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Had This Cactus For 10 Years & Just Now Bloomed! What Is It?

Ask The Plant Expert:

I was given a cutting over 10 years ago. I don’t know what it is, so its never been fed, it just gets water, in a clay pot. I have another in another room in a plastic pot, different window direction. The plant’s been moved around till I thought it liked a spot.they have grown. the one in a south/west window has surprised me with a flower; today it opened!!! It’s very large. There’s another blossom on same stock. How long will it last? What is the plant’s name? Need info; lots of info. It’s soooo beautiful!!!!! help!!! – Tina

Red Orchid Cactus Red Orchid Cactus

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

I believe it is a type of Epiphyllum or Nopalxochia.
Possibly a Epiphyllum ackermannii or Nopalxocia ackermanii, sometimes know as the red orchid cactus.

Not sure how long the bloom will last.  Typically they last for 3 or 7 days.

They do not like temperatures above 100 degrees. The blooming cycle usually occurs between late winter and early summer. They grow best in a cactus mix potting soil in bright filtered light with moderate humidity.

During the growing season, apply a diluted water soluble fertilizer once a month.  Keep it well watered except in the dormant season when it needs to be kept on the dry side.  Growing season is some between late winter and the beginning of fall.  Watch for mealy bugs especially in the spring.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

Help! Christmas Cactus Has Lost It’s Spirit

Ask the Plant Expert:

I have a limp Christmas cactus.  How large a container & what kind of soil mixture should I use?  This is a cutting that is special.  Also, there are bugs on the soil – not the plant – help, please!

I don’t have a photo, but the plant hasn’t bloomed since I planted the cuttings.  The cactus has been in the house and I wonder if I should put it outside since I live in Palm Desert, CA.

 

Get Your Own Pink Christmas Cactus

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply: You do need to re-pot your Christmas cactus. I like to use a potting soil specifically blended for Christmas cactus (for example Fafard Cactus and Succulent potting mix). I would transplant it into a pot that is 1½ times larger than the existing pot.  If you have mealy bugs, try to remove all of them as your transplant the Christmas Cactus.

Christmas cactus can bloom up to two times a year inside. So moving it outside is not necessary. However, you may need to fertilize it or prune it.

Please read Flower Shop Network’s article, The Unique Beauty of Christmas Cactus, it has very valuable information about Christmas cactus.

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Why Are Succulent Leaves Dropping?

Ask the Expert: CACTUS LIKE SUCCULENT CARE
I HAVE A CACTUS LIKE SUCCULENT IT IS NOT A TRUE CACTUS. IT LOOKS LIKE A COLUMN CACTUS. IT IS ABOUT SIX FEET TALL AND SOME OF THE LEAVES ARE STARTING TO DROOP. WHAT
DO YOU THINK IS THE PROBLEM? HELP FRAN

Plant Expert Reply:
Cacti and succulent are general terms and although they may have similar traits they may have totally different growing requirements. Water issues are always a good place to start when trying to determine the problem with any plant. On the whole cacti and succulents can tolerate low moisture levels. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t need water. For more culture information about cacti and succulents The Cactus and Succulent Society of San Jose has some great information.

From the sounds of it, your succulent has probably been over-watered. With all of my succulents, I let them dry out slightly before I water them. So I would let it dry slightly before I water it again. This should correct the problem and the succulent should recover in a couple of weeks.

If you send me a picture of the succulent, I will try to identify it and give you more specific care instructions.

My Cactus Is Hairy – Do I Have A Problem?

Ask the Expert: My cactus is growing white hairs. Is this okay?

My cactus, which I keep in the kitchen has begun to grow a lot of short white hair at the top of the plant. I’m wondering if this is natural, or if maybe I’m over/under watering it. I attached a picture of it.

Thanks for your help. Sammy

Cactus with white hairs