The Christmas cactus is one of the most popular holiday plants, but sometimes you just don’t get flowers. In this case, it is often not a disease or the age of the plant, but small mistakes in the care that you commit. So we will advise you how to reliably start the Christmas cactus again.
The Christmas cactus can bloom every winter if it has the right conditions. But when he doesn’t like something, he reacts very simply. It doesn’t bloom. At the same time, many growers think that they are treating the plant correctly and look for the problem elsewhere than where it really is. However, the most common errors mainly concern watering, light and temperature.
Topping and environment as the basis of success
Unlike classic desert cacti, it comes from the humid regions of Brazil. Drought is therefore just as damaging to it as overwatering. It is therefore essential to watch the top layer of the substrate: as soon as about a centimeter is dry, it is time to water it. However, the soil should never remain waterlogged for a long time.
The environment where the cactus stands also plays a big role. In a warm and dry living room, it logically needs to be watered more often than in a colder and more humid room. If the plant is close to heating, the water evaporates from the pot faster and the roots suffer.
Drainage is also important. The flowerpot must have two holes so that excess water can drain. If the roots stand in water, they quickly rot and you will not get the desired flowering. Remember that healthy roots are the foundation of abundant flowers.
Light, dark and timing
Another key to success is light. The Christmas cactus needs plenty of diffused light throughout the year, but requires a change of regime in the fall. It must have a longer period of darkness and lower temperature to set buds.
From the end of September, it is ideal to give the plant about thirteen hours of darkness a day and a temperature of around 15 degrees. Moving to a cooler room or simply covering the cactus for the night can help. Also be careful because any interruption to this cycle, such as turning on a light, can cause bud drop.
But as soon as the buds appear, do not move the plant. Frequent carrying, drafts or are among the most common reasons why the Christmas cactus drops its flowers before they bloom.
If your Christmas cactus doesn’t bloom this year, don’t despair. With a little patience and adjusting his care, he can return to form next season. If you give it the right watering, peace and the rhythm of light and dark, it will be rewarded with abundant flowering just at the time when you want it to be the most beautiful.
