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» Willy World » Gardening Reference » Gardening in 2005 » Christmas Cactus hasn't been watered for a year...oops!

Author Garden: Christmas Cactus hasn't been watered for a year...oops! emmarose Garden Helper Member # 6517 posted                       Mum got it as a present last year, put it on top of a cupboard in the utility room and forgot all about it - I only noticed it at the weekend. The soil was as dry as a bone and the leaves feel flimsy to touch, although they're not dead (but I'm guessing they should be very firm). A few stalks were completely gone so I picked them off and threw them out. I soaked the roots in some water with some baby bio in it (liquid plant food) and have repotted it back into the same pot but with fresh potting compost. I've found instructions at home on how to treat a Christmas Cactus during the year but is there anything in particular I should do over the next few months to nurture it back to health? Thanks! * * * * "Alcohol, the cause and solution to all of life's problems" - Homer Simpson Plants: 32 | From: Ireland | Registered: Aug 2005  |  Seeded: 62.231.32.228 obywan59 Garden Pro! Member # 2222 posted                       The main thing would be to be careful not to overwater it or it will rot. * * * * Terry May the force be with you Plants: 1370 | From: Copper Hill, Virginia | Registered: Apr 2004  |  Seeded: 207.69.138.141 Cricket guest posted                 Place the plant in a window that receives bright, indirect light and as Terry said, be very careful not to overwater. Fertilizing is unnecessary, particularly if you've repotted with fresh soil which should provide a couple years of nutrients. Also, fertilizer is food, not medicine, and should only be given to healthy, vigorously growing plants. Best of luck! Cricket Seeded: 70.66.52.31 emmarose Garden Helper Member # 6517 posted                       Thanks a mill, hopefully I'll be able to get it going again! Much appreciated! * * * * "Alcohol, the cause and solution to all of life's problems" - Homer Simpson Plants: 32 | From: Ireland | Registered: Aug 2005  |  Seeded: 62.231.32.228 Cricket guest posted                 You're welcome. Best of luck nursing it back to health BTW, in which part of Ireland do you live? Seeded: 70.66.52.31 margaret e. pell Super Gardener Member # 4427 posted                       If it looses any leaf segments, you can try rooting them on damp sand. * * * * may God bless the WHOLE world! Plants: 601 | From: Rhinebeck, NY USA | Registered: Jan 2005  |  Seeded: 68.199.184.133 emmarose Garden Helper Member # 6517 posted                       Thanks Margaret. I think whats left should make it - the ones that fell off were beyond redemption. Cricket - I've been living in Dublin over 8 years but planning to move back to the homeplace soon. Ever been over this side of the water? * * * * "Alcohol, the cause and solution to all of life's problems" - Homer Simpson Plants: 32 | From: Ireland | Registered: Aug 2005  |  Seeded: 62.231.32.228 Cricket guest posted                 Hi Emma, No, I haven't been over to Ireland yet but would dearly love to someday visit friends in Donegal and Wicklow. BTW, I neglected to mention in my previous post that Christmas cacti should be potted in well drained sandy soil, such as cactus mix. Cricket Seeded: 70.66.52.31

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