How do I take care of this Christmas Cactus?
This Christmas Cactus was my moms. She passed away not too long ago and so we have been busy with all the details that comes with that. Then I repaired, repainted, fixed walls, fixed stains, new carpet, new vinyl tiled etc the entire house so that it would sell as close to the condition as it was to the way Mom& Dad had bought it. I did not want someone to just 'flip' it.
Meanwhile, the Christmas Cactus she has had for as long as I can remember sort of got put faaaar down on my priority list. It was moved room to room getting different kinds of sunlight, watered when we remembered etc. Now with the season approaching I want to 're-glorify' it too. Basically, it looks sick and I don't have a green thumb. I don't know what to do. I don't know what's wrong with it ( the dust or disease on the leaves etc)
Can anybody tell me how to care for Christmas cactus so I can save my mom's precious plant?
Hi Cindy, they're really easy to look after. they need moderate light, so no direct sunlight and don't over water them. This great article has all the information you need to look after your Christmas cactus - https://www.lowes.com/n/how-to/caring-for-a-christmas-cactus
Hello Cindy! Your Christmas cactus looks fairly healthy. They do like bright sunlight-south or east but not directly in a window or the leaves can burn from too much heat/sun. Do not over water. Feeding your cactus will help it flower but you only fertilize at certain times of the year.
https://www.gardenguides.com/122615-indoor-plant-care-christmas-cactus.html
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/advice-for-christmas-cactus-care.html
This article has some great tips: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/a20705680/christmas-cactus-care/
Cindy,
Unfortunately I, too, have a black thumb and am lucky to keep bamboo alive (I know, right!) so I cannot help you with your problem at hand but I did want to tell you that I am so very sorry about your mom passing away. I know this time of year doesn't help at all & assuming it's your first Christmas without her, I just wanted to send a virtual hug your way. Even if it's your fifth without her, I am still so very sorry and hope you & your family have a wonderful holiday season full of great memories as well as continuing to make new ones! Best wishes - Karina
The Christmas cactus doesn't look all that bad! You can easily clean the leaves with Neem oil, which will also protect him from any pests. But, you can also polish them up with a damp cloth if you prefer.
You have some good info on the general care of the plant but I'd like to add to that - how to get him to bloom! (isn't that really the BEST?) Before that, the care. One thing that's been left out is that he needs a good/constant source of humidity if you live in a dry environment or have the heat on.
"Put a tray of water next to the plant so that the water evaporates and provides humidity. Alternatively, you can make a humidity tray by placing the pot on a waterproof saucer that is filled with gravel and halfway filled with water.
Make sure to not let the pot touch the water when it is sitting on the gravel; otherwise the pot will wick up water and make it easier for the roots to rot.
50 to 60% humidity is the ultimate goal. [2] If your environment is close to that, you should be fine."
Also read about proper fertilization, watering schedules, etc. here
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Christmas-Cactus
On to blooming
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_secret_to_getting_a_christmas_cactus_to_bloom_temperature_and_light
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/how-to-make-a-christmas-cactus-bloom.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WNxPnlPhxM&app=desktop
Is that a picture of your mom's cactus? Looks like it is going to bloom. I am waiting for mine to bloom now.....I see little nodules on the end of the leaves of the one I have so I have hope. I do know you have gotten good advice and I do know that once you find a place where your cactus is thriving, don't move it. Good luck. And it looks healthy to me. When blooming, they are a beautiful plant.
Havent read any other comment ..But good news off me it looks much better then i thought..looks a bit like mine..i let mine get so dry ohhhh im bad ...but these are good plants an survive ..ive put mine in cold rooms ect an it still it flowers..
I aint got green fingers eaither but ive kept mine alive by doing this
Once in a while i soak mine untill the water comes out bottom...a few times a year i do this its called tanning ..as a yellow comes from the soil an you flush it out..i do this in my bath using my showerhead it cleans the leafs. Then i leave to drain in the bath.. Then i place in full sun in the house. An water regular. If no sun? A lamp still works :) your flowers will appear i promise 👍 yours is bigger then mine an will look beautiful when it flowers good luck. Merry christmas to you
Hi,
Give it a good shower and then let it drain, That should help.