Christmas cactus assistance requested

United States
October 16, 2007 2:27pm CST
I have what used to be a beautiful Christmas cactus that my grandmother tended to, along with some pothos and acuba. All my other inherited plants are doing well, but my cactus is looking bad lately. Is there special needs for the cactus. I don't water it often as that's what I was told to do. When I do lightly water it, the following day the "leaves" are all wrinkly looking. I have had this plant for over two years now and not once has it bloomed for me. It used to bloom like crazy for my grandma, even doing so twice a year! What am I doing wrong? Can the darn thing grieve? I have checked out numerous online sites but cannot find out what I am doing wrong. Somebody please help me!
1 response
citygirl
@citygirl (1080)
• Canada
18 Oct 07
Are you watering this cactus from the top of the pot? Try watering it by setting the pot in a dish of water and letting it absorb water from the bottom up. This works for me and blooms twice a year.Give it a try
1 person likes this
chargoans
@chargoans (939)
• United States
19 Oct 07
Thanks for the response! I have been watering it from the top and will begin the bottom-watering process when I water them in a week or two. I was unaware that you could effectively water the plants from the bottom!
ellen546
@ellen546 (110)
• United States
22 Oct 07
I put mine outdoors for the summer and is looking great. What type of water do you use? Clorine from tap water is harmful to plants.
1 person likes this
chargoans
@chargoans (939)
• United States
24 Oct 07
I use plain old well water...not on a city system. I have read at other places online and supposedly this time of year is when it is supposed to be budding. Well, it just won't. I am letting it dry out for a few days and then I am going to try the bottom-watering and see if there is a change. Or should I start now while the soil is barely moist?