How to Make a Christmas Cactus Bloom in December: Secrets of Proper Fertilization.

According to ТСН: The evergreen Christmas cactus delights with its blooming in winter, especially during the New Year holidays. This plant is often called 'decabrist', and its international name is 'schlumbergera'.

How to Prepare Christmas Cactus for Blooming in December

In November and December, the Christmas cactus starts to form buds. During this period, it needs phosphorus-potassium fertilizers for good blooming. It is recommended to use organic fertilizers and feed the plant every two weeks, alternating different types of fertilizers.

Fertilizer Recipes for Christmas Cactus

Prepare the fertilizer yourself: mix a third of a teaspoon of amber acid with one teaspoon of mono-potassium phosphate, dilute it in three liters of water, and feed the Christmas cactus every two weeks at the root.

Another option is to dissolve a quarter of boric acid powder in warm water, then bring the volume up to one liter and use it for watering.

Organic fertilizer can be made from apple or pomegranate peels. Chop the apples or peels, fill with water, let it steep, and water the plant. The Christmas cactus will also appreciate feedings with ashes, sugar, hydrogen peroxide, and tea.

Why the Christmas Cactus Doesn't Bloom

If even with proper care the schlumbergera doesn't bloom, here are some possible reasons:

• Incorrect temperature. The optimal temperature for growth is 16–20 degrees, during bud formation – 12–14 degrees, and during blooming – 15 degrees.

• Excessive watering. Water the Christmas cactus only when the top layer of soil in the pot is dry, which usually happens once every 4 days.

• Inappropriate pot. The Christmas cactus should be in a pot whose length is three times shorter than the height of the plant.

• Lack of rest. The plant needs a break when the temperature drops to 15 degrees, with watering once every two weeks a little. This period should be conducted 50 days before the expected blooming.

• Direct sunlight. The Christmas cactus doesn't tolerate direct sun rays; it needs diffused light for blooming.

• Moving the plant can cause buds to drop. You can change the location from the window to the table, but do not rotate the plant around its axis.

The Christmas cactus, or Christmas flower, is a plant that gives wonderful flowers even in the coldest months. Proper care of the plant will help ensure its health and enjoy vibrant colors during the New Year holidays. When you know how to properly prepare the Christmas cactus for blooming, it will surely delight you with its lush flowers.