How to Get Succulents to Bloom

Grow succulents in a bright spot that receives direct sunshine every day. Indoors, place them on a south-facing windowsill or in the brightest location in the home. Move them outdoors in the late spring. Provide outdoor succulents with partial shade during the hottest hours of the day as direct midday sunshine can burn their stems and leaves.

Water succulents once the surface of their soil is completely dry during the warmer months of the year. Never let their soil dry out completely or leave them standing in a dish of water. During the winter, aim to keep the soil barely moist, providing just enough water to prevent shriveling.

Fertilize your succulents with a low-nitrogen fertilizer diluted by 50 percent during the warmer months of the year. Feed every two weeks or every month. Do not use strong fertilizer as it can burn succulent roots. Do not fertilize during the winter.

Keep succulents at a temperature between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit while they are growing during the spring and summer. Many cacti and succulents are more likely to flower if they are kept at temperatures between 45 and 55 F during the winter while they are dormant.

Keep succulents such as poinsettias and tropical cacti such as the holiday cactus in complete darkness at night for at least six weeks during the fall. Any artificial light disrupts their natural cycle and prevents flower formation. Reduce watering once your holiday cactus has developed buds as this triggers more colorful blooms.