Things to do with Christmas Cactus in September
1. Reduce Watering
Reduce Watering
Christmas cacti require a period of rest—where they slow down growth and metabolic activities—to initiate flowering. By slowing growth, they conserve energy and resources, which they can use to produce flowers.
Reducing the amount of water your Schlumbergera
receives from late September to October drives it into the flowering phase.
During this time, increase the interval between watering spells compared to summer and saturate the soil only when the medium looks slightly dry. However, it’s important not to allow the substrate to become completely dry.
2. Simulate Short Days & Long Nights
Christmas cactus is rightly called a short-day plant because it needs at least 12-14 hours of darkness to form buds. The plant uses a complex internal mechanism to measure the length of day and night (photoperiodism) to determine when to flower.
Consistent prolonged darkness triggers the formation of flower buds. Come September, slowly reduce the daylight hours either from the morning or evening and ensure at least half a day without light for 6-8 weeks, with the help of blackout curtains, shades, or different locations. To understand it better, read this post!
Once the buds are set, however, you can do nothing to get more, and even photoperiodism won’t help. When you start this cycle, be careful not to turn on the light, even briefly during the dark period. This could interrupt the blooming process and lead to bud drop.
3. Keep it Cool
Christmas cactus is placed to ensure a temperature
In September, you might also want to start adjusting the thermostat in the room where your Christmas cactus is placed. For it to set flower buds, ensure daytime temperatures around 60-70 F (15-21 C) and a nighttime range of 50-55 F (10-12 C) for at least two months.
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