Hanging Basket Cactus Plants by Kurt M. Jones, Chaffee County Extension Director

            We were greeted last week to our first bloom from our Schlumbergera in our kitchen.   This plant was given to us as a holiday gift years ago, and continues to bring us joy now.   How many parents can say that about gifts they have given their children?   In this tough economy, perhaps a plant is on your planning lists.             One popular plant during this season is the Schlumbergera.   This plant is probably better known as the Holiday or Christmas Cactus.   This plant is popular because it is a short day length blooming cactus.   It is not unusual for this plant to initiate blooming around Thanksgiving, finishing after the New Year celebrations.               Schlumbergeras are native to the tropical forests of South America, where they grow on trees.   Their stems are unique, leaves colorful, and timely blossoms make this an attractive addition to indoor plant collections.   The stems of Christmas cactus’ ( S. buckleyi ) are spineless, but produce tubular flowers in