How to Make Orchid Cactus Bloom
- Give it a winter rest. A cool, dry rest for about 8-10 weeks in winter are needed for the plant to set buds. …
- Shed some light. Keep your orchid cactus in bright, indirect light year-round. …
- Feed it. High-phosphorus fertilizer will encourage more blooms. …
- Leave it alone.
Also to know is, how often do you water orchid cactus?
Accordingly, how much light does an orchid cactus need?
So during the winter, lower the temperature to around 55°-65°F (12.8°-18.3°C) especially at night if possible, water sparingly, and do not fertilize. Total darkness at night is a plus. Light: Keep an Orchid cactus in bright indirect light.
Is queen of the night an orchid?
The beautiful queen of the night cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum), also known as the orchid cactus, is one of the most commonly cultivated species of the genus Epiphyllum. This species boasts large, fragrant white flowers that open only at night, as its common name suggests.
When should orchid cactus be put outside?
Most of the year, temperatures between 45 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit suit an orchid cactus, and they don’t grow well in freezing temperatures. To provide temperatures on the cooler end of the spectrum in winter, you can put your cactus near the window of a cold garage for two to three weeks.
Are used coffee grounds good for orchids?
Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.
What is the best soil for orchid cactus?
It is recommended that the best potting mix is 3 parts commercial potting soil and 1 part small to medium pumice. If pumice is not available, use bark chips or perlite. The soil must hold moisture but drain quickly. Plant cutting upside down for best results.
Does an orchid cactus bloom?
Virtues: Orchid cactus is an easy-to-grow houseplant that produces stunning flowers over a period of several weeks in the spring. It tolerates dry air and lapses in watering. Season: Spring into summer, for flowers. Flowers: Showy, large flowers appear from notches in the leaves in spring and into summer.
Why is my orchid cactus limp?
Yellowed, withering leaves indicate too much sun, while limp or undersized leaves indicate too little sun. Moisture is vital to the health of the orchid cactus. While you should be careful not to overwater your plant and encourage root rot, you also can’t let your plant’s roots dry out.
Is orchid cactus toxic to dogs?
Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti get their names because they flower in winter, with reddish pink blooms appearing just in time for the holiday season. This makes them a popular, non-toxic holiday plant option for dog and cat owners.
How do you prune an orchid cactus?
Orchid cacti do not require frequent pruning, but annual maintenance pruning helps keep the plant balanced and healthy.
- Disinfect bypass pruners in a 10 percent diluted bleach solution, mixing 1 part chlorine bleach with 9 parts water.
- Clip off all flowers after the blossoms expire.
How long do Epiphyllum flowers last?
Some species produce white fragrant flowers that only bloom for one night. The colorful hybrids have individual blooms that may last from a few days to a week. The flowers last longer in cool weather. They last longer if not cut off the plant; and the smaller flowers tend to last longer than the larger ones.
How do you get the queen of the night to flower?
Queen of the night cactus needs bright, filtered light indoors and partial shade if it grows outdoors. Increasing flower production begins right after the plant blooms. For six weeks after blooming, water only when the soil’s surface feels dry, advises Texas A&M Aggie Horticulture.
Why is my orchid cactus turning yellow?
Yellowish wilted growth usually means your plant is getting too much light. … This indicates the plant is getting the right amount of light. Water. Adequate water is essential for successful flowering of the Epiphyllum orchid cactus.
