The Tale Of The Christmas Cactus

There's a long and loving tradition with Christmas Cacti in my family that is documented through pictures back to my grandparents. I encounter many images of myself in front of my parents' large and vibrant Christmas Cactus as I look back on my childhood photos. This cactus invariably bloomed at Christmas and Easter and still does! I began my quest of the Christmas Cactus magic after both of my parents passed away in the late 1990s.

My eldest sister took the immense cactus that was half-a-century old! That first Christmas without my parents, their beloved cactus blossomed even more magnificently than usual. The spirit from all the love and care that my parents had given to each other and our family lived on through this plant. It was then that I realized I needed a slip of this cactus to extend the family Christmas Cactus tradition in my own home.

As I began my journey into the Christmas Cactus world, I discovered how relatively simple it is to start a plant from a slip and grow it into a thriving thing of beauty. The optimal time to take a slip is after the cactus is done blooming. A mature plant generally needs a good pruning after each blooming to keep the blossoms all around the plant as the flowers form at the end of each stem. These pruned stems are perfect for starting new plants that can be ready as flowering gifts by next Christmas! Once you have your slips, they can easily be rooted in damp sand. This also makes them easy to mail or transport. Let your slips dry out a couple of days after pruning, before putting in the damp sand. You are ready to plant the slips once a good root system is established. Plant 2-3 slips in a pot with a good-draining potting soil. I like the potting soil made especially for cacti. Place your young plants in an area that receives bright, filtered light. Keep your fledgling plants evenly moist when watering, and wait until the soil is dry in between watering.

As there are numerous varieties of Christmas Cacti, you will learn that some are easier to flower every year than others. Since I received the slip of my parents' cactus, it has developed into a mighty thriving plant. I have also acquired a selection of cacti varying in stem structure, flower dimensions, and color. Some of my cacti flower easily annually from their prescribed spot in our home, while others prefer the short-day treatment. This process ensures that you will have a flowering plant during the Christmas season. Between mid-September and mid-October, place your plant into a cool room that you don't use in the evening, or even a closet, so the plant is in darkness at least 12 hours each day. Stop watering at this point and don't water for 3-4 weeks until the flower buds develop or the plant begins to go limp. After the buds have formed, put the plant back in its showcase spot for a beautiful, natural Christmas decoration and resume normal watering. Since I have numerous Christmas Cacti and other plants, I find that putting them in natural jute macrame hangers are a superb manner to display them, saving space and adding to my decor.

Yes, Christmas Cacti are fun, make great gifts, and can give many years of enjoyment to your family.

Macramenia Customer Feedback:
I GOT IT LATE YESTERDAY !!!! It is just spectacular !!!! I am so very happy with it....you did a wonderful job !!!...Thanks again for making my Aunt and I two very HAPPY people !!!!

I'm sure you'll be hearing from me again.....

Forever grateful

- Jackie