Nothing says “holiday cheer” quite like a Christmas cactus bursting into full bloom! Getting there might seem like a long road, but with a little extra TLC, you’ll be well on your way to cultivating a showstopper.
Well, watering is undoubtedly a big piece of the puzzle. Some of you might be thinking, “The more water, the more flowers, right?” Believe it or not, less is more when it comes to keeping your Christmas cactus happy and healthy.
But, you can’t just pull the plug on watering whenever it suits you, or you might throw your plant’s overall health out of whack! So, when’s the right time to ease off the watering can?
Relax, I’ll walk you through it. First, let’s explore why this little trick works wonders!
So, Why Stop Watering?
The explanation is pretty simple: it’s all about dormancy! This period of rest is crucial for your Christmas cactus’s overall health.
When a holiday cactus enters dormancy, it no longer needs the same amount of water it requires during its active growing phase.
Cutting back on water helps the cactus conserve energy and focus on strengthening itself for the blooming season.
If you skip this step, you risk overwatering your Christmas cactus and trust me, once root rot sets in, it’s almost impossible to save the plant!
When Exactly To Do It?
This plant typically enters dormancy in the fall, and that’s exactly when you should cut back on watering your Christmas cactus. While you’ll still need to water from time to time, it will be much less frequent compared to the regular routine.
I usually adjust the watering schedule in late October, and my Christmas cactus seems to love it.
But here’s the thing – you can’t expect more blooms simply by cutting back on water. There’s another, more important step to take, so let’s get straight to it!
Here’s Another Thing To Do With Your Christmas Cactus To Get It To Flower
If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom at its best, the most essential thing to do is give it a dark period!
Wait, what? First, it doesn’t need water, and now it doesn’t need light??? What can I say, it’s definitely a very special plant.
So, yes, you’ll need to keep your Christmas cactus in the dark. Start around mid-October, giving it 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night.
This is the signal it needs to start setting buds. Just make sure you keep it in total darkness because any stray light could throw off the process!
And This Is When You Should Start Giving It More Water Again
After your Christmas cactus has had its period of darkness and the buds begin to form, you can start increasing the watering.
This is the plant’s way of asking for a little more hydration to help it blossom, but remember, a little goes a long way: keep the soil moist, not soggy!
It’s time to take your Christmas cactus care to the next level. With the right amount of water, dark, and some patience, your cactus will steal the show this holiday season!