Beginners like the trusty cactus because it does well with little care and is notoriously hard to kill. Every cactus plant is different in size, shape, and flower. This makes it a one-of-a-kind decorative houseplant that will make your room more interesting, whether it’s sitting on a shelf or on the sill of your window.
The name cactus (official name Cactaceae) is derived from the Greek word kaktos, which means spiky plant. Cacti or cactuses are native to the Americas, which includes a large part of North and South America with a lot of them in Mexico. They usually grow in dry areas and are perfectly suited to life in the intense heat and environment of the desert, which means they can definitely survive the warm and dry conditions of a centrally heated home.
A cactus is great for people who aren’t very good at gardening because it doesn’t need much water—in fact, it’s better to underwater than to overwater.
Cacti are slow-growing plants that can pretty much take care of themselves because their roots, leaves, and stems store water. They also pretty much control how much food they eat. A cactus plant does best in a spot that is warm, light, and airy, but not too hot; about 18°C is ideal. It can also handle direct sunlight.
With their vibrant colors and unique shapes, cactus flowers are highly desirable in arid region gardens But cacti can be fickle when it comes to flowering. If you’re wondering “how often do cacti flower?” the answer depends on the species and growing conditions In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the factors that affect cactus blooming and provide tips for encouraging your cactus to flower.
Typical Cactus Flowering Frequency
Most cacti flower once per year, generally in spring or summer. However, bloom frequency can range from annually to once every several decades depending on the species.
Here are some general guidelines for flowering frequency of common cacti
- Christmas Cactus – Annually, in late fall/early winter
- Easter Cactus – Annually, in spring
- Moon Cactus – Annually, in summer
- Golden Barrel Cactus – Every 2-4 years in summer
- Saguaro – Every 25-75 years, for several weeks in early summer
- Prickly Pear – Annually, mid to late summer
- Old Lady Cactus – Every 10-15 years, late spring
So while a Christmas cactus may flower every year a saguaro could take half a century before it blooms!
Factors Affecting Cactus Flowering
Several key factors influence when and how often a cactus will flower:
Age/Maturity
- Most cacti only bloom once mature, which can take 3-50 years depending on species
- Younger, immature plants tend to flower less frequently or not at all
Growing Conditions
- Insufficient light, water, fertilizer can delay flowering
- Hot, dry conditions with ample sun encourage blooming
Species Differences
- Each cactus species has a natural flowering cycle based on genetics
- Some cacti are annual bloomers while others bloom much less frequently
Previous Flowering
- Prior bloom cycles and energy spent flowering can affect subsequent bloom frequency/timing
Day Length
- Photoperiod affects flowering in some cacti like Christmas cactus
- Long nights trigger flower bud initiation
Tips for Encouraging Cactus Flowers
If your cactus isn’t blooming, here are some tips to help promote flowering:
- Provide optimal sunlight – angled morning/midday sun often ideal
- Water thoroughly when soil dries out, then allow pots to dry between waterings
- Fertilize in spring with balanced diluted fertilizer
- Give winter rest period with reduced water/fertilizer for winter-blooming cacti
- Repot mature plants every 2-3 years in fresh cactus soil
- Avoid moving or disturbing the plant while flower buds are forming
- Propagate by division to create younger offshoots that bloom more readily
- Manually remove any spent flowers to direct energy to new blooms
Be patient, as some cacti can take many years to reach maturity and begin flowering. But providing proper growing conditions gives your cactus the best chance to flower.
When Different Cacti Flower
To understand your cactus’s bloom cycle, it helps to know when different species typically flower:
Spring-Blooming Cacti
- Easter Cactus
- Pincushion Cactus
- Claret Cup Cactus
- Hedgehog Cactus
Summer-Blooming Cacti
- Golden Barrel Cactus
- Old Lady Cactus
- Fishhook Barrel Cactus
- Compass Barrel Cactus
Fall-Blooming Cacti
- Peruvian Apple Cactus
- Pineapple Cactus
- Totem Pole Cactus
Winter-Blooming Cacti
- Christmas Cactus
- Crab Cactus
- Orchid Cactus
Cacti That Bloom Annually or More Frequently
If you want cacti that flower regularly, consider these kinds:
- Christmas Cactus: Prolific red, pink or white flowers in winter
- Easter Cactus: Vibrant spring blooms in reds and purples
- Moon Cactus: Unique grafted cacti that flower in summer
- Rat Tail Cactus: Clustered spring/summer flowers; fast grower
- Claret Cup Cactus: Striking red flowers in late spring
- Hedgehog Cactus: Blooms late spring with pink or white flowers
Focus on providing optimal care and you’ll be rewarded with frequent colorful blooms from these cacti.
Cacti With Infrequent Flower Cycles
Some cacti only bloom once every few years or decades. These include:
- Saguaro: Impressive white flowers after 25-75 years
- Old Lady Cactus: Fragrant yellow blooms every 10-15 years
- Prickly Pear: Vibrant flowers after 2-3 years; fruits follow
- Totem Pole: Orchid-like flowers every 3-4 years; slow grower
Don’t expect to see flowers frequently from these species. But their rare blooms are well worth the wait!
Success With Flowering Cacti
While cactus bloom cycles can vary dramatically, you can encourage flowering by providing optimal care tailored to your species. Identify your cactus type, understand its natural rhythm, and give it the conditions it needs to thrive. With the right approach, you’ll be rewarded with the unique flowering displays cacti are treasured for.
What’s the best spot in the home to place a cactus?
This plant can live in a warm, sunny place in the summer, even on a patio or balcony. But in winter, the placement should be cooler and light.
Does a cactus flower?
Not all cacti bloom at the same time, or their blooms are as noticeable, or they only bloom when grown outside or in certain conditions. There are some, like Mammillaria, Gymnocalycium, and Parodia, that flower very easily and put on great, colorful shows.
How To Get Your Cactus To Flower
FAQ
Is it rare for cactus to flower?
How do I get my cactus to bloom again?
Should I water my cactus when it is blooming?
Do you cut the dead flowers off a cactus?