A young Christmas cactus like this one may need some extra care, so that it can bloom in time for the holiday season.
Q: I have a Christmas cactus, but it did not flower this past year at Christmas. It’s very healthy and green, but it doesn’t get flowers. Should I use Epsom salts? Somebody told me that would help.
A: Epsom salts can make blooms bigger on a plant, but it’s not going to produce flowers. What your plant probably could use is some regular fertilization. Generally, you need to fertilize in spring and summer. Then let the plant get some rest in October and November for a while. Put it in a dark closet at night and let it sit. Take it out during the day and only let it have indirect light. When it begins to produce buds, you put it in direct light and it’s supposed to start blooming for Christmas. A Christmas cactus is not an arid desert plant; it’s a tropical plant. It likes moist soil, but it doesn’t like being over-watered. Your plant might also benefit from being put into a slightly larger pot.
People are also reading…
For more do-it-yourself tips, go to rosieonthehouse.com. An Arizona home building and remodeling industry expert for 25 years, Rosie Romero is the host of the syndicated Saturday morning Rosie on the House radio program, heard locally from 8-11 a.m. on KNST-AM (790) in Tucson and KGVY-AM (1080) and -FM (100.7) in Green Valley. Call 888-767-4348.
