For 11 months, our little house plant sits in the corner, biding its time. Then, at Christmas, it goes into full bloom. It is, after all, a Christmas Cactus.
Except, our little plant gets excited when the Christmas lights go up, and Christmas music echoes throughout the house. Then he blooms prematurely, sometimes as early as Thanksgiving. This year, our plant held off till early December to begin blooming, and in nine more days, he will be in full bloom, just as Santa Clause slithers down the chimney.
Christmas cactus is a favorite house plant that is low maintenance, lovely when in bloom and can live as long as some turtles. It is native to rain forests and since it gets most of its moisture from humidity, it needs very little care and watering. We have found that if you go easy on the water in October and November, it waits longer to bloom. We’ve got it timed just right; I believe.
The plants like a little light but go easy on direct sun light. Too much will burn the leaves. A monthly dose of liquid fertilizer at half-strength keeps it happy. No pruning is necessary.
A Christmas cactus makes a nice gift and if you happen to get one, you can enjoy it for years – no matter when it blooms.