Improve your Christmas cactus crop

The efficacy of Configure® on increasing the number of phylloclades and flower buds being produced was evaluated on Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii). Over 30 years ago, researchers in Japan reported that benzyladenine, the active ingredient in Configure®, increased branching and flower bud production in Christmas cactus. We
conducted trials to confirm the results with Configure®. Configure® applied as a foliar spray during the spring when the plants were vegetative resulted in increased branching (additional phylloclades).
In addition, Configure® can be applied during the floral initiation stage of flower development to increase the number of flower buds. Timing is critical for both applications (see Key Points below).

A single foliar application of 100 to 200 ppm Configure® is ideal for increasing the number of branches and flowers on most Christmas cactus cultivars. Initial trials should target the rate of 100 ppm. Higher concentrations of 400 ppm or greater can result in the production of numerous small flower buds, which may not all open. Overall,
Configure® foliar sprays to Christmas cactus is an excellent method of increasing both the number of
phylloclades and flower buds being produced.

Key Points
• Apply Configure® in the spring to stimulate an increase of phylloclades. This will improve the branching of the plants. Keep in mind, the application must be early enough to allow the phylloclades to fully mature before the start of short days.
• Apply Configure® after the start of short days to stimulate an increase of flower bud production. The floral initiation period in Christmas cactus begins under short day conditions. Optimally short day conditions are achieved with exact control of the long day and short day photoperiods. The time to apply Configure® is one week after
floral initiation when black cloth is used. If relying upon natural season day length conditions, apply Configure® within 2 days after the first flower buds are visible. This typically occurs in early October.
• Applications made in late September while the plants are still vegetative will stimulate additional phylloclades instead of flower buds. This will delay the overall flowering of the plant.
• Initially target a rate of 100 ppm. Lower rates of 50 ppm may be effective on some cultivars.
• Complete spray coverage required, especially for pots containing multiple cuttings.
Research conducted by Brian Whipker and Ingram McCall, North Carolina State University