Cacti shake off their reputation as boring houseplants when their beautiful flowers unfold. Of course, the colorful flower festival is not easy to see. Read here which strategy you can use to get your cacti to bloom.
How do I make cacti bloom?
To make cacti bloom, simulate their natural winter break: water less from September, do not fertilize from September to February, place them in a cool, bright place (5-12 degrees) from November to February Celsius). At the beginning of March you end the winter break with a warm shower and return to normal care.
Winter breather awakens the joy of blooming
They are mainly desert cacti that stand out with their splendor of flowers in the room and on the balcony. In their native range, the plants are prepared to lay buds for the next flowering period during a cool, dry dormant period. By simulating these natural conditions, you can make the exotic succulents bloom in the Central European climate. This is how the plan works:
- Watering gradually less from September onwards
- Do not fertilize between September and February
- Relocate to a bright, cool location from November to February
- Ideal temperatures are between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius
It is crucial for the successful process that your cacti go into hibernation with almost dry substrate. Otherwise there is a risk of rot and mold, which will destroy any hope of a blooming cactus. During the winter period, you should only water little by little so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
Warm shower awakens the floral spirit
At the beginning of March, spray the overwintered cacti with soft water and in this way signal the end of the winter break. First place the plants in a partially shaded window spot for about a week. Then resume the normal care program in a sunny location. Cared for so lovingly, the cacti won't keep you waiting long for the first flowers.
Tip
So that hardy cacti bloom in the summer bed, they should be protected from moisture in winter. Stop watering and fertilizing in the fall. Before the onset of winter, construct a rain roof using a few wooden stakes and translucent greenhouse film. The survival artists can easily endure freezing temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius. However, under the influence of constant wetness caused by snow and rain, they are in a losing position.
