How to Get Your Holiday Cactus to Rebloom
Have a holiday cactus that hasn’t bloomed in a while? Don’t give up on it just yet! These colorful houseplants can bloom year after year with a little seasonal encouragement. Whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus or Christmas cactus, the secret to getting those beautiful flowers back is giving your plant the right combination of darkness, cooler temperatures, and consistent care.
Give It Longer Nights
Holiday cacti are short-day plants, meaning they need long periods of darkness to start forming flower buds. To encourage blooming, give your plant 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about six weeks.
A spare bedroom or room that stays dark overnight works well. Even artificial light from lamps or nearby windows can interrupt this process, so keep your cactus away from nighttime lighting. (NC State Extension)
Keep Things Cool
Cooler nighttime temperatures help signal your holiday cactus that it’s time to bloom. Aim for nighttime temperatures around 55–65°F while buds are forming. A bright room with cooler evenings is ideal, but avoid exposing your plant to temperatures below 50°F.
Once flower buds appear, keep your cactus in a comfortable spot and avoid sudden temperature changes, which can cause buds to drop. (NC State Extension)
Find the Right Lighting
During the day, holiday cacti prefer bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is often a great choice. Avoid harsh afternoon sunlight, which can scorch the stems.
Remember: bright light during the day and complete darkness at night are the winning combination!
Water Consistently
Holiday cacti aren’t quite like desert cacti. They’re tropical plants that prefer evenly moist, well-draining soil. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and always allow excess water to drain away. Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, as this can lead to root rot.
Once buds begin to form, try to keep watering consistent. Letting the plant dry out too much can cause those developing blooms to fall off. (NC State Extension)
After the Blooms Fade
Once your holiday cactus finishes flowering, keep it in bright, indirect light and continue watering as needed. During spring and summer, you can fertilize regularly while the plant is actively growing. If the stems become too long or leggy, pinch off a few segments after blooming to encourage a fuller shape.
Holiday cacti can live for decades, so with a little care, yours could become a holiday tradition for years to come!
Your Holiday Cactus Care Checklist
- ☐ Provide 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night
- ☐ Keep nighttime temperatures around 55–65°F while buds form
- ☐ Place in bright, indirect daytime light
- ☐ Water when the top inch of soil feels dry
- ☐ Avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts
- ☐ Keep moisture consistent once buds appear
With the right conditions, you can enjoy those beautiful holiday blooms year after year. Stop by For Garden’s Sake in Durham for houseplant advice, supplies, and a little help keeping your indoor jungle happy.
Happy Gardening!reener.
9197 NC Hwy 751 Durham, NC 27713 919 484 9759 #fgsdurham #fgslandscapes #okellychapelnc