There's a long and loving tradition with Christmas Cacti in my family that is recorded through photos back to my grandparents. I encounter many images of myself in front of my parents' magnificent and merry Christmas Cactus as I look back on my childhood photographs. This cactus always bloomed at Christmas and Easter and still does! I started my research of the Christmas Cactus magic after both of my parents passed away in the late 1990s.

My oldest sister took the huge cactus that was 50 years old! That first Christmas without my parents, their beloved cactus flowered even more spectacularly than usual. The spirit from all the love and care that my parents had given to each other and our family came through this plant. This was the moment I realized I needed a slip of this cactus to extend the family Christmas Cactus tradition in my own home.

As I began my journey into the Christmas Cactus world, I discovered how relatively simple it is to start a plant from a slip and grow it into a thriving thing of beauty. The perfect time to take a slip is after the cactus has finished blooming. A mature plant usually needs a good pruning after each blooming to maintain the blossoms all over the plant as the flowers form at the end of each stem. These pruned stems are perfect for starting new plants that can be ready as flowering gifts by next Christmas! Once you have your slips, they can simply be rooted in damp sand. This also makes them easy to mail or transport. Allow your chips to dry out a couple of days after pruning, before putting in the damp sand. You are ready to plant the slips once a good root system is established. Plant a few slips in a pot with a good-draining potting soil. I like the potting soil made especially for cacti. Place your young plants in a spot that gets bright, filtered light. Keep your new plants evenly moist when watering, and wait until the soil is dry in between watering.

Yes, Christmas Cacti are fun, make ideal gifts, and can give many years of enjoyment to your family.