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- Q.The Buds On My Christmas Cactus Are Falling Off.What Im I Doing Wrong? - A couple of my buds opened and then i had a couple fall off before they opened.What im i doing ...
- Q.I Live In Phoenix AZ And Have A Xmas Cactus. I Have Read Up On It But Really Doesn’t Pertain To The Hot Heat Here. Ca - We have 110degrees temperature in summer. I am wondering how to take of my Xmas cactus. Watering and fertilizing?
- Q.Instruction “Y-shaped Cutting” Not Clear - On page https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/how-to-propagate-and-plant-christmas-cactus.htm , the author says "taking a short, Y-shaped cutting from the stem tip." I do not understand "Y-shaped cutting". ...
- Q.Dead Heading Spent Flowers - Do we remove Christmas cactus flowers after they have stopped blooming or do we let them fall off naturally? If we ...
- Q.Christmas Cactus - My Christmas Cactus is doing very well, in the house and in a large pot. It's about 30 inches ...
- Q.Christmas Cactus Just Beginning To Show Buds, Still Keep Up Cold And Dark Regimen. - It looks great and I was so excited to see the first pink sign of bloom. Should I still ...
- Q.Christmas Cactus - I have 3 huge, beautiful Christmas cactuses that probably have been in their pots 5 years if not longer. ...
Asked by
Anonymous on
December 4, 2018Q.The buds on my christmas cactus are falling off.What im i doing wrong?
A couple of my buds opened and then i had a couple fall off before they opened.What im i doing wrong?
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
December 5, 2018A.Unfortunately, this can have several causes. These are epiphytes, meaning they usually grow on other trees, as semi parasitic plants. Therefore, they will require soils, such as orchid mixes, or those specifically made for epiphytes. Sometimes the issue can be caused by over, or under-watering, lack of light, AND too much light, or cool temperatures. Unfortunately these can be somewhat finicky plants. Are there any other symptoms? If you can include pictures, then it would better help me to help you.
For now, I will include an article for their overall care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
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- Asked by
francox98 on
December 8, 2018
Scottsdale AZ 85252Q.I live in Phoenix AZ and have a Xmas Cactus. I have read up on it but really doesn’t pertain to the hot heat here. Ca
We have 110degrees temperature in summer. I am wondering how to take of my Xmas cactus. Watering and fertilizing?
- Answered by
MichiganDot on
December 9, 2018A.Most people grow holiday cacti as houseplants because they do not tolerate weather extremes. The ideal temperature is between 60-70 F. They are not true cacti; their native home is in the mountain forests of Brazil. Here is general information on care of Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
BruceTN on
December 9, 2018
Toronto Ontario, 5aQ.instruction “Y-shaped cutting” not clear
On page https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/how-to-propagate-and-plant-christmas-cactus.htm , the author says "taking a short, Y-shaped cutting from the stem tip." I do not understand "Y-shaped cutting". Please add a photo, drawing or diagram to the article.
- Answered by
MichiganDot on
December 9, 2018A.I agree that a picture of the "Y" would make things clearer. It is only one way of propagating holiday cactus. Here is another method: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/thanksgiving-cactus/thanksgiving-cactus-plant.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
December 17, 2018Q.Dead heading spent flowers
Do we remove Christmas cactus flowers after they have stopped blooming or do we let them fall off naturally? If we are to remove them...how do we do it i.e. from what point on the stem? Thank you.
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
December 18, 2018A.It is best to let them drop off naturally, and there is no need to deadhead them. If they are just unsightly, then there is no harm in removing them, but their natural process is best. Here is an article for more information on their care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
Anonymous on
December 22, 2018Q.Christmas Cactus
My Christmas Cactus is doing very well, in the house and in a large pot. It's about 30 inches in diameter, flowers nicely, etc. Do I need to stack this plant in anyway? Will it grow higher if left alone? I do not want to lose or hurt the plant in anyway. Thank you, Lynne Wurster
- Answered by
Downtoearthdigs on
December 23, 2018A.Yes, you can prune and shape your plant.
Here is a link that will help you.
Was this answer useful?00 - Asked by
32cadillac on
January 11, 2019
69506Q.Christmas cactus just beginning to show buds, still keep up cold and dark regimen.
It looks great and I was so excited to see the first pink sign of bloom. Should I still keep up the recommended cold/dark regimen? Or place it with other plants now. Thank you.
Answered by
BushDoctor on
January 12, 2019
Certified ExpertA.I would wait until several flowers open before placing back into a different light schedule. This change will trigger the growth phase again so it will stop producing blooms after being in this new schedule. Just wait until you have the number of blooms that seems good, and then bring it back out of the dark cycles.
Was this answer useful?00- Asked by
Anonymous on
January 13, 2019Q.Christmas cactus
I have 3 huge, beautiful Christmas cactuses that probably have been in their pots 5 years if not longer. They are too heavy for me as they are. Can I trim off a lot of foliage back to pot rim which will lighten the plant, therefore making it easier for me to handle, remove plant, remove as much old soil as possible, & repot in same container with new soil? The containers are 10" across, so you can see what huge plants are in them.
- Answered by
MichiganDot on
January 13, 2019A.You are right that it is a good idea to repot your holiday cactus and now is a good time to do it. Here is an article that covers how to prune and how much you can remove without damaging the plant's health. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/christmas-cactus-pruning.htm
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