Christmas Cactus Flowers

[iwatkins]

Hi All,

My various Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Bridgesii) plants have finally flowered (they usually flower before Christmas).

Some shots below for you. All done on 10D (tripod mounted) + Sigma 105mm macro + 550EX on cable and hand held. Background was a simple piece of black card bent into a curve.

Cheers

Ian

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Flora/Images/20050121_1715_6829.jpg

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Flora/Images/20050121_1729_6860.jpg

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Flora/Images/20050121_1738_6870.jpg

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Flora/Images/20050121_1750_6898.jpg

http://www.asrv84.dsl.pipex.com/Gallery/Flora/Images/20050121_1751_6902.jpg

[Bruce Watson]

Hi Ian,

Like the shots, obviously you are very knowledgeable on this plant.

Here is a link to a Christmas cactus shot I took last year, this year's flowers weren't as full or dramatic.

Anyhow, I think it came out well, please let me know what think.

http://www.pbase.com/kbike/image/37402558

Do they go in cycles (other than the obvious once per year blooming) or maybe I need to adjust the watering and light?

[iwatkins]

Hi Bruce,

That is a nice shot, I like that a lot. :)

I actually know very little about them myself, the missus on the other hand has several of them and it always growing out cuttings for more.

Ours are kept on a window sill, never get direct sun and are only watered a couple of times in the spring/summer and then about once a month in the autumn/winter. Basically, they seem happy if there isn't much moisture in the soil at all.

Cheers

Ian

[Bruce Watson]

Thanks Ian, I guess I have been over watering and will cut back.

Inherited this from my mother the other year. Never had plants myself, but felt I should keep hers going.