Young Flowering Cactus

This Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is grown for the flamboyant flowers which emerge from the end of the leaves. These blooms should last several weeks and with a little care will treat you with another show next year.

While flowering the plant will thrive in a cool sunny room. Try and keep the temperature steady. The cooler the room, the longer the blooms will last. In the summer dormant period it is important not to let the plant get too hot and dry - if indoors move it to a position where it does not get too much direct sun. It could even go outside in warm summer months, but remember to bring it in when there is a nip in the air.

Although it is called a cactus it does need regular watering while flowering but like all cacti do not allow the pot to stand in water.

As the blooms fade, they can be picked up off and this will encourage a fresh flush of buds. If you want to encourage your plant to grow and reflower next year it is a good idea to repot your plant in free draining compost in the summer in a pot just a couple of cms larger. With the right care these plants can last for years and years.

If your cactus starts to look sorry for itself and/or the leaves start to droop, try switching to rainwater for watering and misting the leaves every few days to help it recover.