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Originally posted by Christina Wellman:
I did use that new soil from miracle grow that holds the moisture in so you dont have to water as much... I'm thinking for this plant that was a bad idea..

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I'm thinkin' it's a bad idea too...
I'm not really huge into house plants but as
soon as I read that, I thought that's what it might be...

Wait around a bit for some other more well season'ed house plant gardeners and see what their advice maybe also...

*welcome aboard TGHF by the way, we're very glad you found us*

P/S

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Originally posted by Christina Wellman:
I do not want to lose this plant. This is the first time that I had more that 3 blooms on it...

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One tip about growing Christmas Cactus's and their blooming habits, always keep it facing the SAME DIRECTION when moving it or repotting it..
The plant will not set blooms if it faces in a different direction or moved.. or if it sets buds and it is moved into a different position,
it will drop it's buds and won't bloom...

And to make it bloom, it needs a short DARK time, 6 weeks or so, and DO NOT WATER IT WHEN IT'S IN THE DARK...

* * * *
Weezie

Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have
done this have entertained angels without realizing it.
- Bible - Hebrews 13:2





http://photobucket.com/albums/y250/weezie13/

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Originally posted by badplanter:
i agree 100%
You should have the Christmas Cactus is quick-drying soil... Xmas-cacti are just that-- A cactus-- they retain and hold most of their water... som like I said, quick drying soil will do it well... only water it about avery 2-3 weeks... let the soil dry up before re-watering again.

Good luck with it!

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mark is sort of right. they are treated like a cactus, and are succulents, but they are epiphytes rather than true cacti.

that said, he is also right about the soil. they do need well draining soil. if you want, you can add sand or gravel to the soil you have, making it drain better. otherwise, get some cacti soil, or orchid soil for it. the cactus soil works by draining well, the orchid soil works by having larger pieces, and more air pockets. so while it doesn't dry as quickly as the cactus soil, it does drain as well, and provides airflow.

Also, how do I get rid of those pesky little tiny flies that like to make their home in house plants?