Marianne's Response

abasich-question

Hi Marianne,
I have some Christmas like cactus that bloomed beautifully, but I see a crust like black piece in the middle of some of the leaves and I think it will eventually dry up there and drop the leaf. I am confused. Too much water, etc. Being Italian the large bloom Christmas cactus was something I grew up with on my moms front porch. It didn’t appear anything would kill it.
By the way, I am the youngest of the DePaoli girls (now 79) and was very close to the Cundari (Contris) family. Recently I had dinner with Mike and Gild.
I really appreciate hearing your views and advice. Thank you so much.

Posted by on July 28, 2009

Marianne's Response

Mama Mia! Sounds like too much water as dark spots on the leaves of succulents is usually a fungal or bacteria infection. The Christmas Cacti all like to be potbound so don't worry about moving these houseplants up to larger size pots. Go ahead and let your plant have a summer vacation out doors as the extra air ciruculation will be good for. Mia Paisonao, Io returno d'Italia questa Octobre. Buon jardinio. (Okay that must be the worst spelling of Italian ever to hit the web - but thanks for the Italian connection. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti