George sent me few cuttings and I dont know about this plant but like to have every where in my garden. I want to know.....Is this a shaded plant or full sun? And what about watering.... please tell me what to do?
Thanks
kaleem
Christmas Cactus Question
Hello Kaleem, Glad to meet you.
We don't grow this species in open run, (in the ground here) I live in a moderatly warm climate and must keep mine potted, and in a green house during the winter time. I hold back water during our winter months which may go down to 30F but very seldom. I start to water again when they show me that they are starting to grow, which here, it will be after they flower. I noticed where you live, but don't know about your temperatures. I thought these were tree dwellers? It will depend if you live near the coast, inland or up in high elevations. It will take bright shade, or low light, not completly shaded. Keep slightly damp, except in the winter or cold months. If I would leave the plant out in the sun, it would burn.
Norma
Hello, Kaleem.
Is this the Christmas Cactus you mean? http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1510/index.html
Norma
Thanks for the detailed reply.
TucsonJen
Yes these are Christmas Cactus.
Kaleem
They are tree dwellers much like most bromeliads are and I believe are natives of South America. I have 2 plants that I have given my wife over the years as presents, one a pretty standard green leaf, red tinged with white blossom variety and the other having lovely dark orchid colored blooms with red tinged leaves. I grow them outside on my patio from May till early November here in New Jersey in a spot that only gets a few hours of early morning sun. Since they can tolerate temperatures in the 30's (not freezing) and blossom set is day length dependent, I leave them out as long as the weather allows. I then bring them inside under flourescent lights and they bloom within 6 to 8 weeks. I never keep them wet but otherwise don't pay much attention to changing watering habits. Both of mine are potted in what looks like orchid growing medium so water goes thru the pots very quickly. I've yet to get one to bloom Christmas week, this year one the first week in December and the other just after New Year, but I'll get one right yet!!!
Rich
Rich
Your detailed reply is enough and now I can care my cuttings, I was afraid of exposing them under ful sun. Thank you very much.
TucsonJen
Also thanks for the link.
Kaleem