I bought different colors of these Christmas Cacti about two years ago, each came in small size.
Two years ago, I was a no gardener at all, but could not resist these beauties when visiting the garden center. After they were done blooming that year, I read as much information from the web about the care of these plants as possible. I followed those instructions diligently about watering, fertilizing, and trimming. I also used those cuttings to try to propagate more free plants for myself. I obviously did not do all right, some of them started rotting and dying, and some constantly have the branches broken off. At the end, I only had several colors left, and had very few flowers opened last year.
Earlier December last year, I found some of them showing the buds. They were brought back to the spotlight only then. Some of them still are showing the sign of root rotting. However, I am grateful that they even bloomed for me without any care from this gardener. I think this time, I want to try to put a little bit more care to them, just don't overdo it. Hopefully they can grow healthier and fuller next year.
Here are two of my best Christmas Cacti this year, together with my blooming paperwhites.
I haven't tried to grow these in a while. I need too, they are so pretty. I know they need great drainage, might mix some sand in the soil. Over watering will kill them fast, I believe the soil is supposed the almost dry out between waterings...they also need darkness to set buds...I think like moving them into a closet or something around Oct. for couple of months..???
ReplyDeleteBetter late that never, right? I have just one, and it bloomed at Thanksgiving. I grow it in a hanging basket in the Orchid Room, where it rarely gets watering, but often gets misted. Can't give advice, though, as I am a brown thumb when it comes to container plants. Yours look like they're doing great to me.
ReplyDeleteDarla: I did add sand into the soil mix and tried to restrain the watering. I guess somehow it is still too much for them, or maybe the pots they are in are a little too deep. This year, I will try them in shallower containers, and restrain the watering even more. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFG: I have total about 6 containers of these, only some are doing fine. I think they might need to be treated to similar to Orchids. You put them in orchid room is a good idea. I am also learning container gardening, but they are fun to play :)
ReplyDeleteAmi, I think your cacti look great. I love all the colors, especially that fuschia one. I have that color too and it blooms the best of all. I don't know that mine are the best they could be, but they always bloom and I pretty much water them only once a week after they finish blooming and then once the weather gets cool again and they set buds only every other week. Sometimes they get orchid fert when I remember to give it to them and the orchids. I have mine potted in cactus mix. I think they probably do better with less care then too much. One of the things I like about them.
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried to grow Christmas cactus, but yours are lovely. I like the dark pink one on the left. I hope they do even better for you next year.
ReplyDeleteHi Ami, in nature Christmas cacti grow in tree forks, where debris from the tree collects. As they are such popular housplants there are a few simple steps to follow. Please visit this website http://www.humeseeds.com/xmasccts.htm it gives you all the hints, do's and don'ts. Hope it helps you with your questions. I think your plants look great and wonderful colours.
ReplyDeleteNanaK: I love that fushia color too, it is just so cheery for the holidays. hmm, I maybe try that cactus mix for some of my Christmas Cacti. The root rotting is my biggest problem.
ReplyDeleteJayne: Thanks! I think you can try Christmas Cactus too. They are usually grown as house plants.
ReplyDeleteTitania: Thanks for the link! Yes, those are petty much what I had read about the care of this plant. It is just different when putting them into practice :) But I think I know the major problem for me is overwatering(Even I thought I have restrained it) and the drainage of the soil medium.
ReplyDeleteHi Ami...Your christmas cactus are all beautiful. I have several, but don't do a good job growing them. I tend to overwater them, so I grow them in clay pots so they'll have a chance against my heavy watering hand. Best of luck with them.
ReplyDeletePretty!
ReplyDeleteSusan: I guess we both tend to overwater them :) They are in plastic containers right now, I think I will try your clay pot idea. Maybe using the orchid pot sold at the garden center. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteScrapechick: Thanks for visiting my blog!
ReplyDeleteI water whenever I remember to - about once every 2 weeks or so. They're growing in the same medium they've grown in for the past 20 years. I'm rewarded with 1 flower per year. It's pretty miraculous that it's still alive!!
ReplyDeleteI love your soft pink Christmas cactus