How do I get my Christmas cactus to bloom?
by
Susan
+3
I have tried everything....re-potting, letting the soil dry and putting it into a cooler area in the house. I watch other members of my family's cactuses in full bloom almost all the time. Mine never seems to show any signs.
Thank you.
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My parents hung theirs near the window where it gets plenty of light during the day and it started blooming. That was the only change they made.
I do not have a green thumb but my cactus does bloom at Christmas.
They like hours of darkness at night. Brightness during the day. Do not over water it as I sometimes do. The leaves will turn yellow if you do. In the Fall add fertilizer to the water. After it blooms just let it rest. I live in Florida so the climate helps I'm sure. My sister lives in DE and keeps hers in the bedroom all year and it blooms. If all else fails Google it!
They don't like changes,repotting,moving,even just turning to rotate for even light. They need high bright light no direct sun,good/did I mention good drainage,thorough watering between complete drying. No drafts, warm even tempuratures. There are 3 types blooming different times Thanksgiving,Christmas & Easter. I think you are trying to hard they like to be cared for but with neglect mixed in. Give it some miracle grow water soluble fertilizer 2x year when you are doing the reg. watering.
Very similar to poinsettias. This will help.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/christmas-cactus/how-to-make-a-christmas-cactus-bloom.htm
I have several and they bloom a few times a year. At the beginning of summer I fertilize them and put them outside until September. They do NOT like change. I put them outside the same window that they are in all winter. Same direction of the sun.
It needs to be put in a dark closet at night and daylight in the day