Christmas Cactus Easy to Grow

Description: -- Christmas cactus plants are one of the most familiar plants readily available during the holiday season, but that doesn't mean they aren't unusual and exceptionally beautiful. Native to the tropical rain forests of Brazil, these epiphytic cacti often nestle in tree limbs there, though they sometimes also dwell in rocky crevices.

They sport oblong, flattened fleshy stems, prominently notched, that splay out in pendent branches. In late November, buds begin sprouting from the tips of the stems, gradually fattening until, in a spectacular two- or three-day burst, they pop open to showcase multi-segmented, trumpet-shaped flowers that range from the softest pink or coral to the brightest red or fuchsia. The flowering usually continues for a full month. Few winter-blooming houseplants can match the colorful display of these hardy succulents.

Cultivation: Christmas cacti like bright indirect light. Indoors, bright rooms with a southern or eastern exposure are best. Keep plants away from heat sources. Outdoors, grow in bright reflected light. Keep in a cool spot during hot months. Protect from frost in the winter.

Christmas cacti are photoperiodic; they will bud up and flower only with less than 12 hours of daylight per day. Once the buds form, you can put the plant anywhere. Let zygocactus dry between waterings, but don't leave it dry for long periods. Feed Christmas cacti monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer, then switch to a bloom formula during their bloom cycle. If you notice flower buds dropping, cut back on the watering. Bud droppings may also indicate exposure to cold drafts or a position too close to a hot radiator.After several years, you can create a fuller specimen by pruning after blooming. Simply twist two joints off each stem. Pruning also encourages your plant to set more buds. Repot only when the plant has become root bound. Use equal parts potting soil, pumice and sterile sand or peat moss in a pot 2 inches larger in diameter. You can stimulate growth by trimming a quarter inch off the roots.

Pests and diseases: Christmas cacti are generally impervious to disease but may be afflicted by mealybugs if overwatered.

Availability: Christmas cactus plants start showing up in nurseries and garden centers in late November.

Comments: Christmas cactus is one of the easiest plants to bring into your home this time of year, as it's tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions. Put it near a window and water it once in a while and it will reward you with a fantastic show of blooms.

Though red and white are popular this time of year, varieties now include a spectrum of vibrant colors: peach, coral, pink, purple, magenta, lavender, even gold. I have a salmon-colored variety in my kitchen that is in glorious bloom as I write.

I do nothing special with it, leaving it in place for the year, then giving it a bit more water and bloom fertilizer once it buds up. Given their tropical habitats and spectacular flowering, it's no wonder you often find these winter favorites next to orchids in garden centers.