Making a Thanksgiving cactus flower can be accomplished with a few simple steps. First, make sure you are providing the best possible conditions for your plant. Place it in bright, indirect sunlight, and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Make sure your Thanksgiving cactus is in a pot with good drainage.
Next, provide the right type of fertilizer. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer such as a 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 formula can be used. Fertilize your cactus every two weeks while it is actively growing, or you can use a slow-release fertilizer once per month.
Once the plant has established itself with good soil, light and water, it’s time to begin the flower production process. The temperature must remain between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit for the cactus to enter a period of active growth, so you may need to adjust the indoor temperature in your house appropriately.
You should also decrease the amount of water you give it and stop fertilizing once it forms flower buds.
Finally, the most important step is to give your Thanksgiving cactus 12 hours of complete darkness each night. This darkness triggers the production of flower buds, so anywhere from late fall to early spring is ideal for blooming the cactus.
Once the flowers do appear, the standard light, water and fertilizer schedule can be resumed to help keep the bloom lasting as long as possible.
How do I get my November cactus to bloom?
In order to get a November cactus (or “Christmas cactus”) to bloom, you will need to promote a seasonal shift. November cactuses are photoperiodic, which means they require a certain duration of light and darkness to be stimulated into blooming.
To get your cactus to bloom in November, you will need to provide as close to 12 hours of complete darkness, and 12 hours of strong, direct light. This should begin around mid-October and will need to last until mid-December.
It’s also important to periodically mist your cactus to reduce the effects of winter low humidity and fertilize it around summer time. If you are unable to provide natural light, you can supplement the light requirement with a grow light.
Additionally, you should make sure that the temperature remains level and is not too warm – keep the area at a temperature of around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. With these steps, your November cactus should hopefully start to develop buds and bloom in time for the holiday season.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
A Christmas cactus typically blooms in response to the amount of daylight and the average temperatures experienced in its environment. The plant generally blooms shortly after the winter solstice, when daylight hours are at a minimum.
To prepare for flowering, the plant requires 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness per night along with lower daytime temperatures — usually around 60-65 degrees — for several weeks leading up to the bloom.
Additionally, consistently maintained humidity levels and proper moisture in the soil can help the Christmas cactus to properly prepare itself for blooming.
When should I put my Christmas cactus in the dark?
You should begin to put your Christmas cactus in the dark about 8-10 weeks before you want it to bloom. Generally, this should be about six weeks before December 24th, but can vary according to your climate.
You will want to make sure that you begin the dark treatment by placing your Christmas cactus in a room that receives no artificial light and has temperatures no higher than 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to avoid any direct light or sources of heat. You should also reduce water and plant fertilizer during this period. You will want to keep your Christmas cactus in the dark for a period of 12-14 hours each day.
Aim to keep the cactus in darkness from mid-October through mid-December. Once blooms have formed, you can begin to return the cactus to its normal light exposure and care.
How often should you water a Christmas cactus?
The frequency of watering a Christmas cactus depends on a variety of factors, including soil type, light levels, air temperature, humidity levels, and changes in season. Generally, Christmas cacti need to be watered every 7-10 days during the summer months when growth is most active.
During the winter, reduce the watering frequency to once every 3-4 weeks.
If the soil is dry to the touch, the Christmas cactus may need immediate watering. It is important to note, however, that overwatering can be detrimental to the plant. When watering your Christmas cactus, make sure that you don’t overwater it by allowing the water to completely soak the soil.
Avoid runoff and discard any remaining water that pools in the saucer. Additionally, make sure the pot you are using has drainage holes, as Christmas cacti do not thrive in standing water.
Should I water my Christmas cactus when it’s blooming?
It is generally recommended to water a Christmas cactus when it’s blooming. Too much water can cause the buds to drop or rot, however, so it’s important to find a balance between too much and too little water.
For established Christmas cacti, it’s recommended to water the plant thoroughly and then wait until the soil has dried out before watering again. During blooming season, the cactus should still be given water but perhaps a little less frequently so the soil isn’t over saturated.
If the soil feels dry, lightly water the cactus so it doesn’t dry out completely. Signs of too much water include yellowing or wrinkling leaves and wet soil in the pot. Signs of too little water include wilting leaves and browning spots on the edge of the leaves.
During the blooming process, make sure you also increase the humidity by placing a bowl or tray of water next to the plant or misting the leaves. Additionally, use a fertilizer labeled for blooming plants about once a month to provide the needed nutrients during blooming.
How do I stimulate my cactus to flower?
In order to stimulate your cactus to flower, there are a few steps you can take.
First, it is important to provide your cactus with well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Additionally, as they like to grow in warm, bright conditions, consider placing your cactus in direct sunlight throughout the day, avoiding midday heat, as this can cause your cactus to suffer from sunburn.
Also, be sure to water your cactus regularly. Once per week should be sufficient, using lukewarm water and avoiding over-watering. Additionally, the cactus should be lightly misted between waterings.
As cacti flower during their most active growth phase, during summer, it is important to stimulate your cactus in the months before summer by providing your cactus with a period of 8-10 hours of complete darkness every night.
This will help send a signal to the cactus that it is growing season and help set off the flowering.
Furthermore, it is important to provide your cactus with the appropriate nutrients for flowering. This can be done through twice-yearly applications of a balanced fertilizer.
By following these steps and providing the right environment and appropriate care, you will help your cactus to flower.
Is Miracle Grow good for Christmas cactus?
Yes, Miracle Grow is a great choice for your Christmas cactus. Miracle Grow for Cacti and Succulents has been specially formulated for fast-growing, fleshy cacti and succulents. It is a water-soluble formula containing all essential plant nutrients, including Phosphorus, Potassium and Calcium, to help your Christmas cactus stay healthy and vigorous.
Miracle Grow is particularly helpful in promoting blooming of Christmas cactus. For best results when using Miracle Grow, it’s a good idea to dilute it to half strength and feed your Christmas cactus with it every two weeks throughout its blooming cycle.
It is also important to monitor the soil moisture content of the plant and make sure it is not over or under watered. If you provide these two essential needs, your Christmas cactus will thrive.
Should I mist a Thanksgiving cactus?
It is not generally recommended to mist a Thanksgiving cactus. This kind of cactus is a tropical, or jungle, cactus, which naturally grows in high humidity locations. It typically prefers warm, humid environments that have good air circulation.
It receives moist air by being located within an area where humidity levels are higher than fifty percent. Additionally, the Thanksgiving cactus is prone to root rot if they are over-watered. Mist or light spraying may cause this, as well as other problems such as fungi and mold.
If watering, it is best to thoroughly water the soil until it is moist, but not overly wet. If your Thanksgiving cactus is located in a dry location, it is best to lightly mist the leaves, but not overwater.
That way, the roots and the soil remain moist enough for the plant’s needs. In any case, it is best to follow the standard cacti care guidelines, which generally do not include misting.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus blooming in March?
Your Thanksgiving Cactus (or Schlumbergera truncata) is blooming in March because of a combination of factors, including light and temperature. Schlumbergera plants rely on changes in day and night length, or photoperiodism, to dictate when they bloom.
In the northern hemisphere, they tend to bloom in the spring when the days start to get longer. Additionally, as Schlumbergeras are native to the tropical regions of southeastern Brazil, they may respond to the change in temperatures at this time of the year.
The combination of the increasing daylight hours and slightly higher temperatures helps to trigger the flowering process in the Schlumbergera.