Expert: Greg Simpson - 12/4/2005

Question
A few weeks ago I bought a beautiful christmas cactus that was full of blooms.  Many were already open and there were many more that were not opened yet.  The blooms that were opened have now faded, but the other blooms have failed to open.  I have been all over the web getting info on how to take care of my plant, and it looks healthy, but all of these buds aren't doing anything at all dispite doing everything that the experts tell me to do. Also, I'd like to know if I should cut off the old faded blooms like I do for many of my outdoor flowers, or should I just wait for them to drop off by themselves?  Help! I don't want to lose all these beautiful flowers.  Thank You! Susan

Answer
Dear Susan,

An FYI, Christmas cactus are "forced" to bloom during Christmas. They are deprived of sun light for a few weeks, which when they are brought out around Thanksgiving, it causes them to bloom. They are from the jungles of South America, and thus do the best in a humid, warm location.

As far as the flowers go, I would let them fall off as they would naturally. Try this website if you haven't already come across it. http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Schlumbergera.html and http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Cactaceae/Epiphyllum.html

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg