How Many Times a Year Does the Christmas Cactus Bloom? An Analysis of the Latest Blooming Patterns
The Christmas cactus is also known as crab claw lotus, "icing on the cake", crab orchid, and so on. It is an epiphytic succulent plant of the genus Schlumbergera in the cactus family. It is commonly cultivated in parks and flower nurseries across China, and is often grafted onto Hylocereus undatus or other rootstocks to obtain vigorous plants. It is also often made into hanging baskets for decoration because its long stem segments make it hang down. Now let us take a look at how many times a year the Christmas cactus blooms!
How many times a year does the Christmas cactus bloom?
The Christmas cactus generally blooms twice a year. The first time is around April, and the second time is three to four months after the first bloom. Some Christmas cacti bloom three times a year, basically blooming three to four months after the previous bloom, but because the environment and the health of the flowers differ, the blooming time may be earlier, later, longer, or shorter.
When does the Christmas cactus bloom?
The Christmas cactus generally begins blooming in September, and the flowering period can last 2 to 3 months. The suitable temperature for the growing period of the Christmas cactus is 18 to 23°C, and the suitable flowering temperature is 10 to 15°C, not exceeding 25°C. Because the Christmas cactus blooms in winter when the temperature is relatively low, it needs to be moved indoors and the room temperature kept at around 15°C so that the normal opening of the flowers is not affected.
Why does the Christmas cactus not bloom?
1. Improper lighting: The Christmas cactus is a short-day plant. If it receives more than 10 to 12 hours of light per day, it will be difficult for the Christmas cactus to form flower buds. In addition, if there is sufficient light during the day and strong electric light indoors at night, this will also affect the Christmas cactus's bud formation and blooming.
2. Unsuitable temperature: If the Christmas cactus has already formed buds but still does not bloom when the time comes, then it may be because the room temperature is too low. At this time, the pot should be moved to a warm room, and keeping the temperature above 15°C will allow it to bloom on time. After blooming, move it back to the original room for viewing.
3. Excessive temperature difference: During the bud formation period of the Christmas cactus, too great a difference between day and night temperatures will damage the formed buds or cause bud drop. For this reason, from mid-October to mid-November, before it is brought indoors, it should be moved indoors in time for temporary shelter. During the day, expose it to more sunlight outdoors to encourage more bud formation, and at night bring it indoors to spend the night.
How should the Christmas cactus be grown to do well?
1. Pot selection: For Christmas cactus flower pots, clay pots, plastic pots, porcelain pots, and ceramic pots can be used, but clay pots are best. To coordinate with home decor, plastic flower pots with varied colors can be used for cultivation. It is advisable to choose a pot whose diameter is 2/3 of the plant's crown diameter.
2. Soil: The Christmas cactus likes fertile, loose soil. At home, you can use 3 parts garden soil, 4 parts leaf mold, and 3 parts sand, or 4 parts peat soil, 2 parts leaf mold, 2 parts sand, and 2 parts perlite (or volcanic rock). After mixing the soil, it is best to sterilize it at high temperature before use.
3. Watering: The cultivation environment of the Christmas cactus requires semi-shade and moisture, but the potting soil must not be too wet. Follow the principle of “water thoroughly only after the soil dries out”. In hot seasons, water once every 2 to 3 days, and do not water at noon. In winter, when the temperature is lower, water once a week, and do not water in the evening.
4. Fertilizing: The Christmas cactus likes fertilizer. When fertilizer is sufficient, there are many branches and many flowers. During the growing season, fertilize once every 15 to 20 days. In late autumn, the frequency of fertilizing should be reduced, and fertilizing should stop when the temperature is below 10°C. Do not fertilize when the summer temperature is relatively high or the winter temperature is relatively low.
5. Light: The Christmas cactus fears hot, high temperatures, and should be protected from exposure to the sun and rain. In summer, it should be placed in a ventilated indoor spot or on a balcony on the shady side. After the Beginning of Autumn, it should be placed in a spot with 50% light, and then as the weather turns cooler, gradually increase the light. From late autumn to winter, it should be given sufficient light.