Never seen a CC (Schlumbergera x buckleyii) for sale. For some reason this year, EC's are at BBS's, readily available nationwide. Very cool! By CC, do you mean TC (Schlumbergera truncata - that stores sell 'en masse' during the holidays?) Since they are sold with labels that say "Christmas cactus," it would be natural to call them that, and one really needs the botanical name for comparing these plants. I've had an EC for about 2 years and it has bloomed numerous times, both while outside and inside, which I'm told isn't uncommon. OTOH, going by what I've read in anecdotes on these forums, since I just managed to get a cutting of CC via trade less than a year ago, would rarely bloom more than once per year. For that reason, I'd choose EC, but - why not get both and pot together if space is an issue? However, the link I've included below says TC and CC are supposed to bloom twice per year. Rare is a discussion about that happening, maybe because most peoples' plants need to come inside to much less light, IDK. I couldn't possibly choose between TC and EC, you shouldn't either. Although they are called cacti, know all 3 of these are epiphytic jungle plants, and really don't like bone-drying or baking in intense mid-day sun at all. So... you need 3 plants... Here is a link that might be useful: 3 holiday cacti, care and recognition

What beautiful specimens you have there. They are exceptionally healthy looking to me. Cactus flowers are fleeting. It is normal for the flowers to turn black and fall off. The fuzzy balls you see are the beginnings of the fruit that follows the flowers. The dried bits of glue may be scale insects. Look very closely to see if little limpet-like insects are attached to the cactus in that spot. You can carefully pry them off with your fingernail. It will leave a brown scar. The woody parts of your cactus are just old. There is a cactus forum here, and those folks could probably ID your plants and tell you how to care for them. Good luck! Renee

Thanks, Norma, for the suggestion. Shin, No, that's looking like some regular wear and tear on your Trichocereus pachanoi (or another Trichocereus species). One of the pictures shows a cut (maybe vandalism) but the others show normal growth (after an arm has been left a stump it's normal for it to start growing again at more than one point). Are the fuzzy balls spider egg sacs? These large columnar cacti are often small ecosystems, hosting lots of other living things. The fruit will look like small red balls (which eventually wither away or are eaten by all and sundry - try 'em, you'll like 'em). I trust I've answered your questions, but in summary, the plant looks fine. You might give it some supplemental water / light fertilizing now but other than that, it's good to grow. For more information, I'd recommend you looking up the San Diego Cactus and Succulent Society. Just think of a yard full of these kinds of plants! Here is a link that might be useful: SDCSS - it's not your average plant club

Ok here's an additional photo of the barrel cactus in the process of repotting. It isn't the best quality photo but gives an accurate picture of what color each part of the cactus is. The brown color is not dirt; it is the actual color of the cactus. Please let me know if you think this is normal or if it is rotted. And if it is rotted, if you think it can be saved, and how. Thanks!!