What to Do When Your Christmas Cactus Drops Its Flower Buds? A Few Fixes to Try

1. The relevant causes

(1) Too little light: If there is not enough light, photosynthesis cannot be guaranteed. Then the dropping of flower buds cannot be avoided.

(2) Improper watering: During the flowering period, the plant is very sensitive to water. If you water too often and there is too much moisture, the flower buds may well drop. In addition, if the water temperature is very low, it can likewise cause the buds to drop. Furthermore, if water splashes onto the buds, it can also lead to the same result.

(3) Insufficient fertilizer: This mainly means a lack of fertilizer containing P and K. When nutrients cannot be supplied, the flowers are very likely to drop.

(4) Too low a temperature: It likes warmth, especially when it is flowering. If the temperature falls below five degrees, then withered and dropped flower buds will be very common.

2. Remedial measures

(1) Control watering and stop fertilizing: The most important measure is not to water too much at one time. Especially when the potting soil is very dry, do not water until it is thoroughly soaked all at once; instead, water slowly, step by step. Each day you can also mist it lightly, but use water at the same temperature as the room. As for fertilizer, before the flower buds form you can use a little weak fertilizer. However, after the buds have formed, there is no need to fertilize.

(2) Keep it warm and increase light: During the flowering period, it is best to keep it between fourteen and twenty degrees; do not let it get too high, and do not let it get too low. As for light, it is best to place it in a spot with plenty of light, such as a balcony. Also, so that it receives light evenly, you can turn it around every so often. If there is not enough light during the flowering period, you can also make up for it with a fluorescent lamp. At night, shining it for three to four hours helps keep the buds.

(3) Ventilate and prevent pests: Ventilating regularly can effectively prevent some pest problems. It is best to open the window for ventilation at noon on a day with good weather. In addition, if you find pests, when there are few you can catch them by hand, and when there are many you can apply pesticide.