Re-Blooming Christmas Cactus
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This white Thanksgiving cactus is now blooming at Christmas. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)
“Help. My Christmas cactus is healthy but it’s not blooming, how do I get it to bloom?” -Ethel
Re-Blooming Christmas Cactus
Hi Ethel, if your plant has little spikes at the end of the leaves it is a Thanksgiving cactus, not a Christmas cactus.
Both of these plants are favorite plants for Christmas either as gifts or Christmas holiday decor like the Twelve Wishes lap quilt - I say they are excellent for both.
'“While these plants are indeed a cactus, it is actually a tropical plant that thrives in conditions that we do not usually associate with cactus,” said Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
If received as a gift, Christmas cactus should be placed in a sunny window. Avoid areas with hot drafts (heat vents, fireplaces) because that will cause the buds to drop. Find a window in a cooler room and the blossoms will hold longer.
While in bloom, water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry. Don’t overwater the plant.
When the blossoms drop, the plant begins a resting period. Keep the plant on the dry side, but water if the leaves shrivel. When new growth resumes, resume more frequent watering.
During the summer, a Christmas cactus will thrive outdoors, but be sure to place the plant in a shady or semi-shady spot. Water as needed to keep the plant from shriveling.
Christmas cactus are short day plants. They set blossoms in response to long nights (12 hours of darkness) and short days. This happens naturally in the fall.
Exposing a Christmas cactus to cool temperatures (50-55°F) will also encourage blossoming, so leave the plant outside as temperatures cool in the fall. Bring the plant indoors gradually when temps get too cold, and keep in a cool, bright window.
