how do you get an orchid cactus to bloom

Making the Orchid Cactus Bloom

• Allow the plant to rest in the winter. Your plant will need a cool, dry winter rest for about eight to 10 weeks so it...
• Give the plant correct lighting. It is important to give your orchid cactus bright, indirect light all year round. And...
• Feed and fertilize it. A fertilizer that is high in phosphorus will encourage more blooms during...

Full Answer

Do orchid cacti bloom at night?

The most famous orchid cactus is the queen of the night cactus. This night-blooming cactus only blooms during one night of the year. Many other white Epiphyllum cactus are also nocturnal cacti. However, there are types of orchid cacti that bloom during the day, and the flowers stay on the trailing stems for a few weeks.

How to take care of an orchid cactus?

Feeding an Orchid Cactus correctly is really important. You can use a well balanced plant food once a month. During the winter the plant needs a 8-10 week rest. Water less and don’t feed the plant at all. In late fall (October to November), about a month before spring, give your Orchid Cactus some plant food low in nitrogen but high in potash.

How long does it take for orchid cactus to grow flowers?

Orchid cacti take a long time (around 5 years) to grow flowers if you plant them from the seeds. A quicker way to propagate the plant is to cut a thick leaf about 4 inches (10 cm), let it dry out a few days, and place it in the soil upside down about 1 or 2 inches, so it won’t fall over.

Can you plant orchid cactus in hanging baskets?

Hanging baskets are perfect places of orchid cactus. The flowers grow form the very end or tip of the leaves, much like Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti. When in a hanging basket, the leaves cascade down, forming a gorgeous display. Since orchid cactus can grow quite large, up to 2 feet, (60 cm) hanging baskets make an awesome display.

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Why isn't my orchid cactus blooming?

Some orchid cactuses don't bloom if they haven't been fed appropriate fertilizer. They benefit from monthly feedings of balanced fertilizer most of the year, such as a fertilizer with a 10-10-10 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

How long does it take for an orchid cactus to bloom?

How long does it take for an orchid cactus to bloom? It may take up to five years before an orchid cactus flowers. Usually, they're also more likely to bloom if their roots fill the pot, or they're root-bound. Usually, a plant growing in a four-inch pot blooms before a plant growing in an eight-inch pot.

How do I stimulate my cactus to flower?

Place the cactus in a bright position where they can get plenty of sunshine. Most cacti need at least five hours of bright light so use artificial light if it's too dark indoors. Succulent plants which don't get enough light will etiolate (become pale) and most likely not bloom.

How often do you water orchid cactus?

Native to tropical rainforests where it grows on trees, this indoor plant doesn't want it soil to be moist all the time and will rot if it's overwatered. That often means watering once every 10 days or so, depending on conditions such as plant size, temperature, and how much light your orchid cactus gets.

How do you care for an orchid cactus?

Unlike their traditional cacti relatives, orchid cacti need regular watering during the growing season. The potting mix should be moist but not soggy. Ideally, you want the top 1/3 of the potting mix to dry out before rewatering. In winter, reduce watering and move the plant to a cooler location.

When should I repot my orchid cactus?

Plants should be repotted about every seven years. To repot, wait about a month after blooming. Do not remove all the soil around the root ball. Just gently shake off excess soil and then repot in fresh soil.

How do I know if my cactus is happy?

A strong, succulent stem, upright leaves, evenly green outlook and strong roots stand out as some of the characteristics of a healthy cactus. A healthy cactus will hold a considerable amount of water without showing any signs of weathering and will bloom bright colored flowers each flowering season without fail.

Is coffee grounds good for cactus?

Coffee grounds can be good for succulents and cactus plants. They improve the quality of soil and provide an abundance of nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential to succulents. They can also help keep certain pests away from the succulents.

How do you know when a cactus is going to flower?

-The best way to know is by looking for buds on your plant before any sign of a bloom has appeared. If you have no buds, it's unlikely that your cactus will bloom. -Cacti are very sensitive plants so they may not flower if you don't care for them properly or provide enough water.

What time of year does an orchid bloom?

Most orchids grow during the summer and bloom in the fall, winter or spring.

Are used coffee grounds good for orchids?

Coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer, especially for orchids and African violets.

Is an orchid cactus the same as a Christmas cactus?

One example is the orchid cactus, a plant closely related to the more common Christmas cactus. The plant is propagated by breaking off a few of the flat-leafed, lobed stems from a parent plant and inserting them into a pot of soilless mix.

Is an orchid cactus the same as a Christmas cactus?

One example is the orchid cactus, a plant closely related to the more common Christmas cactus. The plant is propagated by breaking off a few of the flat-leafed, lobed stems from a parent plant and inserting them into a pot of soilless mix.

Can I put my orchid cactus outside?

For orchid cacti that have begun flowering, nighttime winter culture needs to adhere to a temperature range of 40 to 50 degrees F for successful bloom. This is why this plant does well outdoors in our climate during the summer and early fall. Like the culture of the rain forest, humid conditions are essential.

