Cacti shake off their reputation as boring houseplants when their beautiful blooms unfold. Of course, the colorful blossom festival cannot be seen without further ado. Read here which strategy you can use to get your cacti to bloom.
Cacti need hibernation to flower
Winter breather awakens the willingness to bloom
It is primarily desert cacti that set the scene with their blooms in the room and on the balcony. In their native ranges, the plants are prepared to bud for the next flowering period during a cool, dry dormant period. By simulating these natural conditions, make the exotic succulents bloom in the Central European climate. This is how the plan works:
- Water gradually less from September
- Do not fertilize between September and February
- Relocate to a light, cool location from November to February
- Ideal temperatures are between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius
It is of crucial importance for the successful process that your cacti go into hibernation with an almost dry substrate. Otherwise there is a risk of rot and mold, which destroys any hope of a flowering cactus. During the winter period, only water in sips so that the root ball does not dry out completely.
A warm shower awakens the floral spirit
At the beginning of March, shower the overwintered cacti with soft water and in this way signal the end of the winter break. Place the plants in a partially shaded window seat for about a week. Then resume the normal care program in the sunny location. So lovingly cared for, the cacti won't keep you waiting long for the first blossoms.
tips
In order for hardy cacti to 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 canopy with a few wooden posts and translucent greenhouse film (€15.90). The survivors easily endure frosty temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius. However, under the influence of permanent wetness from snow and rain, they are in a losing position.