GV?Gardeners: Christmas cactus brightens the home for the holidays

Currently flowering in homes across America, and available in garden centers, nurseries, and supermarkets is the lovely Christmas cactus (Epiphyllum - schlumbergera bridgesii). This is a plant that when blooming around this time of year, evokes for many of us memories of holidays past.

These plants are also less-commonly known as “orchid cactus” for their spectacular flowers; “strap cactus” due to their broad, leaf-like stems; and “phyllo-cactus” because their flowers grow from the stem edges.

This winter blooming houseplant is native to Mexico, Central and South America. Because of extensive hybridization, there is a wide variety of flower colors including red, purple, oranges, pinks, and creams. Probably the most common color is deep magenta.

Pendulous stems make it popular in a hanging basket or cascading from a plant stand. Most of the year, Christmas cactus is an insignificant tangle of green, but with the right growing conditions, it becomes the “star of the show” during the holidays.

What becomes a challenge in the desert, a humidity level of 50 percent to 60 percent is recommended. Perhaps the easiest way to provide this needed humidity is to fill a large saucer with gravel, adding water half way up the gravel. Place the potted plant onto the gravel surface or simply set it nearby. The water evaporating will help provide the needed moisture in the air around the plant.

When holiday bloom is finished, allow the plant to rest for about 30 days. Place it in a cool room and provide only limited water. Don’t be alarmed by the loss of a few leaves and a rather “sad” look.

Wait until new growth begins, usually in March, before trimming or shaping the plant. Christmas cactus flower best if somewhat pot-bound, so repotting is not often needed. Do not place near a door to the outside or near a draft or heat source.

In April, move the plant into bright light. Most of the growth takes place from April through September.

During this time, fertilize with an all-purpose liquid fertilizer and continue watering regularly.

October is the time to put the plant into a cooler spot with longer periods of dark. An unused closet or extra bedroom that can be kept dark are good locations.

Commercial growers bring about Christmas cactus blooms by keeping them in cool greenhouses with temperatures averaging 50 degrees and 12-14 hours of total darkness per day. During this period, watering should be kept to a minimum.

The cactus can be re-introduced into your favorite bright light spot when it is again beginning to bloom. Bud drop can be a result of over-watering, lack of humidity, or insufficient light.

It is true that 85 percent of all holiday plants are poinsettias. However, a healthy Christmas cactus full of deep magenta flowers can create many beautiful holiday memories… and be well worth the challenges to make it happen!

Mary Kidnocker is a Master Gardener who writes frequently about the subject from a local perspective. Her columns are featured each Sunday. She is currently President of The Green Valley Gardeners