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Gardeners’ Forum: “Christmas Cactus”

• Christmas Cactus

  Posted by Suzanne Postma on Thursday, December 27, 2001 6:50 pm AST

  I have a Christmas cactus which is at least 5 years old and I never had any problem with blooming at christmas time. I leave it dormant during the year and start watering & feeding approx. 3 months before blooming time. This year I never received any blooms. Does anybody have any idea what I might have done wrong or is this natural. Would appreciate any suggestion from you wonderful gardeners. Suzanne Postma Brighton, Ontario Canada

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Walt on Monday, December 31, 2001 3:04 pm AST

    Suzanne, I had to reply to this one! As a Trenton native now living in the beautiful Ottawa Valley, I couldn't leave a former "neighbour" in distress! Christmas cactus behavior can be puzzling at times. I've had great success with my Christmas cactus over the years, but every once in awhile they will disappoint me too! That's just the way they are! Here's what I'd suggest: a bright south or west window...but not too close; water and a light feeding regularly from April to August...to encourage new growth; cut back on the watering and eliminate the feeding all together from September to March; the reduced light of autumn and early winter should bring on the blooms in November and December...artificial light may have a negative impact on flowering, so be mindful of that. I hope this helps!!! I'm looking forward to spending next summer on the Bay of Quinte! All the best to you and yours in 2002!

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Suzanne on Tuesday, January 1, 2002 7:03 pm AST

    Thank you for the reply! What a coincidence I'm an Ottawa Valley native. I moved to the Qunite area 15 years ago. I have printed your instructions & hopefully I will be able to revive my beautiful mature Christmas cactus. Thanks again, You will love Ottawa!! Suzanne Brighton, On

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Janet Fraser on Monday, January 7, 2002 11:31 pm AST

    Hello..I just read your e-mails about the Christmas Cactus and I have another hint to add. We have 3 Christmas Cacti which have bloomed beautifully every year since we were given this advice. We were told to put the plants outdoors during the summer and leave outdoors even when we bring in the other house plants. Allow the plants to get quite cool in the fall , but do not allow it to freeze. (If there is a threat of frost put it in the garage or a cool place over night ) Bring it in when you must..usually by November..the plant will bloom beautifully, having experienced it's "winter".

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Bill Rosset on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 6:38 pm AST

    Hi. Ours was the same way,no blooms at Xmas. However now budding like crazy.It flowers an average of 2 or usually 3 times a year,usually Xmas and easter and the late summer. It gets lots of sun in a west window and we do not feed it. Also we are very forgetful about the watering part. Ours seems to like very little water.When we do water it gets a good soaking. This is our experience.The plant is close to 20 years old

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by bernice on Monday, January 28, 2002 2:04 am AST

    hi there i have learned through the years that yes christmas cacti can be very disappointing. i learned to hold off on the watering during the whole month of october, place plant in a north window . in november soak it, feed it and take out of the window sill and this has worked for me ( knock on wood) for 6 years.

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Rebecca on Saturday, November 29, 2008 11:57 am AST

    Ive had a Christmas Cactus for awhile now with no problems, however, I opened the window it was in a bit,, and I think it got cold... all the leaves etc have went soft and droopy,,,, there is a section in the middle that still seems ok... what should I do to save it? Should I cut back the soft droopy parts??

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by Maria Angowski on Sunday, April 26, 2009 6:20 pm ADT

    My dad has a christmas cactus that has been in the same window for years. But recently the green parts ahve turned almost burgandy, can you please tell me why it would do this. If you could write me back that would be great. Thank you. I will be waiting for your reply.

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by sally on Sunday, May 10, 2009 1:51 pm ADT

    Hello, I have a Christmas Cactus which I've had for about 5 years and it will NOT bloom!! It has grown but for some reason I cannot get it to bloom. Could it be possible its to young to bloom or is something wrong, I give it plant food every month and I water it only when it gets a bit dry, I have it on a stand by the window, please help. thanks in advance:)

  • re: Christmas Cactus

    Posted by stan shyer on Saturday, September 19, 2009 6:41 pm ADT

    I read somewhere that in Sept it's good to give Cactus castor oil.. Need help. Tks