I have inherited a Christmas cactus from my grandmother (though, judging from its blooms it's more of a Halloween cactus...) and I'm not really familiar with the watering needs of cacti. How often should I water it? And can I water from the top, or should it be from the bottom plate, like with African violets (three of which I also inherited so any tips there would be appreciated, too...)?

Thanks!!

My friend at work has a Christmas cactus in the office. When she leaves at night she puts the plant in the closet. She waters from the bottom of the plant. The plant actually sits on a plate of pebbles and she waters the pebbles.

I found this site on watering cactus plants. It looks like it is a tradition to pass down a cactus plant from a Grandma.
Caring for X-Mas cactus.

Thank you both for bring this to light.

As the wife and I sat at the dinner table yesterday, we notice that both her "Christmas" Cacti were starting to bud.

Now we have heard of Christmas and Easter Cactus but never heard of Hollowing Cactus.

Now we know, and she says the internet is a waste of time. Only kidding. I just can't get her in the "Pool".

Can't waite to show her that site.

Thanks, Clare! Maybe I'll start putting it in my overhead bin at night -though I think it stays pretty dark here in the office. Maybe I'll start that after the blooms die...
I'm still not sure quite how often to water it, though. It says "the plants should be watered less frequently" but it doesn't really say how often or how much...

She waters the plant when it gets really dry. I think its every 2 weeks or so. (If it starts to wilt then you know it needs more water) Every now and then she will put a few ice cubes in the pot itself. That is plenty.

Great, thanks. I think I need some more dirt in there, too. It's kind of wobbly... Thank you for all the tips!