How often should I water my Epiphyllum?

Water the Epiphyllum oxypetalum plant regularly during summer. From spring through fall, water the plant every two weeks. Water the plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Allow the soil to become slightly dry before you water the plant again.

Can you root orchid cactus in water?

7:1411:26How to propagate Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not splitMoreAnother way that you can propagate them is just to take the pieces that break off. And not split them but just stick them in water.

How easy is it to grow orchid cactus?

If you follow the following guidelines in terms of light, temperature, fertilizer, and watering, orchid cactus are very easy to grow.

When do orchid cactus produce flowers?

Complete Guide to Care and Propagation. Orchid cactus are beautiful houseplants that produce lovely flowers from early winter to the end of spring. Even though their name carries “orchid” and they’re in fact very similar to orchids, they’re not orchids. I only included them in this website because so many people ask me if orchid cactus are orchids.

What is a Good Watering Schedule for Orchid Cactus?

Don’t be fooled by the name cactus and think that they don’t like water— orchid cacti love water. Contrary to most orchid groups, Cactus Orchids don’t like to dry out. Yet, if you overwater them, they’re doomed to fail.

What Pests and Insects Bother Orchid Cactus?

Before I mention what bugs and insects attack the orchid cactus, the biggest problem after over watering is wind. Harsh, strong wind currents will rip the leaves in half, breaking them off and bend them so bad, they leave ugly markings.

What temperature do orchids like?

Epiphyllums, or Epis for short, prefer temperatures that resemble a cooler indoor environment, which is why they are such good houseplants (65 to 75°F/18 to24°C). They also deal with the fluctuating temperature better, since the window sill will cause the temperatures to drop more drastically at night than other places in the house.#N#Even though orchid cacti can tolerate lower temperatures, don’t let the night temperature drop below 50ºF (10º C). This is the maximum they will tolerate. In nature, they grow from Central America all the way to the middle part of Brazil. It hardly ever drops below 50ºF in these countries.#N#In Mexico, there is a Orchid Cactus that has be renamed from Epiphyllums to Nopalxochia. This specific species tolerates higher temperatures during the day. The common name is the pond lily plant, which is a good description since these orchid cacti love water.

Why do orchids have hanging baskets?

The number one “bug” that bothers orchid cacti are snails. That is another reason why hanging baskets are so perfect. Snails are attracted to the moisture in the plants, near the base. The snails will climb up the leaves and munch on the tasty flower buds, and if not dealt with, they attract other inscets, like ants.

What happens when a cactus blooms?

After the cactus orchid has bloomed, and all the flowers have fallen off, the cactus will temporarily “shut down”. This means that it’s storing energy to start the new growth period, and needs time to recuperate. During this dormant period, if you move your plant to a dark, cooler place, it will respond better.

How to help orchid cactus bloom?

You can do a few things to help your orchid cactus bloom. Allow the plant to rest in the winter. Your plant will need a cool, dry winter rest for about eight to 10 weeks so it can set buds. During this period, you’ll need to water it sparingly, as well as stop fertilizing it. Give the plant correct lighting.

How are orchid cactus grown?

An orchid cactus is grown from seed.

What is an Orchid Cactus?

The orchid cactus was named as such because of its growth habit and its large flower.

What Is a Dormancy Period in Orchid Cactus?

Dormancy is the state of a plant when it shows no growth at all or just very little of it.

Why do orchid cactus buds fall off?

The orchid cactus is rather sensitive about changes in certain factors, including light, temperature, and humidity, so if it feels there’s the slightest change in any of these things, its flower buds may start to fall off.

How to keep orchid cactus from dropping buds?

As soon as buds appear, keep the plant in the same location. Moving it around during this time would mean changes in temperature and lighting, and these changes will cause the plant to drop its buds and flowers. Remember to keep your orchid cactus away from drafty areas of your home, like heat/AC vents and doorways.

How much humidity does an orchid need?

The orchid cactus needs moderate indoor humidity levels of about 40 percent to 50 percent. For extra dry homes, you can raise the humidity in the room by using a cool-mist humidifier. But if you just need to boost humidity a little bit for your plant, you can place a dish of wet pebbles underneath its pot.

How cold does it have to be for orchids to bloom?

Both need a drop in temperature to help set the buds and encourage the plant to bloom. I don’t mean really cold temperatures, but something around 50-55 degrees, nothing below freezing, towards the end of winter. Feeding an Orchid Cactus correctly is really important.

Can houseplants be in direct sun?

Very few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade.

When do orchid cactus bloom?

Orchid Cactus Care and Blooming. 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.

How long do orchid cactus dangle?

Habit: Orchid cactus grow as a clump of flattened leaves that droop and dangle to 20 inches long. Their habit makes a hanging basket their ideal vessel. They can also be potted in a regular container that is placed high on a shelf.

What is the season of orchid cactus?

Common name: Orchid cactus. Botanical name:Epiphyllum hybrids. Exposure: Bright light but no direct sun. Season: Spring into summer, for flowers. Flowers: Showy, large flowers appear from notches in the leaves in spring and into summer. There are many named cultivars that offer a full range of colors. Foliage: It has long, flattened, narrow ...

