Christmas cactuses are a popular plant for decor and gifts around the holidays. We’re always asked how to help them bloom again…here are our recommendations!

General Care 

Christmas cactuses like to be pot bound in succulent or well-draining soil. They do best in temperatures above 70 degrees F in daytime and 60-65 degrees F at night. Place them in an area with bright, indirect light and some humidity. Water sparingly, after the soil has dried out. Move your plants outdoors when the temperatures consistently stay above 70 degrees and put them in a shady area.  

You can fertilize your Christmas cactus in the spring through summer using a succulent-rated fertilizer or a 10-10-10 all-purpose fertilizer cut by 50% once a month.  

Reblooming Tips 

Stop fertilizing your cactus at the end of summer and move them back indoors before frost. In late September, move your plant into a dark room or cover with a box for at least 12 hours a day for 4 weeks. After tiny buds appear, remove from the dark schedule and return the plant to a bright indirectly lit area. Avoid wilting by watering consistently – but only when the top 1 inch of soil is dry to the touch. Keep your cactus away from sources of heat and fluctuations in temperature.  Keep the humidity level up by placing your plant on a shallow tray filled with pebbles, but DO NOT let the pot sit in water directly.  

Each variety may vary on when it actually blooms, be patient and you will enjoy another beautiful flowering cactus.