CHASKA, Minn. — When you hear the word "heirlooms," you might think of family jewelry or furniture passed down from generation to generation. But an heirloom of a different kind is also very popular and can outlive its owners — houseplants.
KARE 11's Meghan Reistad inherited a Christmas cactus from her aunt Jean after she passed away in summer 2023. The plant has been in Reistad's family for years, first belonging to her great-grandmother Irene. The cactus originally grew from clippings from her great-great-grandmother Carrie's cactus.
The plant was looking a little droopy and needed some attention, so Reistad talked with the experts at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum about how to help the plant.
Extension Horticulture Educator Julie Weisenhorn explained the Christmas cactus is part of a group of holiday cacti including the Thanksgiving and Easter cactus.
"They can live a long time! Very long-lived plants. I have seen plants that are 100 years old," Weisenhorn said about holiday cacti. "Christmas cacti are from Brazil. They're from native rainforest… They grow in very cool damp environments. So, think about that when you're thinking about where to put your plants."
Reistad's inherited Christmas cactus is at least 80 years old and possibly even 100 years old.
Arboretum Greenhouse Manager Ricky Garza had a few ideas for reviving Reistad's high humidity loving houseplant.
"We're going to re-pot what's left of the main plant and then we can take some cuttings from what's left over," Garza said. "Just for a little extra drainage, we're going to use some clay pebbles."
Garza said it is important to change out the soil every few years.
"You can see this soil is pretty ancient," Garza said about Reistad's cactus. "The soil just becomes depleted and there's nothing nutritional about it. It's important that it's light, airy soil."
Another option is to re-pot cuttings. Ricky said it is important to use a rooting powder.
"Make a little well with your finger and put the segment halfway down… firm it in a little so it's not leaning," Garza said.
Garza said to water your Christmas cactus once a week. And if it is not blooming, try moving it to a shadier spot, or turn the temperature down so it's in a cooler environment.
Garza also said the plants do really well outside in the summer.
For more information on holiday cacti, click here.
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