or thrown out a few days after
Christmas, but would live and be passed
on from generation to generation for a
hundred years. A gift basket that includes
or is totally made up of CHRISTMAS CACTUS
is just such a present.
Christmas Cactus, whose scientific name
is Schlumberger or Zygocactus, usually
can be purchased in 4”, 6”,
or 8” pots. (check out foliageunlimited.net
if you want to order some really healthy
ones) and have been known to live for
over 100 years.
HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS CACTUS
GIFT BASKET:
Place the Christmas Cactus into a pretty
basket, don’t forget the drip saucer;
add a small bag of fertilizer and a little
bottle of Super Thrive; you can even add
a book on the care of houseplants. Fill
in the spaces with parchment or mylar
shred to give the gift basket a professional
look. Use double-sided tape to attach
a beautiful Christmas bow, and you have
a gift that “keeps on giving.”
CARE OF CHRISTMAS CACTUS: Theses
plants thrive on benign neglect.
Water them when the top third of the
soil is dry. It’s always better
to under rather than over water Christmas
Cactus. I’ve forgotten to water
some in my greenhouse for weeks and they
did just fine!
Fertilize only three or four times a
year. Try not to fertilize for at least
a month before you expect the flower buds
to appear. Never fertilize when the plant
is in bloom.
Bright indirect light is best. Direct
sun will stunt plant growth.
Cool evening temperatures (50-65 degrees)
and twelve hours of darkness help set
the plant flowers. That said, I have seen
them burst into bloom while sitting in
a warm bright location right next to a
window.
Propagating Christmas Cactus is really
easy! Break off a few segments (3 or 4
to make a full plant) and put them around
the edge of a small pot filled with sandy
soil; 1/3 of each segment should be in
the soil. The new plant should take root
within a month, and you will have a great
gift to give to someone.
Trimming and Pruning: Cut off dead blooms
on a daily basis to encourage flowering.
When the plant has finished blooming,
cut a few segments off of each section
of the plant. This will encourage root
growth, a fuller plant, and more buds
next year.
Christmas Cactus is easily available
this time of year; but if you have a problem
locating one just email:
and she’ll help you out!
