Let It Grow
By Tammy Thornton
Looking for a gift for that “person who has everything”? Consider buying your friend or relative (or yourself) a Christmas Cactus. The exotic flowers in pink and red provide just the burst of color we need during the winter months. Though you read cactus into the name, don’t be fooled into thinking of a desert cactus that can survive long stretches without water. Christmas cactus and its kissing cousin, Thanksgiving cactus, are tropical plants native to Brazil. Instead of hot and arid, think of them in a cooler, but humid atmosphere growing naturally on rocks and trees.
True aficionados will be able to identify your cactus based on the shape of the leaves. Your plant will probably fall into one of three categories: Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, or Easter cactus. Not surprisingly, the largest difference between the types of plants is their corresponding bloom time, but their soil and light requirements are pretty much the same. When you find a Christmas cactus owner with a thriving plant, you will often hear stories of caring for their parent’s or grandparent’s plant. With proper care, these cacti can live over 70 years!
Like most succulents, your Christmas cactus requires good drainage. If the roots sit in water, they will succumb to rot and will also attract pests like mealybugs and fungus gnats (not quite the holiday mood we are looking for). Christmas cacti requirements remind me of the Three Little Bears story: not too hot, not too cold, not too dry, not too wet. Water your Christmas cactus when the top third of the soil dries out, then water thoroughly until it drains through the pot. You will want a bit of sand or grit added to the soil to aid in drainage. Though they love the sun, you don’t want to keep them in harsh direct light. As temperatures drop in the late fall and winter, Christmas cacti will begin to form buds, just in time for the holidays. If you have trouble getting yours to bloom, endless on-line Christmas cactus enthusiasts with willing advice can be found in groups such as the: “Holiday Cactus Club”, “Holiday Cactus Lovers”, and “Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus” groups. You may be lucky enough to get a cutting from one of these plant owners, since Christmas cactus can be easily propagated from cuttings.
Pet owners will enjoy Christmas cacti over the classic holiday flowers, poinsettias. While poinsettias can be mildly toxic to dogs or cats, Christmas cacti are deemed to be non-toxic to both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Your cactus will probably outlive Fluffy (and maybe even Uncle Fred!).
Shore Local would love to hear about your holiday cactus, how long have you owned yours? Perhaps this will be your first year of many. Please send your pictures, comments, and questions to shorelocalgardener@gmail.com
Tammy Thornton is a mom of four, a substitute teacher, and a Sunday school teacher. She is passionate about gardening and cooking, and loves the beach.
