If your Christmas cactus is n’t flower , there are a few steps you may take to promote it to start producing those beautiful blossom . First , it ’s important to understand that Christmas cacti , also get laid as Schlumbergera , require specific conditions to lead up bloom .

1 . Evaluate the light condition : Christmas cacti require a balance wheel of light and duskiness to bloom . If your cactus is not blooming , it may be find too much visible radiation . control that it is not exposed to any unreal light during the dark , as this can interrupt the blooming process . Similarly , if it is placed in an area with deficient light , such as a dark corner , it may not have enough energy to produce peak . Consider move it to a brighter location , but avoid direct sunlight , as this can char the leaves .

2 . Adjust the temperature : Christmas cactus bloom good when exposed to cooler temperature . During the daylight , the ideal temperature range of a function is around 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C ) , while at night , it should be slenderly cool , around 55 - 65 ° F ( 13 - 18 ° C ) . If your cactus is consistently exposed to temperature alfresco of this range , it may not bloom . Make indisputable to keep it away from draft or heat sources like radiators , as extreme temperature fluctuation can also hinder bloom .

3 . ply right watering : Overwatering or underwatering can both negatively impact bloom . Keep the soil slightly moist , but not overly wet . Water the cactus thoroughly once the top inch of soil feels ironic to the touch , admit any excess water to drain away . During the blooming point , it ’s essential to render fair to middling hydration to support flower development .

4 . Check for potbound weather condition : If your Christmas cactus has been in the same mint for several days , it may have become potbound . This means that the roots have fulfill up the entire pot , leaving no room for outgrowth . In such cases , repot the cactus into a more or less big container with overbold , well - run out grime can help hasten blooming .

5 . Consider fertilization : While not necessary , provide a balanced fertilizer during the uprise time of year can give your Christmas cactus the nutrients it needs to flower . Use a diluted , weewee - soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti or houseplants , following the package instructions . Apply the fertilizer every 2 - 4 workweek from spring to other fall , then shrink or hold on fertilization during the winter month .

6 . offer a simulated sleeping menstruum : If your Christmas cactus still refuses to bloom , it may be lacking a dormant period . In their natural home ground , Christmas cacti live a catamenia of reduced light source and cooler temperature , ordinarily in fall , which actuate blooming . To simulate this , you could identify your cactus in a cool , dark positioning for about 12 - 14 hours a day , starting from early October . This shorten faint vulnerability should continue for at least 8 days , but you could extend it for up to 6 weeks if necessary .

Personal Experience : I had a Christmas cactus that refused to bloom for several years . After trying dissimilar approaches , I last discovered that it was receiving too much artificial light during the night , which was preventing bloom . Once I moved it to a dark positioning during nighttime hours , it started producing beautiful flowers the following twelvemonth .

Remember that Christmas cacti are known to be a bite finicky and may not flower every year , even under optimum conditions . However , by providing the right care , you may increase the chances of your Christmas cactus blooming and enjoy its stunning exhibit during the holiday season .

Caroline Bates