What causes the brown scale on my Easter cactus and what can I do for it? It is always outside in dappled light on the east side of the house.
The scale are attracted to your cactus because it presents a warm, dry environment that is a source of plant sap.
For more information about scale and a prescribed course of treatment, please visit the following link:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm
In a window with morning light. Temp 80. Light solution of miracle grow when watered.
Check the watering. Soil should be lightly moist but dry out between watering.
Also they do like cooler conditions.
To much fertilizer will also cause the plant to drop leaves. You need to fertilize only after the plant is done blooming, once a month.
Here is a link to refresh you on the care requirements.
How can I start a new one with a piece of the existing one? Is this possible? A friend wants a start from mine...
Yes, you can easily propagate an Easter Cactus.
Here is a link with more information.
The overall appearance says..Christmas cactus (or other holiday). But, if given correct lighting and care, this cactus blooms every 3 months. Huge deep red blooms, and I have had the great-grandmother plant for 25 years now. Every year, blooms every 3 months. Also, the older foliage near the base develops a triangular/3 sided stem. Photos attached.
It is an easter cactus based on identification of bloom and stem segments. Holiday cacti have the potential to bloom 2-3 times a year if the conditions are just right.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/easter-cactus/caring-for-easter-cactus.htm
If I use half strength 20-20-20 plant fertilizer, is that the same as 10-10-10? I had to purchase the 20 fertilizer for my orchids and have a large bag.
The 20-20-20 is twice as concentrated as the 10-10-10.
Here is an article that has more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fertilizer-numbers-npk.htm
First, let me say thanks so much for the answers recently when I had questions about my hydrangea blooms, and I will try the suggestions sent to me. Now, I have another question. I have some cactus, which after researching online, I do believe to be of the Easter Lily Cactus family, of which there seem to be over 100 kinds. The following articles have pictures of specimens that look exactly like mine: https://latimesblogs.latimes.com/home_blog/2010/05/easter-lily-cactus-echinopsis-eyriesii-echinopsis-oxygona.html https://www.foodreference.com/gardening/html/111-eastlil.html What I have not been able to really find is an answer to what, if anything, to do with the babies that have been produced over the years. I have had my cactus for about 20 years. I put them outside in spring and summer now, and they have produced beautiful blooms last summer and this. They have many, many babies on them, of varying sizes. I don't know if I should take these off and give the parent plants room to breathe. They have not been repotted for years, so these babies are even below the pot levels, on the inside of the rim. They look terribly crowded and uncomfortable in there. This morning I have read some folks say to fertilize it in the summer. I have never given them anything but water. Clearly, any information you would like to share with me would be appreciated. Thanks so much, Janet
Your plant sounds like it needs to be divided and repotted.
This article will help with that:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/propgen/dividing-plants.htm
Once the easter cacti has stopped flowering can it be put outside.
Yes, you can put your Easter Cactus outdoors when it is warm enough.
Here is an article with more information.