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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
I've got to say, this Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera, Holiday Cactus) is a total game-changer for indoor spaces. It's super low-maintenance, flowering succulent that's perfect for anyone who wants to bring some life to their home without breaking a sweat. The unique, segmented stems and vibrant blooms are a major win. Plus, it's super adaptable to indoor conditions and only needs infrequent watering, making it a great choice for busy people or those new to plant parenthood. And the best part? It's relatively easy to propagate, so you can share it with friends or multiply your plant collection. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting out, this Christmas Cactus is sure to delight.
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My Poinsettia's Back in Bloom - Tips for Keeping Your Indoor Orchid Thriving Through Winter
summarizeEditor's Summary
I've had a Poinsettia for years, and it's become a staple in my home. This gorgeous plant first appeared about 15 years ago - a coworker brought it to work and I ended up with a cutting. It grew into a pretty full bush, but age is starting to catch up with it. The base is getting pretty woody, and the second half has pretty much died back. I had to pull it out of the pot, but I saved off some of the remaining stems and potted them up in a new pot. Now I have two Poinsettias of the same variety, and I'm excited to share my tips for keeping them thriving through winter. With the right care, these plants can last for years, and I've learned a thing or two about how to keep them happy. From watering to pruning, I'll cover the basics of Poinsettia care and share some expert tips to help you keep your plant thriving.
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I've had a Poinsettia for years, and it's become a staple in my home. Mine first appeared about 15 years ago - a coworker brought it to work and I ended up with a cutting. It grew into a pretty full bush.
Of course, age is starting to catch up with it. The base is getting pretty woody, and the second half has pretty much died back. I had to pull it out of the pot.
But I had saved off some of the remaining stems and potted them up in a new pot. So, I now have two Poinsettias of the same variety.
Last year, I got hooked on Schlumbergera and wanted to start a whole collection.
I started scouring Avito for cuttings. It was November, and it was cold, so I had to sweet-talk the seller into shipping them.
In the end, I got a dozen cuttings with 2-3 segments each.
I potted them up in cacti soil with some small rocks and sand.
Over the winter and spring, they did pretty well and got bushy.
So, I repotted them in individual pots with a few different cuttings in each. I'd already forgotten which ones had which color, and I didn't have a lot of space on the balcony or in the apartment.
Then I went and bought a specialized potting stand - it's really nice!
Last year, my old Poinsettia refused to bloom on time. I had to put it outside on the balcony in February, and it finally bloomed!
But this year, I decided to put them outside a bit earlier - maybe around November. The balcony was around 10-15°F, and occasionally even dropped down to 5°F.
I brought them back inside in December when it got really cold.
And about a week later, they started forming buds!
At first, they were just tiny little green things that were sometimes hard to tell apart from new leaves.
One of the things I love about Schlumbergera is how it gradually reveals its colors. At first, the buds are tiny, but as they grow, they start to show off their True colors.
It's amazing how fast they start to bloom. Within a couple of weeks, you'll start to see the first flowers popping out, and it's just the most beautiful sight.
I've got a mix of bilo-rose and white flowers, and they're just stunning.
And the best part? If you get the winter right (with a good chill), you'll be rewarded with a ton of blooms. But they don't all come out at once - it's a gradual process, with new flowers popping out all the time. So, the whole flowering process can last for months.
I've had it happen before where my Schlumbergera plant would produce 25-30 flowers at the same time on one stem. Plus, there were still some left over.
Of course, most of the year, my Schlumbergera plants are just green, but they're building up new segments.
Care
Decembrist plants are pretty easy to care for. It's a succulent, so:
- soil needs to be poor but well-draining - think cactus mix, sand, and some small rocks
- sunlight and light love it during the growing season
- watering should be moderate and infrequent - let the soil completely dry out before watering again. It's better to err on the side of caution and underwater than overwater.
If the leaves start to wrinkle, it's time to water.
I water all my plants about once a week.
- fertilizer - I fertilize mine in the spring and summer with a succulent-specific fertilizer
Propagation
I propagate my Decembrist plants by taking cuttings - 3-5 segments at a time (no cutting required!). Let them dry out for a few hours or overnight, then plant them in the soil. You can also propagate in water or a moist perlite, but be careful not to let the cuttings rot. Roots will develop within a month.
Flowering \ how to make Decembrist plants bloom
To get an abundance of flowers, you need to simulate a cold winter in November or December. Reduce watering (to once a month) and keep it in a cooler spot (around 10-12°C). Don't overdo it with the light, either. After a couple of weeks, you can move it back to a warmer spot and start watering more regularly.
