However, Christmas cactus is in fact a true cactus, a member of the family Cactaceae.
It grows naturally as an epiphyte or aerial plant, nestled in the crook of tree branches.
Like other cacti, the Christmas cactus lacks leaves.
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Its jointed stems are flattened and have a leaf-like appearance.
Flowers buds arise from the growing tips of these stems.
Christmas cacti are sensitive to changes in light and temperature.
The ideal conditions for flower bud formation include bright daylight followed by 13 hours or more of continuous darkness.
This last factor is important.
If the continuous darkness is disrupted, even for a short time, plants may not bloom.
It is common among the industry to control flowering using light control with blackout technology, says Dr. Dunn.
Light control is much less technical in the home environment.
Provide dark night conditions for six weeks, at which point flower buds begin to develop.
Once flower buds are visible, plants can be moved back into the home for display.
Keep plants out of direct sunlight, as it can scald leaves, says Dr. Dunn.
The ideal conditions for display include 4-8 hours of indirect light.
Keep The Heat Low
Christmas cacti bloom best under cool temperatures.
These plants are sensitive to disturbance and may drop buds in response to sudden temperature changes.
Move plants to their display location as soon as buds appear to minimize bud drop.
Feed plants monthly throughout the growing season until August.
As autumn approaches, you want to shift the plant’s energy towards flowering instead of towards vegetative growth.
To do so, restrict nitrogen.
Dont Overwater
Though Christmas cacti call the rainforest home, they do not require excessively moist soil.
In fact, Christmas cacti are sensitive to root rot, so it is important toavoid overwatering plants.
During the growing season, water plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Reduce water in early fall as you prepare to force plants into bloom.
Remember, in their native habitat, Christmas cacti bloomafterthe rainy season.
Creating mild water stress through reduced irrigation can help initiate bud formation.
Plants are more sensitive to water fluctuations as buds and blooms develop.
Begin preparing plants in late September for aChristmas bloom.
For optimal bud development, provide dark night conditions for six weeks.
Under optimal conditions, flowering can last five to eight weeks.
you might even force plants to bloom more than once per year.
To encourage repeat blooming, move [plants] back to short day conditions.
Pinching And Pruning
Finally, pruning in the summer months can encourage more flowers in winter.
Prune plants in early June by pinching back stem tips.
Plants will respond with increased branching, which results in more shoot tips for flower buds.
you’re able to thenpropagate the cuttingsto start new plants.
Youll find the process becomes quite simple once youve identified the ideal budding conditions for your home.
Remember, the most important [factor] is day length, says Dunn.
Specifically short-day (long night) conditions.
Once you get that right, youll be rewarded with an abundance of blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are many reasons why a Christmas cactus may not re-bloom.
Additionally, if the plant is unhealthy, it may be struggle to bloom.
Coffee grounds will not induce blooming.
There are a few ways to perk up a Christmas cactus.
During the growing season, feed it with a balanced NPK fertilizer.
