Originally hailing from the South American rainforests, the leaf cactus (Epiphyllum) is no stranger to warm weather. However, if you want to see those stunning blooms, your plant actually needs a little “chill time” first. Here’s everything you need to know about getting your leaf cactus through the winter the right way.
Give Your Leaf Cactus a Cool Winter Break
To get those gorgeous flowers on your leaf cactus next year, the plant needs a natural dormant period during the winter. If you keep it in a cozy, heated room all year long, it might never get the memo to start budding. To trigger that rest phase, you’ll need to move it somewhere a bit cooler.
Here’s what your leaf cactus is looking for in the winter:
- Temperatures between 53°F and 59°F (12–15°C)
- Plenty of light
- Very little water
Ideally, you want a spot that stays cool but stays well above freezing—frost is a definite no-go. A bright sunroom, a temperature-controlled greenhouse, or even a chilly spare bedroom works perfectly. Just make sure it still gets plenty of natural light!
Winter Care Tips
When it comes to watering in the winter, less is definitely more. You only want to give it just enough water to keep the soil from drying out completely. You should also skip the fertilizer entirely while the plant is resting. One big tip: avoid misting the plant or getting water on the leaves. Instead, pour the water directly into the soil at the edge of the pot.
Once spring rolls around, you might want to repot your cactus into fresh soil every few years to replenish its nutrients. If you do repot, hold off on fertilizing for a few months—this plant is pretty low-maintenance and doesn’t like to be overfed. Too many nutrients can actually do more harm than good! After winter is over, go ahead and prune away any dried-out shoots to keep it looking tidy.
The best fertilizer for a leaf cactus:
- Use standard houseplant fertilizer rather than cactus-specific blends
- Avoid fertilizers with very high nitrogen levels
- Use only half the recommended dose on the label