SusieCat >^.,.^< wrote:
>> My mother bought a christmas cactus about a week ago that was about to
> bloom. yesterday she woke up to find the buds falling off! And some of
> the cactus stems are falling off... what could be wrong??? What can be
> done to help it??? She's never had much luck with christmas cactus'....
> we are clueless! Help please!
>> Susan
>>susiecat at carol.net
Several possibilities:
1. Draughts. These plants are susceptible to draughts, so don't put them
near windows and doors which are always opening and closing.
2. Excess movement. If they're shaken about, for example by being
brought home from the shop, their vascular system can be damaged, and
they react by dropping buds and/or "stems".
3. Temperature fluctuations. They like an even temperature, not too
warm, and never frosty.
4. Over-watering. Keep all cacti on the dry side during winter, watering
only occasionally, and never soaking.
Best of luck.
Colin Will
(Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh)
(c.will at rbge.org.uk preferred email for botany questions)
