While they all look similar, they are technically three different species ofSchlumbergerawith unique care requirements.
Prior to blooming in the fall, move it to a brighter location, but avoid direct sun.
A spot that gets bright, indirect light is perfect.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
One part peat moss, one partperlite, and one part orchid bark is a perfect mixture.
The soil should be kept consistently moist and should not be allowed to fully dry out.
However, a Thanksgiving cactus should also never be waterlogged as it is sensitive to overwatering.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Temperature and Humidity
These tropical cacti thrive in warm,humidconditions.
Average household temperatures are usually adequate for Thanksgiving cacti.
Fertilizer
The Thanksgiving cactus should befertilizedregularly throughout the growing season to help promote blooming in the fall.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the spring, summer, and early fall.
After the blooms have dropped, stop fertilizing the cactus until new growth begins in the spring.
It is best to prune a Thanksgiving cactus during the spring once new growth has started emerging.
The Spruce / Adrienne Legault
Every cut that you make will encourage branching at that location, so choose your cuts wisely.
see to it you save any cuttings that you take off of your plant for propagation!
Propagating the Thanksgiving Cactus
Thanksgiving cactus propagate prolifically fromstem cuttings.
Propagation is best done in the spring and summer when the cactus is in its active growing period.
Avoid propagating during the winter once the Thanksgiving cactus has gone into dormancy.
Flowering results from shorter, colder days for several weeks.
Blooming season usually lasts from November to March.
In the right light and temperature conditions, individual flowers last about 7 to 8 weeks.
What Do Thanksgiving Cactus Flowers Look Like?
The easiest method is to introduce your plant to more cold temperatures.
For six or more weeks, put your cactus outside overnight, if temperatures are around 50-55 degrees.
Stop doing so if the temperature falls below 40 degrees.
This will also trick your plant into producing buds.
This will keep your plant’s energy focused and leave space for new blooms.
Is This a Good plant for you?
Common problems tend to arise from improper watering or issues with blooming.
You may have to wait patiently for a year or two before you see blooms again.
Ensure that you provide a stable, consistent environment during blooming to prevent this.
Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leavescan be an indication of two different problems.
If the leaves are turning yellow and mushy, overwatering is likely the issue.
Ensure that you have proper drainage and the roots are not left sitting in water.
Yellowing leaves can also be an indication of too much sunlight.
Avoid placing your Thanksgiving cactus in direct sunlight.
Also, without proper humidity regulation, some cacti are known to develop gray mold.
Ideally, choose a location in your home with bright but indirect light.
Next to a north- or east-facing window is often a good option.
The light and temperature conditions are primary factors that trigger Thanksgiving cacti to bloom.
Thanksgiving cactus bloom every year from March to November.
Thanksgiving cactus,Gardenia.
