Yes to both questions! They are epiphytes like orchids, so they prefer a more humusy compost than the other cacti, as they grow in the junction of tree branches where dead leaves etc have collected, so you can even use ordinary potting compost.
You also water them in winter as that's when most of them flower. I let mine dry off toward the end of the summer and give them a rest for a couple of months. When you start watering again they will normally come into flower quite quickly. I know some people don't give them a dry period, but that's what I do. Hywel may do it differently - you could ask him if you like.
When they do come into bud be careful not to turn them round as the effort the buds make to orientate to the light can make them fall off!
Hope this is what you wanted to know.

thanks again steragram,i have had these plants several years and they have managed to survive ,one has really large beautiful blooms but every year i have always wondered if i am doing the right thing in regard to watering .They are outside all summer and i bring them in when the weather starts to turn cold ,do you water from the bottom ? and let them dry out again in between

Stera you are right about the turning. Mine flowered nicely room side but the buds window side had not come out & also I wanted to see them when they did so I turned the plant round & they all fell off! Live & learn.

i did the same feverfew ,tuned the easter cactus for the unopened buds to get better light and next morning i had a counter top full of the unopened buds ,as you say live and learn

How disappointing Feverfew and Blencowe - it such a long wait for the next flowering. Still, it won't happen to you again!