When we imagine Christmas greenery, the Poinsettia usually takes center stage. It’s the classic choice, isn’t it? But there is another festive plant that holds a special place in Martha Stewart’s home, and it carries significant emotional weight. We’re talking about the Christmas Cactus, or Schlumbergera if you want to get technical. For Martha, this isn’t just a bit of holiday decor sitting on a table; it’s a living piece of her family history.
A Legacy in a Pot
The story behind Martha’s specific plant is deeply touching. This stunning, vibrant cactus originally belonged to her mother, fondly known as “Big Martha.” After her mother passed away, the plant seemed lost to time until Martha’s late sister, Laura Plimpton, made a surprising discovery. Tucked away in the back of a drawer several years later, Laura found two tiny stem segments—known scientifically as cladodes.
They took a chance by planting those two small pieces, and against the odds, they thrived. Now, that same plant sits in Martha’s Bedford farmhouse, a lush and healthy tribute to the women in her family. It’s the kind of thing that makes you realize how much a simple plant can mean. Laura would have absolutely loved seeing it bloom as it does today.
The Secret to “Happy Feet”
You might be wondering how to actually keep a Christmas Cactus alive for years, let alone decades. Martha insists that it’s all about a simple, consistent routine. Great results begin with the soil.
- Use a succulent or cacti soil mix. Martha personally prefers the Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix.
- Keep the room temperature between 60 and 70 degrees.
- Provide plenty of bright, indirect light.
- Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
One thing she is very firm about? Don’t overwater. These plants really don’t like having “wet feet,” as she puts it. It’s a common mistake, but if you can resist the urge to drown it, the plant will reward you.
Getting Those Famous Blooms
It’s one thing to keep the leaves green, but getting those iconic flowers to show up every December takes a bit of strategy. It turns out, you have to start thinking about Christmas as early as September. To trigger the blooming process, Martha suggests a bit of a “darkness treatment.”
Around mid-September, the plant needs to be placed in total darkness for about 14 hours every single night. This should continue for about three to four weeks. During this time, the air needs to be cool—aiming for the 60s during the day and 50s at night. A dark, chilly closet is often the perfect spot for this. You’ll want to water it very sparingly during this phase. Once you see those little flower buds starting to form, you can bring it back out and return to your normal care routine.
It sounds like a lot of work, but the visual payoff makes it worthwhile. These plants are incredibly easy to care for once you get the hang of their quirks. Martha reminds us to treat each plant as an individual, and honestly, if there was ever a time to take her advice, it’s probably right now before the holiday rush hits.
Do you have a plant in your home that’s been passed down through the family, or maybe a Christmas Cactus that refuses to bloom? We’d love to hear your plant stories or your own tips for keeping holiday greenery alive. Leave a comment below and let’s swap notes! And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more lifestyle updates and home inspiration.
This Holiday season, the Jonas Brothers are back with a new film; you must check it if you’re a fan. Also, Victoria Beckham sent Christmas Stocking Signal to Brooklyn hoping to reconcile and end family feud.
Sources
- www.homesandgardens.com/celebrity-style/martha-stewart-christmas-cactus-tips
- www.scottsmiraclegro.com/en-us/learn/gardening/ask-martha-caring-for-my-holiday-plants.html?
