skip to main content

Cacti & Succulents

Easter Cactus advice

17 years ago

Hi folks

This seems to be a great forum. nice to meet you all.

I have two questions one about my easter cactus and another about my orchid.

1. My easter cactus of over 3 years is looking rather droopy and quite wrinkly at the min despite some new growth. In the 3 years it has flowered once and has been repotted once. At the min I have it sitting beside the window and have since discovered that I should have had it outside in a shaded spot (don't have a garden but do have a covered over yard. - would the fact that I havn't moved it make it go all droopy? Or some other cause, I try not to water it too much as it never seems to dry out. i always stick my finger in soil to see if dry and soil doesn't stick at the min the soil is still very slightly damp. To be honest pretty paranoid re: watering as I always seem to overwater so trying to do the opposite.

2. My orchid (I think its an Oncidium Alliance) my friend got me this beautiful orchid for my birthday in July and it was blooming gorgeously now all flowers have dropped off and it would seem that there are new blooms about to burst open. I have search different sources for advice on pruning. the instructions that came with the orchid state that once it stops blooming cut back stems by approx 10 cms to encourage new blooms, however in this case there are new blooms coming so v hesitant about doing this. Another source states that these orchids do grow in the wild and nature does not round with a pair of pruning shears cutting back orchid stems - my instinct is to follow the latter advice - makes sense - gave me a giggle also.

Look forward to hearing your advice and views.

Cheers

C aka M

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

birdsnblooms
17 years ago
C, sounds like you need to repot your Easter Cactus in better soil..something well-draining. Either cactus mix or make your own by adding all purpose, sand and Perlite.
Is the pot too large for the plant?

If your orchid is ready to bloom, I wouldn't touch it. Only after all signs of flowers are evidident should you then cut the flower stem..I cut mine down to the base of the plant. But make sure that stem isn['t going to reflower.

Oh about the EC, it would have been a good idea keeping outside until first frost..
By the way, what day in July is your b-day? Mine is 7/11..Toni
canttype
17 years ago
Cool Toni! Mine is July 14th (1962 I'm not shy about my age:-)

A thread of Cancers Lol!

Diane
Related Discussions
Have Orchid Cactus, Want Easter Cactus
Q
Comments (1)
Sent you an email.
...See More
crazy Easter cactus, Thanks!!
Q
Comments (31)
My EC is putting on blooms. I think they'll be red like I was hoping for. It was such a fat, healthy one, I thought I'd take a chance on buying it before I knew the bloom color. This post was edited by LauraRobichaud on Fri, Feb 15, 13 at 11:07
...See More
Easter cactus
Q
Comments (3)
No problem! I have not re potted either of mine yet because they are doing well in their current situation, but I probably should soon because the soil is deteriorating. I'm a little nervous to do it though because they are known to be finicky. Try googling "repotting easter cactus". You will get a lot of good info (lots right here on GW). I know that sometimes "low light" can mean different things to different people. My easter cacti are thriving next to an Eastern exposure window that gets good morning light. I keep the mini blind down, but with the slats open. This gives them nice filtered morning sun. For the rest of the day they get bright, indirect light from a skylight on the other side of the room. So, just because it says low light doesn't mean the same thing as shade. Remember to give it a rest now it's finished blooming, like it said on that link. Mine are in plastic pots but really I think plastic vs. clay is a matter of preference and watering habits. Also keep in mind that they are epiphytes (if you don't know about these, they're really cool! So take some time and look them up), so they don't want a ton of soil around them and, while enjoying some moisture and higher humidity, they don't want to be sopping wet. That's an important distinction. Good luck with your further research, and let me know what you find! I'm always looking to learn more about these beauties! Best luck, FF Here is a link that might be useful: One of the GW links
...See More
did I hurt my Spring (Easter) Cactus?
Q
Comments (8)
Hi again, nope, no window that we can use for sun. It is too big for the kitchen window, and I don't trust it in the kitchen anyway, way too much traffic... and the only South fasing window is my dad's room, and I don't think he would like it in there, he would have to clean off the dresser!! lol But to tell the truth, I am almost ready to ask him. Other than that, this house has no real sunlight coming thru the windows, very dark house, and our room is an add on from the garage and there is a covered carport above our window. We don't get the sun fasing the front of the house anyway. Just daddy's window and a few short hours thru the kitchen West window. The house I want, hoping by next year, has windows all over the place!! Here's for hoping! So, if it looks good and healthy and light is the issue here, I am not going to worry too much about it for now. I can only do with what I've got. Going to get colder for the next few days, so they are stuck in here for a while. BUT! on a good note, I am collecting rain water! well, trying to, taking a lot longer than i thought it would to fill a bucket-- lol One of the few things I miss about Washington State. ;) But thanks for putting my mind at ease on this issue. Do you still want a picture of it? I can get it real fast.. ;) Marjie
...See More
fred_grow
17 years ago
When you do water your EC, water it generously until water pours out the drain. Then no more until almost dry. They say EC like a constantly just barely moist soil but how the heck do you go about that? Maybe it is overpotted and not able to ultilize the water. EC like a well draining soil but want something a little heavier than desert cacti. I use 1/3 orchid mix, 1/3 perlite and 1/3 miracle grow moisture control. It might also like to be misted occassionally.
rjm710
17 years ago
I would agree with repotting, especially if it's been a few years, and the soil stays wet. As Easter Cactus are epiphytic(live in trees), it needs organic matter and excellent drainage. I achieve this by mixing Cactus soil, Orchid bark, and perlite. Keep cooler during the winter, and hopefully you'll see some blooms next spring!
madamminx
Original Author
17 years ago
Hi there

