Hello All:

I happened to stop at the local greenhouse and they had a flyer on this plant. Rather than re-type their lengthy instructions, I may say you must give the plant a dormant period 2-3 months before you want it to bloom. That is temps at about 50-55, water sparingly and darkness at least 14 hours a day.  A similar dormant period should follow for two months after bloom.

Personally I would not do any fertilizer (though it may be mentioned) as any more than the tiniest little bit will kill the plant.

Also, in the past where I live in the north they have bloomed without any special effort as we surely have very short days (daylight) from now till Christmas.

Ok, and a good holiday season to everyone.

Inspirational Holiday poem:

http://www.thelostland.com/shortest.htm

Still, we do not look forward to the shortest day of the year and less sunlight .

Snow, even at Christmas is rare here.  We can get a good snowfall, that's 4-6" here, but usually in January and February; often melted off the next day.  Our nemisis is ice and we've had some dandy ice storms that glaze everything!  More common is black ice on the roads; making them treacherous.  Life is easier this far south than it was when I lived in MI.  Joy

I do not know the answer, as here, in the New England states the Christmas Cactus does bloom at Christmas or shortly before. Even here, the best bet is just to buy a huge lush Christmas Cactus each year.

Just to note, on October 18, 2009, we had a nort' easter which brought a record snowfall, but now anticipate about 5 days of warmth (maybe 60 degrees and even higher in New York City)

Thank you too!  I really enjoy this group and your informative posts.  Have a few garden pictures in my profile.  Anyone with time; feel free to browse.  Joy

I have several Christmas cactus. The mother is about 25 years old. As it out grew its pot, I put in other pots and have given many away. I don't put them outdoors anymore. They are near a north window under a skylight. There's no special way to get them to bloom for Christmas. (They have a mind of their own) I had them bloom in the summer! Don't allow any potted plant to become root bound. Graduate to larger pots or divide into several. Always feed the plants and mist, dust, and clean decaying leaves. Don't plant them too deep. To make starters, I just take a branch and put it into a new pot and it takes off. Good discussion and great tips, thank you, Zil

You're probably right as Miracle Grow is what I use on my potted plants outside all summer; houseplants and all.  I move all but a couple out.  Inside during the colder months I vary between Schultz house plant food and Miracle Grow.  Just deplends on what I have on hand.  Joy

I think your regular use of Miracle Gro is definitely a factor in your plant's lushness! I'm going to add that to my routine for sure. Probably the replanting too, because I have to admit one of my plants was languishing in a too-small pot and not blooming much until I repotted it after I moved to my new house. That's the one that is currently in bloom with a pretty good display, although nothing like your beauty. Now, where did I pack that Miracle Gro I wonder!