Healthy Holiday Cactus

How to Choose a Healthy Holiday Cactusbad this time of year. But with a little poking and prodding and judicious selection, you can find a Schlumbergera that will outlast you!

1. Christmas cactus on the door

If you see a holiday cactus sitting inside a store's drafty door, don't be tempted; Keep walking. Schlumbergera is a tropical plant that does not do well with cold temperatures. If exposed to drafts and cold air, they drop all their buds for the year. They can even collapse entire divisions. Although you can still buy one of these plants, it is unlikely that the buds will survive long enough to bloom.

Additionally, although rarely, avoid purchasing holiday cacti that are exposed to extremely hot temperatures. One year I went to a fancy garden center and saw a full tray set up in front of a gas fireplace. "Well, they're snacks," I thought.

2. Check Sections & Crown

Holiday cacti don't have normal 'leaves'. Instead, they have segments called cladodes. The easiest way to tell if the plant is in good condition is to get small hands. You take a blind plant and gently press one of the cladodes; The section should feel firm and thick. If it looks thin, papery, or wrinkled, it should be avoided. It is waterlogged or may have root rot and will often drop its flowers.

Also, look at the crown, where the segments grow out of the soil. Check for yellowing at the base or areas of crown rot. This is a sure sign that the plant is overwatered. Again, you may want to avoid such plants. The crown should be firmly rooted and deep emerald green.

3. Check the soil

I've lost count of the number of waterlogged Schlumbergeras I've seen at the store over the years. Obviously, retailers assume that all plants need water, lots of it, and more on the next shift. This is devastating to schlumbergera, prone to root and crown rot. In the wild, these epiphytes grow on loose, rapidly draining organic matter. You can't call it soil when they stick to the side of a boulder. They hate wet "feet". Nevertheless, nurseries pot them in standard potting soil and ship them to your nearest Walmart once they've budded.

Considering that all nursery pots have drainage holes, it's especially interesting when stores submerge holiday cacti. However, they do it all the time. Avoid soils that are waterlogged or have mold or mildew growing on the surface. If the selection isn't great, choose underwater over a more watered plant. An aquatic plant is more likely to bounce back.

4. Pull the plant out of the nursery pot

Finally, if you can, gently press the sides of the nursery pot to loosen the plant. Gently ease the plant out of the pot and look at the roots. They should be white to slightly cream in color. Brown roots indicate root rot, and it is better to pick another plant. The roots and soil should have a pleasant earthy smell, not musty or musty.

5. Secure your purchase for a ride home

Once you've chosen the perfect holiday cactus, double bag it and seal the top to protect it from cold air. Don't leave these tender plants in a cold car for too long. Bring it with you if you are not going home immediately and have other stops. Or better yet, make your vacation cacti the last stop on your way home.