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How to keep a Christmas cactus alive for 100 years
Family heirlooms are not always jewelry… sometimes they’re houseplants. Here’s how to keep them alive.
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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The suspect was 17 at the time of the shooting, but he was charged as an adult.
A St. Paul man has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, more than two years after a drive-by shooting left a 17-year-old dead.
Casimir Semlak, of St. Paul, was charged with shooting 17-year-old Anthony Skelley in May 2022 during an apparent drug deal in South St. Paul. Police say a search of Skelley’s cell phone uncovered that the last number he was in communication with was linked to the suspect.
Semlak was also 17 at the time but was charged in the adult court system.
Following his death, family members told KARE 11 in a statement that Skelley was a junior attending St. Paul Public Schools’ Gateway to College program, and had “a beautiful soul with a cheerful presence and a joyful spirit.”
Semlak will be sentenced in January 2025.
The Moorhead Police Department said Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.
MOORHEAD, Minn. — Officials are asking for the public’s help locating a 17-year-old Moorhead girl that is believed to be endangered.
According to the Moorhead Police Department, Paige Reinke was last seen Sunday near the 2600 block of River Drive North wearing a blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) describes her as 5-foot-4, 155 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Moorhead Police Department at 701-451-7660.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation and rising above trauma.
ST PAUL, Minn. — A Minnesota author and motivational speaker has written a new book and is holding a panel discussion.
“The Power of a Transformed Woman” is Twyla Martin’s raw, unapologetic story about strength, transformation, and rising above trauma.
On Friday, Nov. 1, Martin will speak with a panel at CSPS Hall in St. Paul about her book release.
- Twyla Martin – Author
- Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil rights attorney, activities, and community organizer
- Chantel Sings – Powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer
- Ashley DuBose – Singer, songwriter
- Jamela Pettiford – Vocalist and actress
- Lissa Jones – Speaker, advocate for African American history and culture
- Robin Hickman-Winfield – Producer, filmmaker, and CEO of SoulTouch Productions
- Alana Carrington – Creative professional with expertise in the arts, education, and community development
