I cant get me christmas cactus to bloom - Orchid Board

RJSquirrel · #1 11-20-2010, 08:12 AM

3 years ago I got one them little itty bitty 4 dollar Xmas cactus in full bloom..Still have the plant..Its in a 12 inch pot now filled to the rim, but dont bloom..

How do i get this thing to bloom like all the ones in the stores ?

and its purple

Daethen · #2 11-20-2010, 09:19 AM

I want to know this as well. I have one that just sits there and grows but never puts on a show. My MIL has been the caregiver for some years, so this should explain it to some degree, but I want to improve its life now. Please help us both.

Oh, and RJS, if you ever want to pass on a piece of the purple one...... I love purple.

Paul Mc · #3 11-20-2010, 09:27 AM

Although they are called cactus, they require quite a bit of water and they don't require as much light as a true cactus. I actually have mine growing alongside my oncidiums in a somewhat shaded position. I've only had it for 7 months and it has just started to bloom.

I also have left the window screens up as opposed to pulling down the storm windows to let the cool night air come through a bit.

I'm a newbie to it, but this is what I have done and like I said it's blooming like crazy. I hope I have helped at least a little bit and more people can chime in and help you two out.

Daethen · #4 11-20-2010, 09:29 AM

Thanks, Paul. I will up the water on mine.

Jennyfleur · #5 11-20-2010, 09:32 AM

Umm, you two have really got me thinking. I have these and they throw out flowers all the time. My Nan also has one (which she's had for about 20yrs only repotted twice, because I stole it away and did it!) and that never fails as well. Mine gets rain water, Nan's get tap water and neither gets fertiliser. They are both in pretty good/ bright light in central heated houses, so humidity is low.

And to be honest, I can't think of anythng else

but I'll keep trying!

Daethen · #6 11-20-2010, 09:42 AM

Thanks, Jenny. Every little bit helps.

Melody · #7 11-20-2010, 11:30 AM

Ok, so I've never really had one, but my grandfather did. It was large and bloomed consistently every year.
From what I remember he use to put it in the basement of his house for part of the year. I think in the fall (then through Dec. maybe?). The basement had large windows and allowed for a lot of indirect light. Since he didn't go down there much the light duration matched outside. It was also a constant very cool temp. I can't recall what his watering habits were, but I remember that putting it in the basement for several months was his key to success with it.

Paul Mc · #8 11-20-2010, 11:34 AM

The only reason I have said that I gave it a lot of water was because it's in a very small pot at the moment and it tends to dry out fast. That might be important and I didn't think about that fact. I noticed that if I didn't water it at least twice a week then it would start to wilt.

So take my watering with a grain of salt guys, sorry if I gave any mis-information.

Daethen · #9 11-20-2010, 11:45 AM

Sorry to kind of taken over the thread, RJS. Thanks to all of you for the ongoing advice!! Keep it coming. Paul, I will keep it in mind!!

nenella · #10 11-20-2010, 11:48 AM

Hi,
Melody you are right. I have a copy of the ' House Plant Expert' BY Dr.D.G. Hessayon in which it says that it needs a cool period which should also be dryish, once the flower buds form, increase water and temp. When in bloom water normally and min.temp of 55°F.
The book also says that there are 2 sorts in that there is the X-mas cactus (Zygocactus truncatus) & the easter Cactus (Rhisalidopsis gaertneri)
here is also a link on a caresheet for these :
http://http://www.marketblooms.com/p...tmasCactus.pdf