The secret to a spectacular bloom
The Christmas cactus is a bit temperamental: to bloom, it needs to experience the changing seasons. At the end of summer, let it rest for 6 to 8 weeks in a cool (between 12 and 15°C) and slightly dark room. This rest period is essential: it’s what triggers the upcoming flowering!
Starting in September, recreate the conditions of shorter days: your plant needs 12 to 14 hours of darkness per night . If your room is too bright, cover it with cardboard or place it in a dimly lit corner. After a few weeks, small buds will appear—do not move the plant from this point on, or they will fall off!
Propagating your Christmas cactus is child’s play.
Want to give one to your loved ones? It couldn’t be simpler! After flowering, take a cutting with two or three segments, let it dry for a day or two, then plant it in a light, slightly moist potting mix. Place the cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, and be patient: roots will appear in three to four weeks. You can then repot it and watch it grow.
Some tips for a happy cactus all year round
Spring: prune the old segments and resume regular watering.
Summer: place it outside in light shade, spray lightly with water and fertilize every two weeks.
Autumn: reduce water usage, cool the room and respect its dark nights.
Winter: take advantage of the flowering and maintain a stable temperature.
Pro tip: rotate the pot slightly each month (except during flowering) to ensure harmonious growth.
A symbol of luck and renewal
Giving a Christmas cactus is like offering a promise of light in the heart of winter. In some families, it’s passed down from generation to generation—some specimens live for over twenty years! A generous plant, easy to care for, and always ready to bloom when you need it most.
