From antiquated grandmother's plant to new, colourful trend

Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera x buckleyi, was previously considered a somewhat antiquated grandmother's plant. But no more. This cactus has made a thunderous comeback, primarily owing to the fact that the flowers are available in a colourful range of shades, from the most delicate pastel colours such as cream, delicate yellow and salmon to the strongest colours such as choking pink, red and lilac. Schlumbergera is also hardy and, as other cactuses, requires only a minimum of care. A fact that consumers appreciate. You don't need green fingers to make Christmas cactuses thrive. With simple means the plant can give you even greater pleasure. Buy several plants in the same or matching colours and arrange them on a flat tray. The well-shaped buds will gradually unfold to appear as a fantastic, stylish colour surface that will lighten up your home ? on the table, on the window-sill, on the floor or in front off a glass section. Move the tray to different places in your home as you like. It is not true when it is said that Christmas cactuses lose their buds it they are moved. Schlumbergera prefers a bright position. Its worst enemy is overwatering. The potting soil must dry out slightly between each watering. The plant won't be damaged if it isn't watered for a couple of days. Christmas cactus is worth keeping after flowering as it will reflower naturally when daylight hours dwindle in the following year in November-December. In the winter months, after flowering, the cactus requires a period of dormancy where it is placed in a bright, preferably cool position. It tolerates temperatures down to 15? C. Water more sparingly in this period. In the spring when new shoots are produced, feed the plant regularly until buds appear in the autumn. If the plant is too long and staggering, the long shoots can be removed by twisting them at the required height. Schlumbergera is available in many different plant sizes. The smallest are produced in 6 cm pots, the largest in 30 cm pots. SourceFloradania.dk ? ?