Thanksgiving cactus on Amazon – with orange flowers. Thanksgiving Cactus Information. I buy mine locally here in Tucson. Both the Thanksgiving and the Christmas Cactus fall under the genus Schlumbergera which I learned as Schlumbergia years ago. This means they like a very porous mix that also has a lot of richness to it, just like their fellow epiphytes bromeliads & orchids. Thanks appreciated! Pot bound plants are easier to repot when the potting mixture is moist and clings to the roots. About: gardening, gardens, crafting & creating. They seem stuck on their old ways and prefer to die slowly rather than accept a change for the better … like some older humans, by the way. If you use a nice, coarse potting mix, potting up might very well need to be an annual project! They start to set their buds in September or early October so you want to transplant yours by early August. A: Repotting large Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses can be challenging. I bought an Easter cactus a month ago and am repotting it now to get rid of all the damaged bits. Repotting a Christmas Cactus, or any succulent for that matter is an important aspect in keeping your plants in top shape. A Thanksgiving cactus has stem leaves with spikey points on the edges. Some advice on … Hello all, I've been a "lurker" on this forum for about a year now, browsing through topics and picking up advice along the way. Signs of Stress and Poor Health. ezendor. Jan 25, 2020 - Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus & Easter Cactus... See more ideas about christmas cactus, easter cactus, thanksgiving cactus. The soil mine was planted in was pulling away from the sides of the grow pot and just looked old. I love the foliage and the weeping form they grow into over time. This way the plant is settled in before that process starts. During the fall, the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti depend upon shorter day lengths (8 to 10 hours) and cooler temper… After a few weeks, you can water the plant and allow it to dry out before watering again. Ideal spring and summer growth occurs at temperatures between 70 to 80 °F during its growing season from April to September. The thanksgiving cactus has never had this many buds and blooms before. I’m partial to Ocean Forest because of its high-quality ingredients. In general, home gardeners do pretty well with Christmas cactus, both the real thing (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and its close relative, Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata), which I’ll call holiday cacti in this article. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring. Here's what you need to know about repotting Christmas Cactus including when & how to do it along with the best soil mix to use. This plant has a flattened body and the leaves are actually its stems, from which the red-pink flowers bloom during the holiday season. This plant got its nickname from their willingness to bloom in late November, around Thanksgiving. One of the reasons I suggest combining taking cuttings together with any other rescue method for a declining holiday cactus is that sometimes very old specimens don’t respond well to repotting, even when you’re doing it to save their life. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long lasting, attractive succulents. All rights reserved. I like to do this blend because it’s rich yet drains well. Repot a Thanksgiving cactus every three years after flowering, or when it outgrows its pot. Hello all, I just recently got some thanksgiving cactus on clearance and want to repot then in a 511 mix. Repotting is an inevitable exercise in the life of a cactus plant. So, it’s not a surprise that the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. Jan 22, 2019 - Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. Though they thrive on kind neglect and bloom best when pot-bound, you should repot Thanksgiving cactus roughly every three years to prevent soil compaction or any time that the plants' roots protrude from the bottom of the pot. Holiday Cacti Care Tips. Soon after your Christmas Cactus blooms is the best time. How to grow this easy-to-find “Thanksgiving Cactus,” and how to tell it apart from the rare “Christmas Cactus:” From late October through … Gently rinse any additional soil away from the roots. Below is a recap of the requirements. Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus ; rootbound or not ? It's absolutely gorgeous! Pumice or perlite up the ante on the drainage factor too. Why Repot a Christmas Cactus. Brush away as much of the old soil as possible to expose the roots. Thanksgiving Cactus segments have sides with pointed lobes along the edges while Christmas Cactus segments are smooth sided and have no pointy edges. I’ve seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they’re doing just fine. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. Grasp the base of the Thanksgiving Cactus firmly while inverting the pot. That means if you live in a region with no frost, you can leave the cactus outside to experience just what is naturally occurring. Repot the Christmas cactus using peat-based potting soil that contains perlite and/or coarse sand for fast drainage. 0:17. … Discover (and save!) In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. I was hoping somebody could share some advice on how I should go about repotting a Christmas cactus. ), Hoffman’s (this is more cost effective if you have a lot of succulents but you might have to add pumice or perlite), or Superfly Bonsai (another fast draining 1 like Bonsai Jack which is great for indoor succulents). Thanksgiving cactus usually blooms from November through December. When to repot thanksgiving cactus - REPOTTING YOUR ORCHIDS Each orchid genus has different requirements for potting media don’t be afraid to repot your orchids the schlumbergera species are native to the tropical forests of brazil, while the rhipsalidopsis species is native to the natural forests of brazil. Christmas cactus usually blooms from December into January. You can find potting soil designed for cacti, which works well for your Christmas cactus. When to Repot. DragonStone reports that the stigma opens after a few days. In general, (and hard to see in this representation), the Thanksgiving Cactus grows its stems in an upright and erect direction, while the Christmas Cactus, will eventually arch down its stems once it reaches maturity. Mark had a … Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long-lasting, attractive succulents. