Lusting for the brightest Christmas Cactus blooms this holiday season? Do These Things in August for More Flowers!
It’s August already, and the holiday season is just around the corner! If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom extra pretty during the festive season, now’s the time to act. As summer peaks, this is the prime time to coax your cactus into producing more flowers. Here’s what you do!
What To Do With Christmas Cactus in August?
Before nurseries and supermarkets all around you flood with the tempting red and pink blooms of the holiday cactus, beat them to it! Home gardeners need to follow a few extra steps in summer so your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is bustling with flowers in winter.
1. Simulate Shorter Days
Christmas cacti are unique in their flowering behavior. Unlike most plants that bloom in response to longer days, they actually need shorter days to initiate flower bud formation.
Although it’s the middle of summer, you can trick your plant into thinking it’s autumn by providing it with 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night. We mean pitch black—not even the flicker of or the pale glow of electronic devices!
A closet, cupboard, or any room without windows or even blackout curtains work. Follow this for 6-7 weeks from late August, and your Christmas cactus will sprout more flower buds on time and even earlier!
2. Keep ’em Cool
Cool temperatures signal your Christmas cactus that it should start preparing for winter and blooming. We know it’s not possible to revamp your entire home for this, but just keep it cooler where the plant resides.
The sweet spot for bud formation is 55-65 F (13-18 C), which mimics the succulent’s native habitat: the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil.
3. Water Carefully
Water your Christmas cactus only if the surface soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering is a common culprit for poor, unyielding buds. However, it’s equally important to avoid underwatering. Both will stress the plant and negatively affect its health.
Pro Tip: Water your Christmas cactus with lukewarm water, as cold water can shock the plant’s roots.
4. Increase Exposure to the Sun
Ensure your Christmas cactus gets ample indirect sunlight throughout August to prepare it for flowering. However, towards the beginning or mid-September, gradually start reducing the amount of sunshine it receives to prepare it for the coming season.
Place your plant in an east-facing window and provide ample moisture and humidity; ensure it receives 8-10 hours of indirect light during this time.
In its native habitat, blooms occur after the rains. Hence, gently altering the temperature and light it receives may stress the plant just enough to produce blooms. But don’t go overboard, as it may shock the plant into dropping buds.
There you have it. The things you can do in August to make your Christmas cactus give more flowers. Once it blooms, wait for a month and do these 5 things—you’ll be surprised!