My plant has bloomed without a simulated winter before, but it eventually gave up and refused to produce any more flowers. So, to avoid disappointment, I just stick with the cold winter trick.
You can actually induce flowering not just in December, but also in February or March by giving it a cold, dry spell with minimal light.
Another option is to remove the older segments (especially the ones that are getting a bit woody) to encourage new growth and flower production.
Renewal
Old Decembrist plants can start to lose their decorative value - the leaves turn yellow and wilt, and the plant becomes leggy and unattractive. This is a sign that it's time to prune and propagate.
I remove any old, dead, or unsightly segments and propagate new ones from healthy, compact cuttings.
- beautiful and abundant flowers
- easy care
- like all plants, it still requires some care, and they don't always bloom
Conclusion: all in all, Decembrist plants are a great choice for plant enthusiasts. They're relatively low-maintenance, produce lots of flowers, and are easy to propagate.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
How often should I water my Poinsettia?
I water my Poinsettia about once a week, but this can vary depending on the humidity and temperature of your home. Make sure to check the soil moisture before watering, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.
Why is my Poinsettia dropping its leaves?
Poinsettias can drop their leaves due to a variety of reasons, including overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Try to adjust your watering schedule and provide your Poinsettia with a consistent temperature to see if this helps.
Can I propagate my Poinsettia?
Yes, you can propagate your Poinsettia by taking cuttings from the stems. Make sure to use a clean and sharp knife, and plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and provide the cutting with bright, indirect light until it starts to root.
Why is my Poinsettia not blooming?
Poinsettias typically bloom in the winter months, but they can take a few months to produce flowers. Make sure to provide your Poinsettia with enough light and maintain a consistent temperature to encourage blooming.
Can I grow Poinsettias outdoors?
Yes, you can grow Poinsettias outdoors in warm climates, but they can be sensitive to frost and extreme temperatures. Make sure to plant your Poinsettia in a spot with well-draining soil and provide it with protection from wind and frost.
How do I care for my Poinsettia during the winter months?
During the winter months, make sure to provide your Poinsettia with bright, indirect light and maintain a consistent temperature between 65-75°F. Water your Poinsettia sparingly, and avoid fertilizing it until the spring when it starts to grow new leaves.
Can I share cuttings from my Poinsettia with friends?
Yes, you can share cuttings from your Poinsettia with friends, but make sure to provide them with proper care and instructions to ensure they thrive.
Why is my Poinsettia getting pests?
Poinsettias can be prone to pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites, due to a variety of reasons, including overwatering, poor air circulation, or exposure to extreme temperatures. Try to adjust your watering schedule, provide your Poinsettia with good air circulation, and use insecticidal soap to control pests.
How do I prune my Poinsettia?
Pruning your Poinsettia can be a bit tricky, but it's essential to keep it looking its best. Make sure to use clean and sharp pruning tools, and cut off any dead or damaged leaves or stems. This will help promote healthy growth and encourage blooming.
check_circlePros
- •The Poinsettia is super easy to propagate, and I was able to save some of the remaining stems to create new plants.
- •With proper care, Poinsettias can last for years, and mine has been a faithful companion in my home.
- •I love that Poinsettias come in a variety of colors, and I've had mine in shades of pink, red, and white over the years.
- •Poinsettias are relatively low-maintenance, and they can thrive in indoor conditions with minimal care.
- •The Poinsettia's unique shape and size make it a beautiful addition to any room, and it's a great conversation starter.
- •I've found that Poinsettias can be a great way to bring some life and color into my home during the winter months when things can feel a bit dull.
- •Poinsettias are also super versatile - you can use them as a centerpiece or add them to a vase for a beautiful arrangement.
- •Plus, they're relatively inexpensive to purchase, especially if you're looking for a small plant.
cancelCons
- •Poinsettias can be a bit finicky when it comes to watering, and I've had to be careful not to overwater mine.
- •As Poinsettias age, they can start to look a bit woody and unkempt, which can be a bit of a bummer.
- •Poinsettias can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so I have to make sure to keep mine in a spot with a consistent temperature.
- •I've found that Poinsettias can be a bit tricky to prune, and I've had to do some research to figure out how to do it correctly.
- •Poinsettias can be a bit expensive to purchase, especially if you're looking for a high-quality plant.
- •I've noticed that Poinsettias can be a bit prone to pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites, which can be a bit of a problem.
- •Poinsettias also require a bit of maintenance to keep them looking their best, which can be a hassle for some people.
- •Additionally, Poinsettias can be sensitive to direct sunlight, so I have to make sure to provide mine with bright, indirect light.
