Expert: Greg Simpson - 4/15/2007

Question
It knda looks like a christmas or easter cactus but is much bigger and has a red
long big flower and I have seen pink ones. Not is stores usually in greenhouses
and the plant is huge, hanging and gross looking but the flowers are
amazing.Help
what is it and how do I get it to bloom?
fred

Answer
Fred,

I would really need to see a picture to identify it. If you can, send one to gregandkat@msn.com. As far as making it flower, if it is some type of "christmas cactus", put it in a very dark room for about 3 weeks prior to Thanksgiving. That should trick it into believing winter has occurred and it should then flower.

But, it may not flower every year depending on all kinds of variables. If you get the chance, e-mail me a picture and I will try to identify it for you. Thanks.

Greg