How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom Again
If your Christmas cactus only seems to sprout flowers once in a blue moon, this guide will have you seeing beautiful red, white, or pink flowers in no time.
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You Will Need
- Dark room
- Fertilizer
- Patience
Steps
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Step 1
Avoid shocking the plant
Avoid shocking the plant by taking it from one extreme climate to another. The Christmas cactus will acclimate over time, but it may not bloom.
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Step 2
Increase dark time
Increase the amount of darkness the plant receives to around 13 hours each day while keeping the temperatures cool to force the plant to bloom.
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Keep the Christmas cactus away from drafts and forced air heat.
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Step 3
Water lightly
Water the Christmas cactus lightly during the dark time to just once a week and only to moisten the soil a little bit.
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Step 4
Watch for buds
Watch for tiny pink, red, or white flower buds. When they appear, stop the dark treatment and fertilize with an equal ratio liquid fertilizer.
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Step 5
Wait patiently
Wait at least six weeks or more for the cactus to bloom while carefully maintaining and taking care of the plant and its environment.
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Death Valley sees an average rainfall of just 1.9 inches per year, and holds the hottest ground temperature on the planet at 201 degrees Fahrenheit.