Thanks for all your advice.

The pot is quite small thus getting my dad (he has what he calls a cactus mix)to repot the cactus into a bigger pot. AS for putting it outside, i don't have an outside so to speak just an enclosed yard but it does have more air circulation I spose so when I get the cactus back from my dad I'll put her out in the yard for a bit.

As for my birthday, well its on the 13/7 summer of 69 ;-)

I water my EC pretty rarely, every two weeks as she always seems to be slightly damp but its always hard to know especially with the pot being so small. I also keep her in the bathroom normally so she gets misted naturally each time I have a steamy shower.

thanks again for all your help.

Much appreciated.

c x

Related Stories

HOUSEPLANTS Great Houseplant: Holiday-Blooming Cactus

By J. Peterson Garden Design

You may know it as Christmas cactus, but whichever holiday floats your boat, this plant is a year-round beauty

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Cactuses Bring Spring Flowers to Dry Gardens

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

These prickly desert plants transform in spring with the arrival of their colorful blossoms

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Beavertail Prickly Pear Wows With Color

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

The dazzling magenta flowers of this cactus will snag your heart — just beware the bristles that can stick in your skin

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY Remodeling After Water Damage: Tips From a Homeowner Who Did It

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn the crucial steps and coping mechanisms that can help when flooding strikes your home

MOST POPULAR Homeowners Give the Pink Sink Some Love

By Mary Jo Bowling

When it comes to pastel sinks in a vintage bath, some people love ’em and leave ’em. Would you?

LIFE 9 Ways to Unclutter Your Holiday

By Laura Gaskill

If piles of gift wrap, boxes and extra items are weighing you down, clear the way to enjoy a serene holiday with these decluttering tips

HOUSEPLANTS 8 Essentials for Healthy Indoor Plants

Houseplants add so much to our homes — and can thrive when grown in the right conditions. Keep these tips in mind

CONTAINER GARDENS Happy Houseplants, Happy People

By Laura Gaskill

Potted plants add life and beauty to a room. Learn easy ways to keep them healthy

CONTAINER GARDENS Freshen Up the Bath With Lush and Healthy Plants

By Laura Gaskill

Learn how to choose and care for plants that will do well in your space

TILE Top Tile Trends From the Coverings 2013 Show — the Wood Look

By Becky Harris

Get the beauty of wood while waving off potential splinters, rotting and long searches, thanks to eye-fooling ceramic and porcelain tiles

Sponsored

Mosaic Design Studio

Creating Thoughtful, Livable Spaces For You in Franklin County

More Discussions

Are cacti legal to sell online?

3

Moon Cactus help

4

jade plant pruning

6

Hens and chicks - help needed

6

1