I have a couple cuttings and have planted them, but they are not growing. What should I do? I do not know if they rooted or not. They've been stuck in soil for 2 months?? Thanks for your reply.
They should show new growth in about three weeks according to our article below. As long as your starts look healthy, I wouldn't worry. The article below tells more about propagation:
spindly. It is a family heirloom & I don’t want to lose it. Have any suggestions?
It won't hurt it to cut the length back. You can make new plants with the cuttings. (I would cut it by half.) I'm guessing it hasn't been repotted in years. It could use some refreshed soil. It will be easier to repot if some of the length is cut off.
Where to keep the plant, indoors? Light or dark place?
They can be quite specific. These plants require "seasons" while indoors, just as they would outdoors.
During the growing season, they will need 14 to 18 hours of bright, but indirect, light per day. It is important not to expose them to direct light to avoid burning the plant.
During the dormancy, they will need 12 hours or more of perfect, pitch-black darkness per day. They will also need to be watered MUCH less during this time. The temperatures should be around 50-55F (10-13C) during this time. Christmas cactus (If you are completely sure that it is, indeed, a Christmas cactus) will need about 4-6 weeks of this dormancy in order to flower. If this is an Easter, or Thanksgiving cactus, they will need longer, and shorter dormancies, respectively.
Once dormancy is over, you can return the plant to long days of over 14 hours and bring the temperatures back up.
This article will help you to care for the plant: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.htm
I’ve included pictures of what my Grandma's Christmas cactus has been through this past year. A move from NC to TX, very dry out and wind damaged, and then over watered. Some of these things were out of my control. I fortunately have been able to get some cuttings started so I haven’t totally lost my beloved plant. Please help me to save the rest of it.
If it was overwatered, be sure to repot in cacti or succulent mix. As you suggested, try to propagate from healthy tips. That is probably your best bet. The original doesn't look too good. You can try cutting it back as far as you can, still leaving a few leaves. It may bounce back. They are pretty tough.
e bottom planter. How do I repot? Should I slice off the roots between the pots or try to break the original pot and then dig the other roots out of the lower planter and then repot the whole thing. Believe me, I've learned a valuable lesson. This was a mistake than will NOT be repeated! Thank you in advance for your guidance! Carol Hargrave Carol.Hargrave@aol.com Avondale, AZ 623 680-2751
Just slice off the extra roots, and then plant as you would most houseplants. These will not be hurt by a little root pruning. This article will help you in repotting after the root pruning: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/repotting-christmas-cactus.htm
My Christmas cactus has flowered consistently every November and every March since 2010. This March, however, I see no signs of buds even forming. I haven't treated the plant any differently, and otherwise it looks healthy. Why would it stop blooming? Thank you for your expertise!
It does look healthy. You are lucky you get blooms in November and March! Perhaps your plant wants a much needed rest. It's hard to say what may have changed in its environment, but perhaps getting it on a cycle will help. Here is an article that may help:
or give up my passion for them. Not one of my Christmas cactuses bloomed this winter. If I have one not looking well I take a few pieces of it and put in a rooting powder and try to stick in an existing plant or start a new one. I believe living where I am on a 10th floor may make them impossible to bloom. I currently have 7 plants and one I have to repot. They can get plenty of indirect light if I put the blinds a certain way as I face the east. I need some help please. Also my cat has started to eat my spider plants. HELP
They don't have to be outside to bloom, but the cool air does trigger bud formation in the fall. You can also trigger buds by leaving them in a room that stays completely dark overnight (12 hours) beginning in fall. Also allow your plants to become potbound, as they prefer those conditions. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plants-cats.htm