The leaf cactus, the types Christmas cactus and Easter cactus are particularly well-known, delight with their beautiful flowers. But occasionally there is no flowering at all. What is the reason if the leaf cactus does not bloom and what can you do about it?

If the leaf cactus does not hibernate, it will not bloom the following year

What to do if the leaf cactus does not bloom?

If the leaf cactus flowers little or not at all, it is either too young or the care is not correct. Many types of leaf cacti only flower after a few years.

Above all, however, the form of hibernation plays an important role. If the leaf cactus is kept too warm in winter, it will not flower.

There are many different types of leaf cacti

The number of leaf cactus species is huge. They differ not only in the shape and color of their flowers, but also in their care requirements.

If your leaf cactus is not blooming, find out what species your epiphyllum is and what care it specifically needs.

Proper care of leaf cacti

In general, the following care measures must be observed when caring for a leaf cactus:

  • pour
  • fertilize
  • cut flowers
  • put in the dark for hours
  • hibernate properly

In contrast to other types of cactus, the leaf cactus does not like drought at all. You need to water an epiphyllum regularly during the growth phase without causing waterlogging. In addition, the leaf cactus needs sufficient nutrients, which you provide in the form of fertilizer.

Some strains, such as Schlumbergera, require several hours of total darkness each day to develop buds.

Keep cooler in winter

The leaf cactus does not tolerate frost. The temperatures at the site should never drop below ten degrees. If you take care of it outside in the summer, you must bring it inside in the fall in good time to overwinter it.

After the flowering phase, which ends in autumn for most leaf cactus species, the leaf cactus needs a resting phase in which it is cooler than in summer. During this time, temperatures between 12 and 14 degrees are ideal.

If the cooler phase is not observed, the leaf cactus will bloom very little or not at all in the following year.

tips

The leaf cactus requires little care. He always appreciates a bright location. However, it does not like direct midday sun, for example in a south-facing window.

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