December E News

Thanksgiving or Christmas Cactus, What’s the Difference

Yes, there is a difference, the Thanksgiving cactus is categorized under the genus and species name “Schlumbergera truncata” and the Christmas cactus “Schlumbergera x buckleyi”. Both of these cacti are indigenous to Brazil in this environment both grow in tree branches and are scientifically referred to as epiphytes. This type of growth makes these cacti naturals for hanging basket production due to a weeping growth habit and a wide array of colors. The Thanksgiving cactus will bloom one month earlier and dominates the market due to this feature allowing for an earlier sales date versus the later flowering Christmas cactus.

Scientifically speaking, there are differences other than bloom time. First, these cacti have modified stems and true leaves are absent, these stems are flattened into segments which aid in correct classification. The Thanksgiving cactus will have saw-toothed type serrations arising from the leaf margin 2 to 4 projections per segment. In comparison, segments on the Christmas cactus will be smooth and rounded in nature. A second classification method is to look at the flower itself. Locate the anthers, the floral structures which bears pollen for reproduction. The Thanksgiving cacti will have yellow anthers whereas the Christmas cacti will have purplish-brown anthers.

Care for these cacti go in reverse, in their native environment it is Summer during November and December. This problem is solved by letting these cacti go into a semi-dormant state during the summer months and pushing growth during the winter months (full sun during Fall and Winter), thus keeping the plants in correct chronological order in regards to growth. Temperatures should be kept between 70 to 80 * F, allowing the cacti to experience cooler temperatures in the Fall will aid in better flower bud production (65-68*F is ideal). Do not allow temperatures to rise above 90*F this will cause flower bud decline due to these cacti growing under the shade of branches in their native habitat. Also, do not let temperatures fall below 50*F due to these cacti being native to a tropical climate.

In order, to achieve a good flower bud set cacti should receive bright light during the day and be exposed to long nights 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness. This regiment should start around the middle of September and continue for 6 weeks. Please keep in mind that cooler temperatures are also vital for good flower bud production. Pinching back the stems in early June will encourage branching and will produce more terminals which creates more flowers. These cultural practices are vital to producing vibrant robust cacti.

Watering is in reverse to Northern hemisphere norms, no water should be applied during the spring and summer months until the soil is dry to touch. In the fall and winter watering should be consistent but do not waterlog the soil, moist do not let the soil dry out. One should start fertilizing once new growth starts usually late winter or early spring. This should be done monthly and should continue through the summer. Fertilize with a water- soluble fertilizer (20-20-20) at half strength. Fertilization should stop during late summer this will cause better flower production in the fall. Also, cacti should be repotted every 2-3 years to avoid root binding. A well-drained soil is a must, aeration and drainage are crucial, avoid potting soils that hold a lot of water. The ideal medium should be 60-80% potting soil with 40-20% perlite. Follow these steps and keep your cacti as heirlooms to be passed on for generations.
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Getting Ahead of the Holiday Meal Cost

Do you need some easy tips on how to save money during the holidays? We are sharing some great information from the More in My Basket program this season about making meal costs easier to manage. You can check out the series by visiting our facebook page!

More in My Basket can also help anyone you know who might be struggling to make ends meet this winter. They provide assistance with SNAP benefits applications by phone. Here is a link to their FAQ page. Happy Holidays!

Please contact me for more information or just to say hello! Katie Elkins kelkins@ncsu.edu

I Want 4-H Camp for Christmas

The Season is approaching when children begin to write out their Christmas lists. One of the best gifts you can provide your child is an opportunity to explore the world through 4-H camping. The mission of 4-H camping is to use the natural and social environments to provide learning experiences that are appropriate for children and youth. The 4-H camping adventure also provides young people an opportunity to develop skills they will use throughout their life time. All of this great learning takes place in a safe and fun-filled setting with qualified and nurturing camp staff. And no other organization does the camping experience better than 4-H. Since 1929, 4-H camping has allowed youth to develop important skills through hands on learning.
Four-H camp is a great place to learn new skills such as canoeing, sailing, archery, swimming, and horseback riding. Your child will also have the opportunity to explore recreational activities, natural environments, and various science skills. And the best part about camp is that you don’t have to be a 4-H’er to attend. So whether your daughter or son wants to learn to swim, learn more about wildlife, or just hang out with new friends, 4-H camping is just right for her or him. And with six residential camps located across North Carolina, from the mountains to the coast, you can pick the site that is just right for you.
Our Summer Camps are open to boys and girls age eight to thirteen. Specialty Camps such as Fur, Fish and Game; Marine Science; and Horsemanship Camp have varied ages and transportation is not provided.
In addition, to summer camp and specialty camps, 4-H also offers Cloverbud Camp. This is a shortened week of camp that is open to youth six to eight. This offers all the amenities of summer camp but on a modified schedule for those that aren’t ready for a full week of camp yet.
Mitchell County 4-H will be taking a group of Mitchell County youth to the Eastern Environmental Education Center in Creswell, June 25 – June 30, 2023. This cost for this fun-filled adventure of 4-H Camping is $525 per person, this includes a $75 non-refundable deposit due upon registering to reserve your child's spot on the bus. Space is limited for this camp. This is the “Christmas Special”, the price will go up closer to the camp departure date to $550.
We hope that you will wrap up a trip to 4-H Camp as a gift for your child this Christmas. What a smile you can bring to a child’s face. For more information about 4-H Summer Camp, Specialty Camps, or Clover bud camp, please call Mitchell County 4-H @ (828) 688-4811. Exploring the world through 4-H camping will offer many wonderful learning opportunities for your child. Call today to find out more!