|
|
Post by scarecrow on Dec 15, 2006 15:10:53 GMT
My wifes Christmas cactus which she has had for 20 years it is over 3 feet across  |
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 15, 2006 15:23:23 GMT
Oh that is wonderful Scarecrow! I've never been that successful with them - does Mrs Scarecrow have a secret?
|
|
|
|
Post by mickthecactus on Dec 15, 2006 16:44:38 GMT
Lovely one Scarecrow.
Plocket, I have the secret - if you're really nice to me I might tell you.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 15, 2006 17:10:01 GMT
Goodness me Mick what an offer!!! ;D I'll need to get a Christmas cactus first though!!!  |
|
|
|
Post by mickthecactus on Dec 15, 2006 17:10:58 GMT
I can wait!
|
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 15, 2006 17:14:25 GMT
Phew!!! I've got time to worry about what constitutes as "nice"!!! |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 17, 2006 14:52:16 GMT
Very healthy looking plant it is too  |
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 17, 2006 15:59:38 GMT
So come on then Mick - what's the secret?  |
|
|
|
Post by mickthecactus on Dec 19, 2006 13:22:08 GMT
OK Plocket, here we go:-
Firstly Xmas Cactus is an epiphytic cactus i.e it tends to grow on things such as trees (like Orchids) rtaher than directly in the ground. It doesn't have a big root system so no need to overpot and mine are all in fairly small hanging pots - they don't mind being rootbound. I tend to pot mine up in Spring and use a basic houseplant compost - no need to add sharp sand or gravel as you would for other cacti. Keep it moist but not wet. After the last frost has finished (say early June) hang it outdoors either in a tree where it gets dappled sunlight or somewhere shaded from the afternoon sun. Give a regular week feed with tomato fertiliser. Leave out until about the second week in October by which time it may well already be showing buds, then bring in and put in a well lit cool place and wait! With luck it will flower at Xmas but it can be any time between November and March. If it is in bud bring it into warmth 2 or 3 weeks before Xmas and it should perform on time.
|
|
|
|
Post by mickthecactus on Dec 19, 2006 13:23:39 GMT
That should be weak feed not week feed!  |
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 19, 2006 13:28:41 GMT
Oh that's great advice Mick, thank you. I wouldn't have thought of putting it outside. I've got tomato food too because I feed it to my clematis. Would it be happier on a bright warm windowsill, or in my unheated porch though?
One question though - does tomato food go out of date? I found some in my dad's garage that belonged to my grandmother, and she died about 15 years ago!!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by mickthecactus on Dec 19, 2006 13:46:59 GMT
It would probably be fine in the porch as long as its frost free and well lit.
|
|
|
|
Post by Plocket on Dec 19, 2006 13:50:58 GMT
Oh it's an enclosed porch and south facing so gets sun IF it's sunny but otherwise is nice and bright because of the lovely big window. And it will be on the windowsill. I'm risking my Pennisetum Setaceum "Rubra" in there which can't cope below 4 degrees so hopefully it's frost free! Thanks for the help Mick - much appreciated!
|
|
|
|
Post by JennyWrenn on Dec 30, 2006 8:17:02 GMT
Some amazing flowers on my very small Christmas Cactus - not into indoor plants so have never repotted it which "may"  encourage the growth  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 31, 2006 10:48:32 GMT
can't see your pic s  jw that is very bonny |
|
|
|
Post by JennyWrenn on Dec 31, 2006 19:15:16 GMT
I cant see scarecrows pix either
Thank yu GW for nice comment
j w x
|
|
encourage the growth