Do you want a Christmas cactus loaded with flowers? Find out how to place it in the ideal place to obtain spectacular and long-lasting flowering.
Il Christmas cactuso Schlumbergera buckleyitogether with other plants, such as the poinsettia, is among the most loved during the Christmas period. This is because it has splendid winter flowering. This tropical plant, if cared for in the right way, can give flowers with delicate and lively tones, transforming every corner of the house. However, as with every beautiful thing, it is important to have surprising things choose the location carefully.
Light, humidity, temperature and dark-light management are essential elements for its development and flowering. Even small mistakes, like drafts or temperature changescan compromise the plant cycle. By following these simple rules, your Christmas cactus will become a real protagonist during the holidays, adding color and joy to your home.
Indirect light: Find the perfect location for your Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus comes from rainforests of Brazilwhere it grows under the filtered light of the trees. To replicate its natural habitat, choose a location with intense but indirect light.
Placing the plant in a spot with direct light can be harmful: the sun’s rays can burn its leavescausing them to yellow and dry out. A window facing north or east it is ideal, because it allows the plant to enjoy the morning lightsweeter than that of the afternoon. If you only have south or west windows, you can filter the light with a light curtain to protect the plant.
Although it tolerates lower light environments, insufficient light can compromise its ability to flower. Look carefully at your cactus: if you see that it is not producing buds, it probably needs more light.
Maintain stable temperatures and no drafts
Temperatures are another crucial element for making the Christmas cactus bloom. This plant loves mild and stable climates. Avoid placing it:
- Near carry the finest which are opened often, creating air currents.
- Next to radiators or heat sourceswhich can dry the air and stress the plant.
Maintain a temperature between 15°C e 21°C during the day and slightly cooler at night. The Christmas cactus does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature and stress: constant temperature it means a happier plant and better flowering.
Increase humidity: create the right microclimate for the Christmas cactus
Coming from a tropical environment, the Christmas cactus appreciates a high level of humidity. During the winter months, however, heating can dry the air too much of your home. To increase humidity around the plant, you can:
- Place a tray with water and pebbles near the vase. The evaporation of the water will create the ideal microclimate.
- Use a humidifier in the room.
- Group the cactus with other plants to increase natural humidity.
These simple steps can make a big difference in the well-being of your plant, maintaining its leaves green and fleshy and encouraging the development of buds.
Avoid stress during Christmas cactus bloom
Once the Christmas cactus starts to develop budsit is important to minimize any form of stress. Sudden changes in light, temperature, or location can cause falling budswasting your efforts.
Place the plant in a stable place and don’t move it. Resist the temptation to rotate or move the vase during this delicate phase. Even a small movement can alter the balance of the plant and block flowering.
Alternate light and dark: the secret to starting flowering
To stimulate the formation of buds, the Christmas cactus needs 12-14 hours of darkness every night for approx six weeks before flowering. This cycle helps the plant enter the flowering phase and produce its characteristic colorful flowers. During this period:
- Cover the plant with a dark cloth or box during the evening hours.
- Or move it to one dark room without artificial lights.
Once this phase is finished, return the plant to its usual bright place. With this alternation of light and darkyour Christmas cactus will explode in a spectacular flowering.
photo © stock.adobe
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