The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a beloved houseplant that can bring vibrant color to your home during the winter months.
Native to the Brazilian rainforests, this unique succulent requires specific care to bloom at the right time. For those aiming to have their Christmas Cactus in full bloom for the holiday season, timing is crucial.
Key Timing for Christmas Blooms: To have your Christmas Cactus flowering around Christmas, begin the bloom induction process in early October. This allows for the 6-8 weeks needed for bud formation, plus an additional 4 weeks for the flowers to open fully.
How To Get Your Christmas Cactus To Bloom at Christmas:
- Start in early October
- Reduce watering frequency
- Provide 12-14 hours of darkness daily
- Maintain cool temperatures (50-55°F)
- Continue this regimen for 6-8 weeks
- Allow 4 additional weeks for blooms to open fully
The infographic below gives you a quick overview, keep reading for more details.
Now, let’s explore each step in detail to ensure your Christmas Cactus becomes a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Step 1: Mark Your Calendar
Circle October 1st on your calendar. This is your cue to begin the bloom induction process. Starting at this time gives your plant the best chance of flowering around Christmas.
Step 2: Reduce Watering
Beginning October 1st, reduce the frequency of watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out completely between waterings. When you do water, do so sparingly, providing just enough moisture to dampen the soil without saturating it.
This controlled water stress mimics the plant’s natural environment during the dry season, signaling that it’s time to prepare for flowering.
Step 3: Reduce Light
From October 1st onwards, your Christmas Cactus requires a strict regimen of 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day. This photoperiod control convinces the plant that shorter winter days have arrived, stimulating bud formation.
During the day, place your cactus in an area with bright, indirect light.
At night, ensure it’s in a location that remains completely dark – even artificial light can disrupt the process.
If necessary, consider covering the plant or moving it to a dark closet each evening.
Step 4: Keeping It Cool
Throughout October and November, maintain a consistent cool environment for your Christmas Cactus, with temperatures ranging between 50-55°F (10-13°C).
This temperature range, combined with the adjusted light and water conditions, further reinforces the plant’s perception of the changing seasons.
The Waiting Game
Continue these conditions for approximately 6-8 weeks (early October to late November).
During this time, you should start to see small buds forming at the tips of the segments.
Once buds appear, it typically takes an additional 4 weeks for them to develop fully and open into beautiful flowers, perfectly timed for the Christmas season.
Caring for Your Blooming Christmas Cactus
As your Christmas Cactus begins to bloom in early December, adjust your care routine. Move the plant to a draft-free area with consistent indirect light.
Increase watering slightly, but be careful not to overwater. Maintain moderate humidity around the plant to prevent bud drop.
With proper care and timing, your Christmas Cactus should provide a spectacular display of colorful blooms throughout the holiday season, typically lasting several weeks.
Remember, while this timeline is ideal for Christmas blooms, you can adjust the start date if you prefer your cactus to flower at a different time of year. The process remains the same; only the timing changes.
By following these steps and starting the process in early October, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a beautiful, festive display from your Christmas Cactus just in time for the holiday season. With practice, you’ll master the art of timing your Christmas Cactus blooms, ensuring a colorful and cheerful addition to your holiday decor year after year.