Christmas cactus is a winter favorite plant that is relatively easy to care for. Plants can live for years and are often handed down from generation to generation. Each time they bloom, we're reminded of our mothers, grandmothers, and Christmases past. It's no wonder we love them so much!

Did you know that the plant we call Christmas cactus is really a succulent from the tropics and is not a cactus at all? These little beauties bloom during the winter months and will brighten even the dreariest day. With colors in pinks, oranges, reds, yellows and white, there's a shade for every taste.

Here are a few tips that will give you Christmas (cactus) joy year after year:

1. Plant in sandy soil.

2. Avoid frequent re-potting. They prefer to be root bound.

3. Start fertilizing in the spring after they flower.

4. In the summer, move them outdoors to a shady spot. Keep watering and fertilizing.

5. In the early fall, move them indoors to a dark room or keep them covered 12 hours a

day. Keep the soil dryer. They need at least 4 weeks of this to bloom.

6. As flower buds begin to form move them to a regular room and stop covering them.

7. Continue water and fertilizer through the blooming season.

8. Cuttings are very easy to root and make great gifts for friends. Make sure cuttings

are at least 2 sections long and root them in water.

9. Talk to your plants to let them know how much you enjoy them. :) Come on....

You know you want to.....

Dig It! It's Grow Time.