I cant get me christmas cactus to bloom

[cb977]

I keep mine where it gets very filtered afternoon light...but it makes a difference if I hang it on the left side of the window or the right...and it's only a space of 4 ft! If it's on the right side, it's happy...that side is closer to a brighter area but this plant does not get any of that light near it. When I move it 4 ft to the left, it stops growing



It's putting our a number of buds right now, I was lucky enough to get one that blooms in a peachy color

[WhiteRabbit]

Revisiting this thread - I can't find the post now, but I seem to remember someone expressing interest in exchanging cuttings ? Maybe it was a different thread ...
Anyway - I realize both of my Christmas cacti are in need of pinching back, so I should have cuttings in the spring - is that the best time to pinch them back?


this one, the early blooms were kind of salmon or coral colored, but more recent blooms are their usual fairly strong pink - can't capture the true color well


this one has stronger color this year than I remember in the past- can't get the color properly on this either - the pale purpley looking areas are actually bright magenta pink, and the color fades to near white on the petals

[Paul]

Schlums are really not terribly difficult once you understand their needs. Firstly, while they are cacti, they are epiphytes in rainforests. As such, they require more water than desert cacti, and -- similar to epiphytic orchids -- desire an airier media that drains quickly.

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

I also just read that they like to be pot bound somewhat, so you shouldn't repot them very often.

With this I would disagree. There really isn't any plant that enjoys being pot bound anymore than there is anyone who likes to wear shoes that are too tight. The reason being potbound seems to work is typically more due to the fact that there is less room for unwanted excess water to remain in the soil so the soil dries out faster. A larger pot with appropriately fast draining media will give the roots more room to grow while still avoiding waterlogged soil.

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

I was thinking cactus and Full sun.. Might be too late for blooms now maybe?

I keep the light on in the window all the time!

Ill try to give it what it needs maybe I might have some buds next year

As others have mentioned, shortened daylength and cooler temps are what stimulate flowering. Of the two, short days seems to be the more important factor. The light on all night is likely a big part of the problem. As these plants can bloom more than once per year, you still have the possibility of having blooms.

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I don't think full sun would prevent blooming, just makes your plant red, but if yours is in a window, and by the color of the plant, it's definitely not too much sun. The one I have on front porch gets direct morning light - a few hours during summer - the "foliage" gets reddish. The one in back gets less direct light and is much greener. Both bloom fine.

It is possible to burn these plants with too much sun -- especially if not hardened off. But as WR mentioned, they can actually take quite a bit of sun and the color of the stem segments can be a good guide as to whether it is getting enough.

One thing to keep in mind if it does bud up is DON'T turn the plant. Doing so will almost invariable result in the buds being aborted. As I understand it, the buds orient themselves based on the position of the light. Turning the plant cause the buds to twist to reorient themselves. Unfortunately this can result in the buds twisting to the degree that they cut off their own sap circulation

[Anisa]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Anyway - I realize both of my Christmas cacti are in need of pinching back, so I should have cuttings in the spring - is that the best time to pinch them back?


this one, the early blooms were kind of salmon or coral colored, but more recent blooms are their usual fairly strong pink - can't capture the true color well

I looove the pink one! Would you want to trade a cutting for mine?

[Daethen]

I have one that I haven't gotten to flower, but would be willing to trade cuttings for others. I am on a mission to get them what they need so that I have lots of flowers in the next year.

[WhiteRabbit]

cool - I'd love to exchange some cuttings

[Daethen]

Anyone interested in trading for my mystery one pm me.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Daethen

Anyone interested in trading for my mystery one pm me.

me!
I guess I'll be pinching mine back in spring

[Anisa]

Originally Posted by Daethen

Anyone interested in trading for my mystery one pm me.

I will take your mystery one and give a cutting after mine is finished blooming. Although currently I have only one I love zygocactusses - they grow and flower well for me. And when my orchids are downers and dont bloom for me I can always reflect that at least i can do something right with zygos.
Maybe we can have a mini- challenge between me and WhiteRabbit and Daethen who blooms a mystery chirstmas cactus the soonest?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Anisa

I will take your mystery one and give a cutting after mine is finished blooming. Although currently I have only one I love zygocactusses - they grow and flower well for me. And when my orchids are downers and dont bloom for me I can always reflect that at least i can do something right with zygos.
Maybe we can have a mini- challenge between me and WhiteRabbit and Daethen who blooms a mystery chirstmas cactus the soonest?

even before I started in orchids, I loved the zygocacti simply for it's blooming in the winter gloom

I look forward to sharing cuttings with you and Daethen, and we'll help Daethen get hers blooming too!