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This article will show you how to care for and propagate Christmas Cactus, and, as a bonus, how to put together a beautiful Christmas Cactus gift basket to give as a present.
The scientific name for Christmas Cactus is Schlumberger or Zygocactus, and, since it thrives on benign neglect, it is an ideal plant for today's busy lifestyles. One of the best things about a Christmas Cactus is that it can live up to a hundred years. I know many people who treasure a Christmas Cactus that once belonged to a parent or friend who died. It is easy to purchase blooming Christmas Cactus starting around Thanksgiving and throughout the month of December.
Step 1:

Overwatering is probably the only easy way to kill a Christmas Cactus. It is always better to underwater rather than overwater this plant. Water when the top third of the soil is dry. Water thoroughly and then allow the plant to dry out

Step 2:

Christmas Cactus needs to be fertilized only three or four times per year. Initially, Christmas Cactus bloom between Thanksgiving and Christmas, but gradually start to bloom earlier and more frequently each year. Do not fertilize for a month before you expect the plants to bloom. NEVER fertilize when the plant is in bloom, as the flowers will drop off.

Step 3:

Christmas Cactus enjoys bright indirect light. Direct sun may stunt the plant's growth or burn the bracts. The plant may be placed outside in the shade during the summer. Ideal temperatures are 65-75 degrees during the day and 50-65 degrees at night. Being in darkness for 12 hours each night helps encourage a Christmas Cactus to bloom.

Step 4:

Propagating a Christmas Cactus is extremely easy. Break off three or four leaf segments; the more you use, the fuller the plant will be. Place the segments around the edge of a small pot filled with sandy soil. Do no use a large pot, as the soil will never dry out and the plant will die. Place 1/3 of each leaf segment into the soil. The new plant should root within a month.

Step 5:

Dead blooms should be cut off on a daily basis, as this encourages new flowers. Cut back the Christmas Cactus slightly when it has finished blooming. Trimming the plant encourages root growth, a fuller plant, and more buds next year.

Step 6:

Create a Christmas Cactus gift basket. A Christmas Cactus gift basket is a wonderful present that won't be eaten up, used up, or die within a few days. Place the Christmas Cactus in an attractive basket--be sure to include a drip saucer. Add a small plant care manual, some plant food, and a little bottle of Super Thrive. Fill the spaces with shredded parchment or Mylar to give it a professional look. Don't forget a big beautiful bow!

 

A Christmas Cactus is an easy care flowering plant that keeps on giving, whether you keep it for yourself or give it to someone else. They can be purchased all year round.
About this Author:
Judy Feldstein founded Foliage Unlimited Inc, one of the largest interior plant maintenance companies in Arizona, in 1976. For more information about the care and selection of  house plants, plants that clean the air, or selecting the right plants for your office, home, or business go to: www.foliageunlimited.net or contact Judy directly (judy@foliageunlimited.net).
View more information and all guides by Judy Feldstein

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