While many plants need a cozy spot to hibernate for the winter, the Christmas Cactus (botanical name *Schlumbergera*) is a total rebel. Instead of napping, it brightens up our living rooms with those gorgeous, exotic-looking blooms right when everything else is looking a bit gray. But here’s the secret: to get those stunning flowers, you actually have to give your plant a little “me time” beforehand.
Does a Christmas Cactus really need a rest period?
Most houseplants take a break in the winter, but that’s exactly when the Christmas Cactus decides to show off. That unique blooming schedule is exactly how it got its name! However, a lot of plant parents are surprised to find their cactus won’t bloom if it hasn’t had a chance to chill out first. Think of it as a “pre-winter nap” that fuels all that flower power later on.
How do I set up this rest phase?
If your living room stays a steady, cozy temperature year-round, you’ll need to find a different spot for your plant during its rest phase. Ideally, you want a room that’s around 59°F (15°C) and stays dark for more than twelve hours a day. You’ll want to water your cactus even more sparingly than usual—just don’t let the root ball dry out completely. And definitely skip the fertilizer during this time.
Where should my Christmas Cactus live during the winter?
Once November rolls around, your Christmas Cactus is ready to move back into the warmth of the living room. Just a heads-up: try to move it before it starts forming buds. These guys are a bit sensitive, and if you move them—or even just rotate the pot so the light hits it differently—once the buds appear, they might just drop right off. Once you pick a spot, keep it facing the same way until the blooming season is over.
Since these are tropical plants from Brazil, they love humidity. Dry air from your heater isn’t exactly their favorite thing. If you want to give them a refreshing mist, just make sure to use soft water or rainwater to keep them happy.
The Quick Essentials:
- No special “overwintering” needed, but it does require a 6 to 8-week rest phase.
- Best time for the rest phase: Late August through late October.
- The “Rest” Recipe: Cooler temps (approx. 59°F), long nights (12+ hours of darkness), minimal water, and no fertilizer.
- Pro tip: You can slightly shift the blooming time by adjusting when you start this rest period.
Quick Tip: While your other plants are tucked away for their winter nap, the Christmas Cactus will be the star of your home with its lush, vibrant flowers.
