How to Get Orchid Cactus to Bloom
The orchid cactus is a succulent that requires regular care and the proper environment to bloom. Orchid cactus blooms anytime between late spring and early fall, and most species only bloom at night. The broad-leafed orchid cactus only blooms for a single night each year. The flowers can be up to 7 inches in diameter in a multitude of colors, depending on the species. The orchid cactus only blooms after two to three years of growth, so it is best purchased in a container for faster flowering. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plant the orchid cactus in a medium sized planter filled with a soil mixture made up of two parts potting soil and one part clean sand. Keep the planter in a location that receives partial sunlight throughout the day. Maintain a constant temperature between 45 and 70 degrees F at all times during the growing season.
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Water the orchid cactus when the top 1½ inches of soil are dry, about once per week, during spring, summer and fall. Reduce watering frequency in winter to once every two weeks when the plant is dormant. Over-watering or failure to provide enough moisture will hinder blooming.
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Place a humidifier near the orchid cactus to raise the relative humidity and further emulate the orchid cactus's native environment, which will encourage blooming. Mist the air around the plant once or twice per day with lukewarm water if possible.
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Feed orchid cactus once per month using a low nitrogen 0-10-10 fertilizer between the months of April and September. Add an additional application of fertilizer in February and November to promote flowering. Follow the manufacturer's directions for dosage.
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Reduce nighttime temperature during winter to between 40 and 50 degrees F. Keep the orchid cactus plant in complete darkness throughout the night to induce the dormant period, which is essential for flowering. After the plant recovers from dormancy, it will bloom before the next winter if its preferred conditions have been maintained and it is at least two years old.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not re-pot orchid cactus. The plant prefers to be root bound before flowering. Do not apply fertilizer during October, December or January. The plant needs a break in order to prepare for blooming.
