Three years ago, I inherited a sizeable Christmus Cactus from my nan, and it flowered abundantly, annually, always in November, so a bit before Xmas in my case (N. Hemisphere, central heating, is that all the prompt they need? How do they do it? As if they have a calendar...!). I've taken cuttings and the first one flowered abundantly this year, the others tried to join in with the odd flower but my nan's has not flowered since she died! I think I made the mistake to repot it! But there were plastic bags filling up half its container for a lack of potting soil....I tried using a very light mix, not too rich in nutrients, but I am now wondering whether this plant may need a bit more than the average cactus (a sebacious plant, after all). Any tips on what soil to use? And what is your watering schedule (winter v summer, post-pre flowering)?
Well, you had the right idea, it did need to be repotted! I used a mix of compost and potting soil that is called Raised Bed and Potting Mix sold in the Dallas, Texas area where I live. My plant had already put on it's flower buds when I decided to repot it in November. Anyway, my schedule for my plant will be to put it outside in a morning sun location in the spring. I just water it anytime I water my outdoor potted plants all spring, summer and fall. Only once or twice a week. Once I notice the new flower buds, I might feed it some flowering liquid plant food or repot it. Also another way, is to repot it in early summer in the same kind of rich soil I talked about earlier. I feel like the rain is good for it and being outside it gets all of the natural light and the days shortening in the fall signal the plant to put on new flowers. Good Luck!
Great to hear it probably needs a lot more water than I've been giving the poor dear! Rainwater can be great, but it depends a bit on where you live! Try telling a Londoner their rain is any good!
Haha, well you make a good point about the rain! We even starting filtering our garden hose water with a special filter that removes the chlorine, etc. last summer. Thanks again to my son's advice.
Now you mention it, don't drink a drop of tap water, anymore, without such a filter. Planties get filtered water too! (And I live in a relatively environmentally conscious place!) So sad. It makes rain look more cheerful again. (She props up smile on YET another grey day).
I mainly drink bottled spring water! And yes, I only drink filtered tap water!
Yes, litres of the bottled stuff for me too, but then there's the microplastic scare...few brands use glass anymore... And then the sourcing scams (wells, springs not pure enough, or just shallowly filtered through natural layers). Sigh. There's no point in going thirsty though!
b.t.w. Thank you so much for your donation! Will invest and work hard to make it take me to that next level! A real buzz to feel the support of a community, had no idea Steemit could offer that. I think it is invaluable that you bring in plenty of greenery, flowers and insect life into our space! I can see how there can be a special job for everyone.