How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Bloom Better

Christmas cactus add color to the darkest months of winter with abundant bright pink or white blossoms blooming near Christmas time. Popular as gifts and as holiday decor, Christmas cactus makes an attractive houseplant that will live for many years with proper care. The shorter days of winter trigger the plant to set blooms. In order to encourage your Christmas cactus to bloom better, you need to provide the right soil and light conditions.

Water
Fertilizer

Instructions

- 1
  Place the plant in a dark room or closet for 12 hours each night, beginning in mid-October, for holiday blooms. The plant should receive no light during this period. Put the plant in darkness each evening and remove the plant to a moderately lighted area during the day.
- 2
  Keep the plant in the darkness for 12 to 13 hours every night for six to eight weeks, or until buds begin to form.
- 3
  Water sparingly, letting the top inch of the potting soil dry before you add more water. While Christmas cactus tolerate dryer conditions, don't let the plant dry out completely, or it could drop its buds.
- 4
  Feed the Christmas cactus with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer once about the time the buds set.
- 5
  Move the plant to a well-lighted location, away from drafts or heat. Avoid any spot where heat from fireplaces, wood stoves, or heating vents will blow on the plant. Drafts or too much heat can cause the plant to drop blooms.
- 6
  Water the plant regularly, whenever the top inch of soil dries out. Water until the soil is wet to a depth of 2 to 3 inches, but do not drench the plant.
- 7
  Feed the plant again after blooming has finished.

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