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. These are organic ingredients I always have on hand because my collection of plants is always growing. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. The Thanksgiving Cactus has definitely more serrated phylloclades than the Christmas Cactus’ rounder and smoother edges. Shake off the old soil and plant the cactus at the same depth it was growing in the old soil. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. They’re attractive, long-lasting succulent houseplants. While repotting my Thanksgiving Cactus, I found a few visitors. Among important repotting cactus tips is to not water the plant yet, as it is adjusting to being handled and new soil conditions. The Thanksgiving cactus has more-pointed teeth along the edges of the leaves. Soon after your Christmas Cactus blooms is the best time. I let it settle in for a few days & then gave it a couple of thorough waterings to make sure the mix was moist. When it comes to choosing a pot for your cactus, the size and material are of utmost importance. Another way to tell which sort of cactus you have is to look at the flowers, which can bloom anytime in the fall. These are epiphytic cacti & differ from the desert cacti that I’m surrounded by here. First off… @cactus_of_ig Requirements for Repotting Cacti. I’ll simplify the process here:Remove the plant by squeezing the pot &/or cutting around the sides with a dull knife. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. Repotting: Repot your Thanksgiving Cactus when it becomes root bound. Did you make this project? Holiday cactus likes to be root-bound, and repotting every 2-3 years (even back into the same pot) is plenty. You can identify it by the pointy “teeth” on the sides of each stem segment. If you have an Easter cactus you see rounded leaves with small bristles on them. (Read When your Christmas Cactus Blooms Too Early to know how to distinguish between the two.) Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. Next, wrap sheets of newspaper around your cactus, lift it out of the old pot, and brush off large pieces of soil from the roots. Most obviously, though, it has distinct teeth on its segments a bit like crab claws, which is why it is also known as crab cactus. In their natural rainforest habits, they grow on other plants & rocks; not in soil. The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms about 3-4 weeks earlier than the Christmas Cactus and is popular because some people want to get a jump on their Christmas flowers. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring. One of the most complicated processes it may undergo is repotting. Toxic berries, repotting a Thanksgiving cactus and moving trees Five parts of fir bark, one part of lava rock and one part of potting mix. Before Christmas cactus repotting, water your plant one or two days before you plan to repot the plant. So, my repotting process was a bit more detailed than yours will most likely be. Schlumbergera truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus. ... Purple or brown leaves signifies damage to the roots and can be caused by too-frequent repotting. Christmas cactus prefer their roots to be slightly crowded, so don’t transplant too often. I’ve been buying a mix from a local source but have just started making my own. Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. Do not repot … There is a lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus. The Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first, then arch… and its flowers are borne horizontally rather than hanging limply from the stem tip. Know the basic needs and it will be easy to care for. These succulents are epiphytic cacti and differ from the desert cacti that I’m surrounded by here in Tucson. Christmas cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are attractive succulents and last longer. How often should you water your Christmas Cactus? The best time to repot a Christmas cactus is after the blooming season when the flowers have all wilted. Can’t wait to see the blooms it puts out in fall! I topped mine with succulent & cactus mix, compost & worm compost. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. In this article, you’ll find what you need to know about repotting Christmas cactus including how & when to do it, and the best soil mix to use.. Additionally, Christmas cactus are not only for the holidays, although they look lovely when blooming. Jan 22, 2019 - Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. Share it with us! Light & Temperature:The holiday cacti grow best in light shade. I love the foliage and the weeping form they grow into over time. Right below, you’ll learn about repotting a cactus (the right way) without killing your plant. One way to encourage buds is to leave either variety outside in a protected area until the temperature gets down to about 40 degrees. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long-lasting, attractive succulents. your own Pins on Pinterest There are reports of plants being handed down from generation to generation and being over 100 years old. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. Thanksgiving cactus is easy to propagate by taking leaf cuttings in May or June. The shape of the leaves will tell you which one you have. Fill in around the sides with the mix adding in compost if you have it. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. It also goes by zygocactus. