People appreciate the beauty of indoor flowers.
Most of the color goes with the winter winds.
Flowering cactus plants are great for holidays and maybe extra money.
There are a variety of easily maintained houseplants that can be enjoyed in the winter.
ThePoinsettiais a holiday favorite, but is not easily maintained from year to year.
Seasonal flowering cactus plants are a pleasant addition to any collection of houseplants.
The Seasonal Cactus Plants
There are severalvarieties of flowering cactus plantscollectively known as Christmas cactus.
Actually, there are several species that bloom in autumn, winter and, even spring.
The genusSchlumbergerahas several species of multiple colors.
Companies that growSchlumbergerafor commercial purposes take great pains to control lighting, watering, and temperature.
Amateur gardeners generally will not require all of the elements of these plants.
They respond well to indirect light while blooming.
After blooming, maintain the plants light watering and feeding until the weather allows them to go outside.
Be aware that hot summer sun can be the end of these plants.
Indirect light in a shaded area or inside the home is best.
As with most cactus plants, seasonal flowering cacti require less water than the usual houseplant.
As autumn approaches, put them in a cooler, darker environment.
They will begin to bloom more or less on time.
After blooms have dropped, its pretty much over until next year.
Now is the time to take cuttings for rooting.
Propagate additional plants by cutting off a leaf with three or four segments.
Repot these plants every two years.
A healthy grown plant will be the pride of the holiday season offering perhaps a hundred delicate blooms.
With proper care flowering seasonal cacti can last for years and grow quite large.
The stems will hang, and in time an unattractive middle may detract from its appeal.
Seasonal flowering cactus plants are widely available, cheap, and easy to maintain and propagate.
Their flowers are unmatched for color and elegance.
A variety of colors can be purchased and displayed indoors from autumn to spring.
