My Xmas Cacti is covered with buds and is starting to bloom. Should I pinch off the spent blooms at their base after they flower?
Hello – Removing the spent blooms from your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) will keep your plant looking its best and encourage the plant to continue blooming. During the bloom period be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings. The soil should be dry to touch but don’t let the soil get too dry or the flowers may drop. Pruning your cactus about a month after it finishes blooming will encourage further branching. With a sharp knife, cut off one or two segments from each branch at the point at which the segments meet. The removed pieces can be rooted in a moist planting medium such as vermiculite to make more plants.
If you’d like to read more about Christmas cactus and how best to care for your plant, check out the article at the link below from the Missouri Botanical Garden.
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b669
Other resources you might find useful:
https://web.extension.illinois.edu/cfiv/homeowners/111122.html
https://westcoastgardens.ca/our-resources/caring-christmas-cactus