** drum roll ** š„ Starting today, weāre launching a brand-new section on the Orchidfriends blogādedicated to one of my other longtime plant loves: Schlumbergera šµ aka the Christmas Cactus and friends! Iāve been growing these plants since my teensānot just for their gorgeous blooms, but also for their green presence year-round. What do the [ā¦]
Why is My Christmas Cactus Getting Soft Leaves?
If your Christmas cactus has soft, limp leaves, itās telling you somethingās not quite right. No need to panic, thoughāyouāve come to the right place for help. The good news is that Schlumbergera cacti are tough cookies, and thereās usually time to turn things around. So letās take a deep breath and break down exactly [ā¦]
Why is my Christmas cactus not getting buds anymore?
When the holiday season approaches, I always start to check my cacti for budsāitās an exciting time of the year! I love my cacti even as the green houseplants they are most of the year. But Iām not going to lie and say I wouldnāt want them to bloom every year, and for as long [ā¦]
Why Is My Christmas Cactus Not Getting Bigger?
Iāve kept Schlumbergeras for years. In fact, I got my first one in my teens in the 90s. Over the years, Iāve encountered several Christmas cacti (as well as Thanksgiving and Easter cacti) that simply seemed to be stuck at the same size year after year. At the time, I didnāt really understand why they [ā¦]
When to Put Christmas Cactus in Dark Shade
If you want to make sure your Christmas cactus blooms this year, youāve got to understand one thing: light matters, and so does darkness. The whole blooming process is triggered by a balance between light exposure and total darkness. So, the ādark shadeā trick isnāt just some old gardenerās taleāitās actually part of the plantās [ā¦]
When to Repot Christmas Cactus in Spring
Spring is, without a doubt, the best time to repot your Holiday cactus. Why? Because itās coming out of its winter dormancy and getting ready to grow again. Youāll often see new little segments forming, which is the sign that itās waking up after winter and ready for a fresh start. Repotting now gives your [ā¦]
Are Orchids Toxic to Pets?
I was once doing my usual orchid round, inspecting the orchids one by one. How the leaves, roots, and flowers look like.. Are there any new flower spikes coming out, and so forth. Something caught my eye; unusual markings on some of the petals of the flowers. āHmmmā¦ā I thought. But then left it and [ā¦]
What Should I Plant My Orchids In?
What Should I Plant My Phalaenopsis Orchid In? When youāre growing a Phalaenopsis orchid, one of the most important things to think about is what kind of medium to plant it in. Choosing the right potting mix ensures that your orchid gets the proper drainage and aeration it needs to thrive. Let me explain what [ā¦]
What to Do With Orchid Roots Outside the Pot
What to Do with Orchid Roots Outside the Pot As a Phalaenopsis orchid owner, you might notice that over time, your orchidās roots can start growing outside the pot. This is completely normal and happens because Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes, meaning they naturally grow on trees in the wild, where their roots are exposed to [ā¦]
How to Grow Orchids in Coconut Shell
How to Grow Phalaenopsis Orchids in Coconut Shell Growing Phalaenopsis orchids in coconut shell can be a unique and beautiful way to care for your plant. Coconut shells offer excellent drainage, a natural look, and an environment similar to the orchidās native habitat. Let me guide you through how to properly grow and care for [ā¦]