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A Closer Look at Winter Damage

But first, take a look at this gorgeous rainbow that we had on Friday! The five-day stretch of warm temperatures last week really jump-started the garden. Now that plants are putting out new growth, it is easier to see what kind of damage the winter left. Back in mid-January, we experienced five straight days of below-freezing temperatures. This caused much damage in Portland and areas where frigid winds were a factor. Here, we were fortunate to not get the wind and the cold temperatures were dampened by a blanket of snow. That said, it was a tough time for the garden and there are noticeable casualties but no outright deaths that I have seen. The bottlebrush ( Callistemon 'Woodlander's Red') did not like the cold at all. It was planted six years ago, in the north-facing garden no less, and I've not experienced die-back on it until now. A local expert said to cut it all the way back so that is what I did. If it doesn't make it, I won't be too distraught. It is

Thanksgiving blooms for you


Happy Thanksgiving! It is a sunny day with temperatures in the 60s here although it is still chilly inside the house (the disadvantage of living in a big old drafty house).

Our Thanksgiving cactus is so beautiful this year that we placed it in the center of our kitchen island. These beautiful plants (Thanksgiving Cactus, Christmas Cactus and Easter cactus) are members of several closely related species in the genus Schlumbergera. Which one do you have? Take a look at the leaves for guidance. Thanksgiving cactus have sharp pointed notches on the edges of the leaves whereas the Christmas cactus has rounded notches. The Easter cactus also has sharp notches but also have tiny hairs as well. They originate from the mountains of Brazil where they grow as epiphytes.

Despite being called "cactus," they are not treated as such. They require regular watering and consistent moisture levels. Good drainage is essential however as they will die from root rot if forced to endure soggy soil. A cactus soil mix is a good medium to use if you are potting up new ones. They will grow happily outdoors in partial shade and should be brought inside during the fall. Weekly fertilizing during the spring and summer months is recommended although not essential.

The changes in temperatures will cause the plant to set blooms. Night temperatures in the upper 50s and lower 60s for 6-8 weeks is needed. Darkness is also a critical factor and if you can't provide the temperature requirements, simply put the cactus in a completely dark environment (like a closet) for 12 hours every night for several weeks. When the plant starts to bloom, place it in a spot with bright indirect light. Avoid full sun and extremely warm areas. Flowers and buds will drop in warm areas or from lack of water. Keep watering the plant until the flowers are gone, then withhold water for six weeks or so and give the plant a rest.

The holiday cactus is a long-lived plant and can easily live for decades. Pruning can be done in June to make the plant bushier and increase bloom count. To do this, cut off two or three segments from each leaf stem. These can be easily rooted by placing them in a light planting medium (1/2 perlite and 1/2 peat moss is a good mixture). Place the cuttings half the depth of the first segment and water lightly. They will wilt but should eventually perk up as the cuttings take root. After that, treat it like you would a mature plant.

Comments

  1. Thank you Philip for such an informative post. I had no idea there were three different types - I've only seen these referred to as Christmas cactus. In fact, I seem to have the Thanksgiving cactus and have been calling it by the wrong name!

    By the way, I'm having a Christmas giveaway on my blog that's open to anyone. I'd love it if you popped by and put in an entry :)

    Amy

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  2. Excellent post, Phillip. Very informative. I have a new-to-me Thanksgiving cactus that opened just in time. It's a lovely apricot-pink.

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  3. Phillip,

    Your information is really great. Not being one to do much with indoor plants, I didn't realize the difference in these plants, nor about the care.

    Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
    Cameron

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  4. Beautiful bloooms Phillip. I hope you and yours had a great Thanksgiving.

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  5. Thanks for the info. I have both a Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus, but neither bloom real well.

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  6. I enjoyed your beautiful photo of the Thanksgiving cactus. I have a rose-magenta Christmas cactus, an orange-red Easter cactus, and six different colors of Thanksgiving cactus, white, pale yellow, a light to medium pink, two shades of peach/salmon, and an orangy-red. This last red one has proved to be the trickiest of all to grow. For some reason its roots and stems rot very easily. I have discovered through trial and error that it takes much more light and a warmer temperature as well than the other varieties.

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