Once Upon A 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' hale and hearty Christmas Cactus as I look back on my childhood pictures. This cactus invariably bloomed at Christmas and Easter and still does! I started my research of the Christmas Cactus magic after both of my parents passed away in the late 1990s.

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

As I began my journey into world of the Christmas Cactus, I found how relatively simple it is to start a plant from a slip and grow it into a thriving thing of beauty. The best time to take a slip is after the cactus is done blooming. A mature plant usually requires a good pruning after each blooming to maintain the blossoms all over 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 simply 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 as soon as a good root system is established. Plant 2-3 slips in a pot with a good-draining potting soil. I prefer the potting soil made especially for cacti. Place your baby plants in an area that gets 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 discover that some are easier to flower every year than others. Since I got the slip from my parents' cactus, it has developed into a magnificent thriving plant. I have also added a selection of cacti varying in stem structure, flower dimensions, and color. Some of my cacti flower easily annually from their designated spot in our home, while others need 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 a day. Cease watering at this point and don't water for 3-4 weeks until the flower buds develop or the plant begins to go limp. Once the buds have formed, put the plant back in its showcase spot for a beautiful, natural Christmas decoration and resume regular 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 beautiful, make ideal gifts, and can give many years of enjoyment to your family.

Macramenia Customer Feedback:
Hi Susan.

I just wanted to let you know that our planters fit perfectly in our hangers. We are very happy w/ the final products!

Thanks so much for all your help and I'll be sure to forward any friends and family that are looking for macrame hangers your way!

Regards,

- Matt