Christmas cactus needs a little care

A Christmas cactus in bloom. Darrell Blackwelder, for the Salisbury Post.

Christmas cactus or "Holiday cactus" seems to be making a comeback as a traditional Christmas plant.

These houseplants are now in full bloom at local garden centers and retail outlets across Rowan County. Increased interest in these plants may be attributed to the vast array of bloom colors, which range from yellow, salmon, pink, fuchsia and white to various combinations of those colors. Also, these plants are very easy to grow and propagate.

Although a true cactus and a native of Brazil, its growth habit is similar to an orchid or tropical understory plants.

Humidity is a very important requirement for proper growth and development of the plant. Locate this plant in a room with high humidity, such as a kitchen or laundry room. If these aren't acceptable locations, place the container on a tray of pebbles filled with water which increases the humidity. Make sure the room is cool with bright, indirect light. Direct light from the sun will cause the leaves to turn yellow.

After bloom, the plant should be allowed to rest by withholding water enough to just keep the plant alive. Water to keep soil fairly moist but let the surface dry out. Avoid fertilization at this time. Move the holiday plant outdoors when danger of frost is over for maximum growth.

Make sure to locate the plants to a shady location with filtered light. Don't let the plant dry out, but also be careful not to over-water. Treat the plant as you would a normal houseplant by feeding on a regular basis for good growth and development.

Bring the plant indoors in the fall as you would with other houseplants. One point of interest: these plants need a drought or resting period in the fall to initiate bloom. During the month of October avoid watering the plant unless it begins to wilt. Resume normal watering in November, again being careful not to over-water. Water the plant when the surface of the growing medium dries out.

Cool temperatures are also an important part of bud set and flowering. From October until bloom, keep the plant in a room where temperatures are between 60 and 65 degrees. It is important for the plant to remain in a cool location for a period of six weeks to coerce flower bud development. Once the buds develop, locate the Christmas cactus to an area with medium to high light and normal home temperatures.

Darrell Blackwelder is an agricultural agent in charge of horticulture with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in Rowan County. Call 704-216-8970.

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