Christmas cactus blooming. . . hope I didn't hurt it

16 years ago

Monday I watered the plant really well, I also put in a small (1/2) miracle grow plant spike. Today I noticed it has the teeniest tiniest buds where flowers will be. I'm worried about the fertilizer. Is it OK? to do this when they are in bloom? I have read and heard they like to be somewhat dry when in bloom so the flowers don't get too heavy and fall off. Had I known it was gonna bloom I would have just given it a little drink. And since I watered it heavily the fertilizer has gotten soggy so I can't take it out. I don't dare take it out of the pot do I? Not now.

I have waited 2 years for this thing to bloom and it finally does and I may have blown it. . . :( It wasn't even in bloom when I bought it. So I don't even know what color the flowers will be, maybe I will. I 'll just have to wait and see what the damages are.

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Comments (6)

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
16 years ago
It'll probably be fine.
(although many folks'll tell ya that those spikes are either worthless or unnecessary).

Concensus on this forum seems to be that moving the plant while blooming is the primary cause of dropped buds. Thanks to the advice here, I've increased the watering on my Christmas Cactus - and I think it might have helped it bloom longer.

I water from the bottom of the plant to try and avoid any fungus or rot up top.

Josh
portlandhigh
16 years ago
Also if it got a draft that can hurt it. I put a great link for how to care for Christmas Cactus below

Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas Cactus Care
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gardenbear1
16 years ago
miracle grow plant spike are as about as good as, well there not all that good it won't hurt it. about moving a CC when its in bud I don't think it really hurts it I think its the inside temps that do the most harm or its to dry in the house I move all mine from the shade house in to the house in mid sept or just before the frost sets in and and most have set buds all ready they all just bloom fine, after they bloom I give them one light feeding and then just a small amount of water untill spring when they go back into the shade house so far this has worked for me I think each one of us has to find what works best for them

Bear
User
16 years ago
The business of bud drop on moving themm, seems to be abt moving them while they're setting the buds, 'til they get at least an inch long (or perhaps almost their full length, just not open). It's when the buds are developing that they seem to be most vulnerable to dropping.

As mine hangs in the window, I don't touch it, or move or turn it (laziness on my part), it's fine.

MIM,

Pls. try to relax, likely it'll be fine, just don't turn or move it all from here on out, 'til finished blooming. Watering it was not a problem (blooming is a lot of work, I continue to water mine). I wouldn't have used those spikes either, but it prob. not a problem, tho' if you can remove the mushy spike w/ a spoonful of mix, I'd do so.

Whoever said they fertilize right after bloom & give it a bit of water, I'd disagree w/ that, 'cause the plant takes a rest for at least a month after blooming. Mine usually looks awful at that time, I consider it tired & resting & leave it be for a month or so, then water some. Once I see the first new segments, I resume full strength watering.

I disbelieve this business of watering would make the blooms too heavy & cause them to drop. Nonsense, these plants hail from tropical Rio de Janeiro, sometimes in the January rains (when this blooms & the rains can cause floods there), it rains buckets, the blooms would never have survived. (I grew up there, so I can personally attest to those heavy rains).

I think your plant will be fine, I know it's exciting to see 1st buds. Just pls. be patient, leave it alone & watch the buds grow. Congrats on yr. buds & I hope they do well for you!
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
16 years ago
Yep, thanks to you, Pirate Girl, I've been giving my CC more water, and I think it responded quite favorably this bloom!

Josh
User
16 years ago
Well how nice for you Josh!

It's always nice to know that particular advice has been helpful & it's gratifying when someone takes a minute to say so, thanks!