Publish date:: Sep 17, 2010
Updated on: Nov 7, 2018

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.

Instructions

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.
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.
TIP: Keep the Christmas cactus away from drafts and forced air heat.
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.
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.
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.
FACT: 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.