Can orchid cactus be planted in a basket?

They use their host tree only as physical support. How to grow orchid cactus: These tree-dwelling epiphytic cacti look best growing in a hanging basket, from which their long, flattened stems can hang down and their impressive flowers can dangle at or just above eye level.

How do I get an orchid cactus to bloom?

Getting an orchid cactus to bloom is all about providing the proper care. Blooming orchid cacti require the right amount of sunlight, a cool period during winter, moist soil, and low-nitrogen fertilizer. If you get orchid cactus care right, you can enjoy sweetly scented blooms every year during June and July.

How long do orchid cactus grow?

Many Epiphyllum species have arching and woody stems that grow 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) long. You may have to prune orchid cactus stems if they are dying or turning yellow.

When Should You Repot Orchid Cactus?

It’s a good idea to repot an orchid cactus every three years or so. Orchid cacti produce more flowers when they are rootbound. Therefore, you don’t need to repot them too often. The best time to repot an orchid cactus is in fall or winter. This way, you won’t stress the roots and affect blooming.

What temperature does an orchid cactus need to grow?

Being a type of tropical forest plant, orchid cacti don’t tolerate cold temperatures. A drop in temperature below 50°F (10°C) will affect the orchid cactus plant’s growth. If the temperature drops below 35°F (1°C), the flowering succulent cactus will die.

What zone does Epiphyllum cactus grow in?

Epiphyllum cactus grows outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.

How many petals does an orchid cactus have?

Orchid cactus flowers are huge, sweet-smelling, showy blooms that create stunning floral displays. Epiphyllum cactus flowers consist of around 20 petals that form a cup shape. At the base of the flower, linear or ovate-shaped petals fan out in a circle to form a star-shaped disc. Orchid cactus flowers measure between 3” and 6” (8 – 16 cm) across.

What is the most famous cactus?

The most famous orchid cactus is the queen of the night cactus. This night-blooming cactus only blooms during one night of the year. Many other white Epiphyllum cactus are also nocturnal cacti. However, there are types of orchid cacti that bloom during the day, and the flowers stay on the trailing stems for a few weeks.

How to grow orchid cactus from cuttings?

The exotic-looking orchid cactus (Epiphyllum spp.) easily propagates or grows from cuttings. Choose a plump, healthy leaf, and using clean pruning shears, diagonally cut off a 7-inch section (17.8 cm). The cut should occur between the areoles. Let the cutting heal in a cool, dry spot for about two weeks, then pot it.

How to divide orchid cactus?

You can also divide a large orchid cactus plant by cutting it in two using pruning shears. You must allow the two halves to dry for two days before repotting them.

Do you need gloves when cutting orchid cactus?

You won’t need to wear gloves when you make this cutting because, unlike most cacti, orchid cactus has no thorns.

Can you grow a cactus from cuttings?

You can easily grow this plant from cuttings to provide yourself with additional plants of this tropical rainforest cactus.

Can you propagate two plants from one plant?

You can propagate two plants instantly from one by doing this.

Do orchid cacti need to be moved?

Plants need to move to larger homes, too, sometimes. Your cactus can outgrow its pot, so you just need to repot it in a larger container. These orchid cacti have extremely delicate roots, so carefully move the plant.

How to rebloom an orchid?

Move the orchid to a cooler place. Experiencing cooler temperatures tells the orchid that it's time to rebloom. A temperature of about 60 °F (16 °C) is ideal for triggering a rebloom. Your orchid will have to experience these conditions for about 3-4 weeks before starting to rebloom.

What to do when orchids rebloom?

Return to your regular watering and fertilizing schedule. When your orchid starts reblooming, it needs more nutrients than it did while it was resting. Once you see signs of growth, you can return to your normal schedule.

How to tell if an orchid is reblooming?

Look for signs of reblooming. If conditions are right, your orchid should start reblooming. The main sign of a rebloom is growths appearing from the healthy node that you left intact. Check here regularly for growths or protrusions from this area, as these indicate that the orchid is starting to rebloom.

How to keep orchids from growing crooked?

Leave your plant in the same location until a blossom fully forms. Moving your orchid into direct sunlight too early can cause the new growths to form crooked. Instead, leave your plant where it was while it was dormant until a new blossom forms.

How to keep orchids warm in the fall?

If it's the fall, placing the orchid in a room with an open window can help give your plant its ideal temperature.

How to tell if orchid is getting enough light?

Remember to monitor your orchid's leaves to see if it's getting enough sunlight. Dark green leaves are a bad sign, and indicate the orchid isn't getting enough light. A lighter, grass-colored green with some yellow tones shows your orchid is getting enough light. ...

How to tell if orchid is still alive?

1. Make sure the spike and leaves are still green. When an orchid enters dormancy, the spike and leaves should still be green and well-hydrated. This indicates that the plant is still alive. Investigate the plant and if the spike and leaves still look healthy, it's possible to rebloom.