I have a Xmas cactus that's probably 25 yrs old. For many years now, it's bloomed at Thanksgiving. This year,
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360 Sod (Donna Dixson) on Nov 04, 2012Yes cut them off. Has it lived in that same pot for 25 years? If so I think i would consider moving it to a larger pot or at least freshening up the soil.Helpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 04, 2012This is its second pot, but it's been in this one probably for at least 5 years or maybe more. It doesn't seem crowded, but then, I'm not an expert by any stretch.Helpful Reply
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Mary Insana on Nov 04, 2012You've had this for 25 years and I can't grow one for more than 4 months !Helpful Reply
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Beth H. Makemeprettyagain.blogspot on Nov 04, 2012I had one for almost as long! "They" say come september you are supposed to increase the watering....not keeping it soggy, just don't let it dry out too much. It probably needs some food. I would get some fresh cactus/succulent mix, replant it in a slightly bigger pot and give it a decent drink. It should spring back.Helpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 04, 2012Mary, this has been effortless to grow. When I bought it, I also got one for my cousin and she still has hers, too.Helpful Reply
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Mary Insana on Nov 04, 2012Louise, when I get one you can walk me through keeping it alive ! lolHelpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 04, 2012OK, will do. My method is buy it, put it in a pot, water it when I think about it, put it outside in the spring/summer/fall, bring it in and watch it bloom. Then next spring put it outside again and continue the cycle. :-)Helpful Reply
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Rachelle D on Nov 04, 2012My dad has a christmas cactus that came from a cutting from one his grandmother had, Dad is 76 now. He says the key is don't overwater and let the soil get dry between watering, and never fertilize. They don't grow big root systems so don't need to be repotted frequently but if you need to always do it a few weeks after it blooms and before you put it outside for the summer. He puts under a bush in the north side of his house in the summer and brings it back in right before first freeze. It blooms like crazy every year. I have a cutting that he gave me 12 years ago and I follow his instructions and mine is beautiful too. :-)Helpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 04, 2012Mine has always done just great by basically doing what your dad said to do. Except my method is more like nearly neglecting it and watering it when I remember to. This is the first year it's shown any irregularity. Can "irregularity" be used with plants, I wonder? :-)Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Nov 05, 2012Louise, I would re-pot when it finishes blooming, and then continue your (benign) neglect. Christmas cactus do like to be a little pot-bound, but five years is probably pushing it, and the soil has been pretty much depleted of nutrients.Helpful Reply
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Linda@nothingbutblueskyes on Nov 05, 2012I just blogged about my cactus! I have repotted only once since I have the plant, but it has increased at least 2X it's original size since I got it, also. Right now, it's blooming away. I agree with Douglas--they do like to be pot-bound. I THINK it encourages the blooming. But, I'm no expert!!Helpful Reply
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Rachelle D on Nov 05, 2012Agreed Douglas, after 5 years it could probably use some new digs. LOL!Helpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 05, 2012I didn't know the soil in plants needed to be changed occasionally. :-( Should I do that for all of my plants? The only time my plants get new soil is when I put something in a larger container and sometimes I see that over a while, there doesn't seem to be as much soil in the planter as there should be so I add some. Maybe it's compacted over the years? If that's the case, should I take the plant out and mix in new soil or simply add ALL new soil to it? My poor plants. They probably wish they had a more attentive mom. I have several very old plants and want to keep them alive.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Nov 06, 2012All plants deplete the soil to some extent, Louise. In nature the soil is replenished through various ways, but that doesn't happen in a container. Here's a good description of how to add soil to a container: http://www.asktonythegardener.com/Article/tabid/55/smid/370/ArticleID/99/reftab/100/t/Adding-Soil-To-Container-Plants/Default.aspxHelpful Reply
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Louise on Nov 06, 2012Thanks. I'll read this.Helpful Reply
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Linda@nothingbutblueskyes on Nov 06, 2012Douglas - I appreciate your expertise. Thank you!Helpful Reply
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Pat G on Jan 06, 2015Did it freeze, or get too dry?Helpful Reply
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