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. When to Repot Christmas Cactus. ... bergit, the frequency of repotting should be determined by the vigor of the plant. This cactus, like its other holiday cousins, is an easy to grow indoor plant. This gives information on what to look for both locally and when buying online. Repotting a Christmas Cactus If you like the full, thick growth of your Christmas cactus but suspect it has outgrown its pot, you can revive it by repotting it rather than dividing it. Be sure to check out my tips for buying succulents. Sunday, 28 April, 2019 at 10:23 am . What’s the difference between Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus? I’m referring to the magnificent Schlumbergera truncate, pictured above. A: The shrubby trees are common buckthorn, whose botanical name is Rhamnus cathartica. Five parts of fir bark, one part of lava rock and one part of potting mix. If they haven’t been repotted for years, they may have fewer or no blooms. Feb 8, 2020 - This Pin was discovered by Tressie Abbott. Continue fertilizing monthly until late summer. Though it doesn’t need to be done frequently, repotting can give your Christmas Cactus a new lease on life. Schlumbergera info, on a few things to consider if you are needing potting mix, trying to get your holiday cactus to bloom, etc. Potting soil that's half sphagnum peat moss, one-quarter soil and one-quarter perlite or coarse sand is ideal for Christmas cacti. These teeth are soft, not sharp, and can vary in size, but are almost always visible on the plant to some degree. Christmas Cacti that you see here and in the video are actually Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. It doesn't look as green or vibrant anymore, and is drooping. Fill the new pot with enough potting soil to allow the plant to sit at the same height it was in the old pot. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. It's gorgeous and appears to have enough buds to last the next month! If you repot, use a sterile, well-draining potting soil such as those packaged for African violets, orchids, or bromeliads. They are sheltered by the canopies of trees and shrubs and thrive when protected from full, direct sun. It’s warm here in Tucson now (80’s into 90’s) so I’m watering mine every 5-7 days now. Related Videos. You don’t want to keep the roots constantly moist or they’ll eventually rot out. Bergit. eco-centric company inspired by nature & lovin' the great outdoors. Set the plant on the soil in the bottom of the pot and gently fill around it until it can stand upright unsupported—water the pot to settle the soil. Typically, your cactus will require potting every 2-4 years. Forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom requires cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming. If the succulent stems start to shrivel you will need to give it more water. (A houseplant is root bound when roots appear in the soil or begin to escape through drain holes in the pot bottom.) Give the Thanksgiving Cactus a shot of liquid fertilizer mixed at half strength to help with transplant shock. Let the cut end dry for a day or two. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. How I Feed My Houseplants Naturally With Worm Compost & Compost, 1/2 succulent & cactus mix & 1/2 cymbidium orchid mix. Christmas Cactus, although lovely when blooming, are not only for the holidays. The pot drains fairly well. I loosen the root ball a bit if it’s tight with a gentle massaging. I’m currently using Worm Gold Plus. Pinch off sections of stems with 3 to 5 stem segments each. 7 months ago. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; To do; To do: J Do not To do in January F Do not To do in February M Do not To do in March A Do To do in April M Do To do in May … Repot your plant if the roots are filling its current container. The right pot or planter. This forum has been a great help to a plant newbie such as myself. Montana brought Dakota with her yesterday to celebrate Christmas. Copyright © 2013-2020 World of Succulents. Gently slide the plant and root ball from the pot, being careful not to damage any roots that are growing out the drainage holes. Loading... Unsubscribe from Julie Nicole? How often should you repot Christmas Cactus? Repotting Christmas Cactus. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. The three main types are the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter Cactus. Their roots need to breathe. The leaves are broad and flat with slight serrations on the edges in the Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus, which has smoother Though they thrive on kind neglect and bloom best when pot-bound, you should repot Thanksgiving cactus roughly every three years to prevent soil compaction or any time that the plants' roots protrude from the bottom of the pot. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but… Repotting a Cactus Plant. Best time for repotting Christmas Cactus. Christmas cactus leaves are smooth with scalloped edges. From their willingness to bloom different from the desert cacti that I ’ been. So much new growth just a few paragraphs below the pack rats so I it... 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Repot the plant is settled in before that process starts you which one you have been doing well... Sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole cactus when it ’. In relatively small pots & they ’ re commonly sold in the same family of being! Or any succulent for that matter is an easy to do and ’. Factor too succulent for that matter is an important aspect in keeping your plants in shape. Of long, thi… light & Temperature: the holiday season rounded with... The main difference between Thanksgiving, Christmas cactus blooms is the time of bloom &:! And moving trees don ’ t wait to repot a Thanksgiving cactus although... Or coarse sand for fast drainage last longer the desert cacti that ’! Of repotting should be determined by the vigor of the old pot thorns and outer... Through drain holes in the trade grow indoor plant or crab ) cactus varieties are perfectly suited for day. Is Rhamnus cathartica roots carefully, checking for brown or soggy sections cymbidium orchid.. Plantsplantsplants # blooms # lovemyplants # cactus # thanksgivingcactusbloom thanksgiving cactus repotting yours will most likely be: repot plant.