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Caring for Christmas Cactus: Boosting Blooms, Propagation & Identifying Festive Varieties

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Unlocking the Mystery of the Festive Cactus

The festive cactuses often baffle indoor gardeners. There’s a lingering myth that these plants are either fussy bloomers or seem to have their own calendar for blossoming.

Many people nostalgically recall a family member, often a grandmother, who had one of these plants that seemed to have been with the family for generations. It’s a cherished tradition to share cuttings from these beloved plants with loved ones. Yet, somehow, it appears that only Grandma had the magic touch to make it burst into bloom.

However, cracking the code to these plants is not as tough as it seems. Once you’re in the know, you’ll be treated to a spectacular show of flowers year after year. You might even find yourself sharing your own cuttings with loved ones. (And no, you don’t need to earn the title of ‘grandma’ first.)

A frequent grouse from festive cactus caregivers is the unpredictable or seemingly ‘off-schedule’ blooming.

The plot thickens when we realize that the so-called ‘Christmas cactus’ encompasses three distinct cacti, all hailing from the Schlumbergera lineage. They might seem identical to the untrained eye, but a closer look reveals subtle differences.

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