Christmas Cacti have a lengthy and loving tradition in my family that is documented back to my grandparents through pictures. As I look back on my childhood photos, I encounter several images of myself in front of my parents' hale and hearty Christmas Cactus. This cactus invariably bloomed at Christmas and Easter and still does! It wasn't until both of my parents passed away in the late 1990s that I commenced my quest of the Christmas Cactus magic.

My eldest sister took the immense cactus that was 50 years old! That first Christmas without my parents, their beloved cactus bloomed even more magnificently than usual. The spirit from all the love and care that my parents had devoted to each other and our family lived on through this plant. It was then that I realized I needed a slip of this cactus to extend the family Christmas Cactus tradition in my own home.

As I started my journey into world of the Christmas Cactus, I discovered how relatively easy it is to start a plant from a slip and grow it into a thriving thing of beauty. The best time to take a slip is after the cactus is done blooming. A mature plant usually needs a good pruning after each blooming to maintain the blossoms all over the plant as the flowers form at the end of each stem. These pruned stems are perfect for starting new plants that can be ready as flowering gifts by next Christmas! Once you have your slips, they can easily be rooted in damp sand. This also makes them easy to mail or transport. Allow your chips to dry out a couple of days after pruning, prior to putting in the damp sand. You are ready to plant the slips once a good root system is established. Plant a few slips in a pot with a good-draining potting soil. I like the potting soil made especially for cacti. Place your young plants in a spot that receives bright, filtered light. Keep your new plants evenly moist when watering, and wait until the soil is dry in between watering.

As there are numerous varieties of Christmas Cacti, you will learn that some are easier to flower every year than others. Since I received the slip from my parents' cactus, it has developed into a mighty thriving plant. I have also added a wide assortment of cacti varying in stem structure, flower dimensions, and color. Some of my cacti flower easily every year from their designated spot in our home, while others need the short-day treatment. This process ensures that you will have a blossoming plant during the Christmas season. Between mid-September and mid-October, place your plant into a cool room that you don't use in the evening, or even a closet, so the plant is in darkness at least 12 hours a day. Cease watering at this point and don't water for 3-4 weeks until the flower buds develop or the plant begins to go limp. Once the buds have formed, put the plant back in its showcase spot for a beautiful, natural Christmas decoration and resume regular watering. Since I have numerous Christmas Cacti and other plants, I find that putting them in natural jute macrame hangers are a fantastic manner to show them off, saving space and adding to my decor.

Yes, Christmas Cacti are beautiful, make perfect gifts, and can bring many years of enjoyment to your family.

About the author

Susan Foster has been an a master macrame artist since the 1970s. She's still producing new pieces and now providing house plant expertise. Get her newest macrame projects and a FREE Christmas Cactus slip at macramenia.com!