It’s sad when Christmas cacti don’t bloom because they’re famed for their vibrant blooms. The good news is that you may increase your chances of creating a festive display by using a few strategies and tips.
These houseplants do need some Christmas cactus care, but they typically bloom from November to January. If conditions are favorable, they frequently bloom again in the early spring.
We spoke with houseplant specialists to find out how to make a Christmas cactus bloom and to help your plant thrive. Below, they offer their best recommendations for caring for tropical plants, including suggestions for lighting and watering.
3 ways to encourage a Christmas cactus to flower
According to Kiersten Rankel, an expert from the plant-care app Greg, keeping a happy plant is the greatest way to promote blooming.
When creating your care regimen, Costa Farms gardener Justin Hancock says it’s helpful to take into account the habitat the Christmas cactus came from.
Because it grows on trees and is native to South American tropical rainforests, it is used to intense shade, warm temperatures, and high relative humidity.
1. Avoid watering mistakes
If you want to see many of blooms on your Christmas cactus, you should avoid typical blunders like underwatering and overwatering. Kiersten advises watering until the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are completely dry in order to maintain uniform moisture.
Justin continues, Avoid overwatering; a little dryness is preferable to too much moisture.
You can figure out how often to water your Christmas cactus by using a moisture meter, such as this one from The Sill.
2. Get the light levels right
According to Justin, placing your holiday cactus in a light area will give it the energy it needs to create a lot of flower buds when the time comes for it to bloom.
On the other hand, Christmas cacti favor dark times. According to Justin, the buds won’t show up for eight to 10 weeks of sleepless nights.
According to him, it is crucial to provide bright light for 11 hours or less during the day and darkness for at least 13 hours at night during this period. The best place for simple reblooming is a guest room or similar space where you don’t switch on lights after the sun sets.
According to Justin, providing it with cool nighttime temperatures also aids in promoting flowers. It tends to be warm during the day, but it can get as low as 55 F at night.
3. Apply fertilizer correctly
According to Justin, regular fertilization can also help it grow by making sure it has all the nutrients it needs and isn’t starving.
It’s important to know when to fertilize a Christmas cactus. Do it between spring and fall, when it’s growing, and always follow the instructions on the packaging to prevent harm to your plant.
FAQs
How many times a year will a Christmas cactus bloom?
The Christmas cactus typically blooms once per year. However, Justin Hancock, a Costa Farms horticulturist, observes that a well-cared-for plant can bloom several times per year if given long, dark, and cool nighttime conditions.
How long will it take a Christmas cactus to bloom again?
Buds will appear in six to eight weeks, followed by eight to twelve weeks of full bloom. The plant should flower for three to six weeks, with each flower lasting five to seven days.
Why are my Christmas cactus s blooms falling off?
When Christmas cacti are overwatered or underwatered, or when the weather is excessively hot or dry, their blossoms fall off. Remember to always keep your plant away from central heating to help prevent the latter.
Are you looking for more gorgeously blooming Christmas plants? Consider planting amaryllis bulbs indoors or forcing paperwhites in a jar as part of your holiday d cor.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.