Flowers On Christmas Cacti How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom

Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.

1. How do I make my Christmas cactus bloom?
2. How old does a Christmas cactus have to be to bloom?
3. How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
4. How do you fertilize Christmas cactus?
5. Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
6. Why isnt my Christmas cactus flowering?
7. Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
8. When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
9. Should I prune my Christmas cactus?
10. Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
11. Do you deadhead Christmas cactus?
12. How often should I water Christmas cactus?
13. Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming?
14. How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?
15. Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?
16. What is the coldest temperature a Christmas cactus can withstand?
17. How long do Christmas cactus live?
18. Are eggshells good for Christmas cactus?
19. Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?
20. Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?

How do I make my Christmas cactus bloom?

To get the Christmas Cactus to bloom you need to place it in darkness for 12-14 hours a day (overnight), and when I say darkness… I do mean dark – as little indirect light as possible is best. For the rest of the day it is OK to place the plant in bright, indirect light.

How old does a Christmas cactus have to be to bloom?

Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least 6-8 weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear.

How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?

Christmas Cactus are extremely popular when November and December roll around. I happen to like them even when they're not in bloom and think they make fine houseplants. But wait, did you know that they can repeat flower? Mine started re-blooming in February, so yes, Christmas Cactus do flower more than once a year.

How do you fertilize Christmas cactus?

Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-half strength soluble fertilizer, such as a 20-10-20 or 20-20-20 with trace elements. Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants.

Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?

In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn't be sitting directly in water).

Why isnt my Christmas cactus flowering?

If the plant sets flower buds and then they fall off, it usually has to do with either receiving too much or not enough water or lack of air humidity. The good news is that Christmas cacti are considered relatively easy to get to bloom again if their temperature and light requirements are met.

Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?

Coffee is a trusted secret that many people use to keep their Christmas cactus healthy and blooming each year. Just make sure its plain black coffee. Find this Pin and more on Christmas cactus tips by Barbra Thelen-Byrnes.

When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?

Step 3: Move the Mature Cactus to a Dark Location

In late September or early October, place the mature plant in a dark room or keep it covered (under a box or bag works fine) for at least 12 hours a day.

Should I prune my Christmas cactus?

Pruning a Christmas cactus, large or small, will help it to grow fuller and bushier, which in turn results in more blooms in the future. The best time to prune a Christmas cactus is right after it has bloomed. At this time, the Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period and will start to put out new leaves.

Why is my Christmas cactus limp?

Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you've neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist.

Do you deadhead Christmas cactus?

While not necessary for all cacti since some cactus flowers drop from the plant once they are spent, deadheading cactus flowers can promote additional blooms and encourage growth while also tidying up the cactus. ... Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season while the Christmas cactus is in bloom.

How often should I water Christmas cactus?

How to Care for Christmas Cacti

1. Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. ...
2. From spring through early fall, feed every 2 weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. ...
3. Prune plants in late spring to encourage branching and more flowers.

Should I fertilize my Christmas cactus while it is blooming?

A bloom formula houseplant fertilizer or a half strength water soluble formula, such as 20-20-20 or 20-10-20, makes an ideal fertilizer for Christmas cactus. ... Stop fertilizing in late summer or flower production may suffer. There is no need to fertilize in winter, as the plant is not actively growing.

How can you tell if a Christmas cactus is overwatered?

In case you didn't remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.

Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?

To root a piece of Christmas cactus in water, you will need a few cuttings from a healthy Christmas cactus, a glass jar, and some pebbles or stones. ... If water levels evaporate, fill the jar back up to the appropriate level. Once you see roots form, it is okay to move the cuttings into soil.

What is the coldest temperature a Christmas cactus can withstand?

Fall Temperatures

Although the Christmas cactus responds better to lower temperatures in fall when it's beginning to set flower buds, it still cannot tolerate temperatures lower than 50 F. Buds won't form if the temperature is too high or if the plant receives too much light.

How long do Christmas cactus live?

According to the Old Farmer's Almanac, when properly cared for, Christmas cacti can live for 20 to 30 years. If you provide long nights starting around October 1st, you can force the Christmas cactus to bloom year after year. Cool night temperatures can also encourage it to bloom.

Are eggshells good for Christmas cactus?

Answer: You can definitely use eggshells in your succulent garden! ... If you choose something different, like a cactus fertilizer, be sure not to purchase a slow release fertilizer, as it can burn your succulents.

Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?

Location – Christmas cactus requires bright light during fall and winter, but too much direct light during the summer months may be the reason for Christmas cactus leaves turning purple on edges. Moving the plant to a more appropriate location may prevent sunburn and solve the problem.

Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?

Christmas cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, but do not apply the same week as regular fertilizer.