The Christmas cactus belongs to a group of tropical plants known as holiday bloomers. The cactus has smooth, segments leaves with few spines. Its real claim to beauty come near Christmas time when it sends out an abundance of red or pink flowers. A properly cared for Christmas cactus may remain in bloom for three months or more.

• Move your Christmas cactus to a cool 50 degree Fahrenheit location in September. The cactus blooms in response to the shortening of the days, so ensure the plants receive no artificial light from sundown to sun up.

• Water the cactus regularly, even during the fall cool exposure period. Water whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Christmas cacti cannot tolerate dry soil like their desert cousins. Avoid over-watering, as too much water can prevent the flowers from forming properly.

• Fertilize the cactus with a phosphorus soluble feed in November. The plant needs these nutrients to carry it through the flowering period.

• Move your cactus to an area with bright, indirect light once the flower buds begin to open. Continue to water the plant regularly and enjoy the bright holiday flowers.

• After flowering, your cactus may seem weak and it might even drop a few leaf segments. This is normal and doesn't indicate illness. Continue to water the cactus as before.

• If your cactus requires pruning or shaping, do so in April after it recovers from flowering. Snip off any damaged or overgrown leaf segments with pruning shears. You can even root the trimmings in a pot to grow a new Christmas cactus.