Christmas Cactus

loesbob · June 2021

Hi All,

I have had a Xmas cactus (as a house plant) for about three years. I am just about keeping it going and it has produced a wonderful flush of flowers once in the early days. Since then the flowers appear at all sorts of different times and an awful lot drop well before they deteriorate. Additionally the 'stems' occasionally break off at the point where they enter the growing medium and that may have been due to overwatering.

I think I need to change the growing medium and intend to use an ordinary compost with maybe 50% grit. Any thoughts on that? And should I be watering from the bottom to try and eradicate the 'rotting'of the 'stems'?

Thanks for any advice.

Cheers

Bob

wild edges · June 2021

There's a good guide here http://desertplantsofavalon.com/uncategorized/how-to-care-for-christmas-cactus-and-thanksgiving-cactus-schlumbergera/

They tend to like a lighter and more airy soil mix than most succulents and it needs to retain water for longer. I'd be tempted to try a mix of coir and perlite or pumice with about 50% John Innes.

loesbob · July 2021

Thanks Wild Edges. Really good link. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Time will tell how happy it gets. Cheers.

AnniD · July 2021

I always water from the bottom, they tend to start drooping slightly which gives me the hint that they need watering.

Christmas Cactus

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