Question
My Thanksgiving cactus bloomed beautifully this year.  It really did well while on my screened-in porch last summer and early fall.  After blooming I have been giving it a rest, keeping the soil on the dry side, and not fertilizing.  I have been watering once a month since it finished flowering.  I have noticed over the last couple of months that the plant is sort of self-pruning.  By this I mean, stem segments of different sizes just fall off on their own.  Three segments have fallen off this week.  I don't see any bugs and I don't think rot could be a problem since the potting medium is kept on the dry side.  What would be causing this? I would appreciate any info on this situation.  Also, do you know of a source for Christmas and Easter cacti?  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Scott,

From your description, you seem to be doing everything right with your holiday cactus.

It is quite common for holiday cacti to sag a bit and drop off some of their segments at this time of year, particularly after a a prolific flowering period. It is during this semi-dormant period that the plant rests a bit in anticipation of the longer days of spring and summer. Resist any temptation to "cure" the problem by increasing the water or repotting. Your plant will gradually recover as the hours of sunlight slowly increase.

I often prune back my holiday cactus right after it finishes flowering because I know that if I don't, it will. Psychologically, I find it easier for me to do it at my initiative rather than waiting for the plant to do it.

I purchase all of my plants locally in a wholesale flower and plant district here in New York City. Consequently, I have no direct experience with mailorder plant shops and I am reluctant to recommend anything that I do not know about first-hand.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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