I met a couple at the local lawn and garden show who sold Earthworm castings at the booth next to mine. He had books and literature as well as gallons of Worm Casting tea. He gave me a couple of samples and told me that he used it on his Christmas cactus and a week later it bloomed.
I have a couple starts of Christmas cactus in the kitchen window that haven't really taken off but have bloomed .
I thought I would try it and see if it would bloom in the off season. I added about a half cup to the surface soil of both plants. I also have noticed that the castings retain moisture well. I didn't get any blooms but they ate the most beautiful green like never before and they have grown double in size in a very short time. I have always wanted to try vermicomposting and your article has inspired me. Thanks Dave!

Great information - thank you for sharing! I'm glad to hear that you're inspired to try it, and I hope you do.

Great article Dave. I've read a bit about this elsewhere and find your clarity and step by step photographs more helpful. Thanks.

Thank you!

I love your article on vericomposting Dave!!! I'm going to start mine this weekend.

One question......how damp do I need to keep my bin?

Thanks!

Dollie

Dollie, the material in the bin should never be allowed to dry out. I never have had to add water, though, as the materials I add (vegetable peelings, coffee grinds, etc) add moisture each time.

Keeping a lid on (with those tiny holes drilled in it) will also do much to keep the moisture levels high.

Any excess moisture will drip down into the pan below.