Gardeners often face the puzzle of why their Christmas cactus isn't blooming. This plant, bought in full bloom last year, now sits in a dining room window, looking healthy but flowerless. The issue might be the lack of cool nights and long darkness it needs to trigger blooms. Indoor lights and warm temperatures can interfere with this process.
To encourage blooming, consider moving the plant outside in late September. This way, it gets the long, dark nights and cooler temperatures it craves. Just make sure it's not near porch lights. Bring it inside if temperatures drop below 40 degrees.
Watering habits also play a role. Starting in September, let the soil dry out more between waterings. Once buds appear, keep the soil moist but not soggy. If the plant is outside, bring it in when buds are about an eighth of an inch long. Prop it up if the branches hang down to display it nicely.
Another gardening concern is citrus canker on a Meyer lemon tree. This disease is fatal and contagious. The best course is to remove the infected tree before planting a new one. The good news is that the bacterium doesn't linger in the soil, so a new tree can be planted safely.
For those with crinum bulbs, dividing them now might not be the best idea. These tropical plants are sensitive to cold and can suffer transplant stress. Wait until spring, around March or April, to divide them. Keep in mind that the small bulbs might take a few years to bloom.
December and January are great times to plant hardy fruit trees and bushes. Citrus trees should wait until late February or early March to avoid frost damage. Tropical fruits like avocados, bananas, and papayas should be planted in April.
Hardy herbs like thyme, sage, rosemary, and oregano can be planted now. Camellias, blooming in winter, can handle light freezes but benefit from a thick mulch to keep soil moist. Ornamental grasses can be cut back in winter or left for aesthetic appeal, but they should be trimmed by early March.
