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did I hurt my Spring (Easter) Cactus?

13 years ago

Hi everyone. Last year I got 2 ECs. I put them in the same pot and the seemed very happy. After they bloomed, the dead flowers stayed on the plant for months, didn't seem to hurt them, they were getting new growth.

When I mentioned it on here, I was told to shake them off and if they didn't come off, then twist them off, so I did. Since then, the plants are showing very little new growth, if any at all. I would think that by now they would be starting to have new segments on them, but there aren't any.

Did I hurt them by taking the dead flowers off? And if i did, is there something I can do to help it along? Or is it too early for them yet? I got them as a Mother's Day present last year, so I am a bit sentimental about them.. (well ok,, I feel like this with ALL my plants.) But is there anything I can do for them?

Thanks in advance for any and all advice!! :)
Marjie

Comments (8)

  • 13 years ago

    If it's getting adequate light and the right amount of water, and if it looks healthy, I figure only good can come of that. But a photo would help us help you out more.

  • 13 years ago

    Did I hurt them by taking the dead flowers off?
    No harm done
    Or is it too early for them yet?
    Not really two zones away mine are sending new growth. I ponder if this years new growth will stop long enough in time to set buds and flower.
    is there anything I can do for them?
    Have you been feeding it ? Other than that keep doing what you have been doing during the last year, IMO finding a little more dabbling sun and light exposure time may help send a boost for new growth for you, yet sometimes the sudden transitions of moving them to extended sun light times could also cause some shedding.

  • 13 years ago

    Thanks. Light right now, since it's still a bit chilly, is just a "shop" light that is set up, untill they go outside on a more permenent basis, hope that is soon.. And feeding/watering is the same time. So, ok, won't worry too much about them now, they do look healthy, not droopy, fading or anything that isn't normal. Just no new growth. Guess that will come in time, :)

    Thanks for such a quick responce!
    Marjie

  • 13 years ago

    Shop light, but no window near by?

    Josh

  • 13 years ago

    Was thinking the same Josh. Depending on the tubes in the shop light but not very useful as an only source of light with the standard "shop lite bulbs"
    I'd suggest gradual increasing sun exposure before it goes outside
    Light filtering blinds left opening longer over the next two -three weeks East side toward South window sun would be best South to south West window next.

    Anything providing more direct bright sun before bringing it out side would be better than an unknown tube shop lite.

    This post was edited by mrlike2u on Thu, Apr 4, 13 at 20:58

  • 13 years ago

    Both of my established ECs are sending out new growth like crazy right now. One has blossoms. They are in windows that get south/east exposure.

  • 13 years ago

    Hi again, nope, no window that we can use for sun. It is too big for the kitchen window, and I don't trust it in the kitchen anyway, way too much traffic... and the only South fasing window is my dad's room, and I don't think he would like it in there, he would have to clean off the dresser!! lol But to tell the truth, I am almost ready to ask him.

    Other than that, this house has no real sunlight coming thru the windows, very dark house, and our room is an add on from the garage and there is a covered carport above our window. We don't get the sun fasing the front of the house anyway. Just daddy's window and a few short hours thru the kitchen West window. The house I want, hoping by next year, has windows all over the place!! Here's for hoping!

    So, if it looks good and healthy and light is the issue here, I am not going to worry too much about it for now. I can only do with what I've got. Going to get colder for the next few days, so they are stuck in here for a while. BUT! on a good note, I am collecting rain water! well, trying to, taking a lot longer than i thought it would to fill a bucket-- lol One of the few things I miss about Washington State. ;)

    But thanks for putting my mind at ease on this issue.

    Do you still want a picture of it? I can get it real fast.. ;)

    Marjie

  • 13 years ago

    Do you still want a picture of it? You could post one but not really needed by this reader, it sounds like you have a good handle on it with what you have for conditions at this time.
    Reminder:
    Keep in mind they tend to be a bit more delicate or sensitive
    than the other holiday cati.
    Who knows maybe you can turn this plants statement into myth too :-)

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