Although the Easter cactus is considered to be quite easy to care for, that does not mean that it blooms regularly without any problems or effort. He's quite demanding on this point, but he can be helped quite easily.
If the Easter cactus does not hibernate, it will not bloom in spring
The Easter cactus absolutely needs a hibernation so that it blooms again in spring. Once the buds open, don't move your Easter cactus around either. A change of location can very quickly lead to the loss of such attractive flowers.
How can I get my Easter cactus to bloom?
Be sure to give your Easter cactus time to hibernate. The temperature should be around 12 °C to 15 °C during this time. Water your Easter cactus sparingly and stop fertilizing until it blooms again. Lighting should also be reduced to less than 10 hours per day. The minimum hibernation period is four weeks.
If your Easter cactus does not want to bloom despite an appropriate hibernation, then check your care measures. Is your cactus' plant pot big enough? Have you watered and fertilized it sufficiently? You may want to repot your Easter cactus. Your cactus needs a little more nutrients during the flowering period, but no fertilizer for a few weeks when repotted.
Can I influence the flowering time of my Easter cactus?
If you want your Easter cactus to flower at a specific time, you can (with a little experience and/or experimentation) 'postpone' the flowering time. Start the hibernation earlier or later, or leave your Easter cactus in its winter quarters a little longer. As soon as the first buds appear, however, you should let nature take its course, bring your cactus to its summer location and water more again.
How to make your Easter cactus bloom:
- Hibernation at about 12 °C
- do not fertilize during the hibernation and water little
- less than 10 hours of light per day for at least 4 weeks
- Water more again after the buds form
- Fertilize about once a month after the flowers have opened until winter dormancy
- use special cactus fertilizer
tips
A cool hibernation is the most important measure to get your Easter cactus to bloom successfully.