Nothing frustrates growers more than bud drop. But with a few easy changes, you can have a Christmas cactus that blooms in time for the holidays.
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With proper care, a Christmas cactus can thrive for decades. As its name suggests, the plant has lots of flowers that fall over and make the winter feel happy and festive. So when growers experience Christmas cactus buds falling off, it is hugely frustrating.
Though healthy plants will bloom dependably at this time, some may struggle to flower properly. One of the most common problems with Christmas cacti is bud drop. As always, it’s better to avoid the problem than to fix it.
We’ll talk about this issue in more depth below, focusing on the Christmas cactus care mistakes that can lead to buds falling off and how to keep this from happening again.
Another problem growers might face is Christmas cactus flowers falling off. Its a separate issue, but may have the same cause.
This article’s tips can be used for more than just true Christmas cactus plants (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). They can also be used for other holiday cactus types, too, since Thanksgiving and Easter cactus care are very similar and people often get them mixed up. ( credit: Getty s).
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular holiday houseplant known for its colorful blooms that emerge just in time for the festive season However, many gardeners find themselves asking – why are the buds falling off my Christmas cactus?
This frustrating phenomenon known as bud drop, can put a damper on your holiday decor. But don’t worry, with some detective work and a few simple fixes you can get your Christmas cactus blooming beautifully again.
What Causes Christmas Cactus Buds to Drop?
Before attempting to fix bud drop, it helps to understand what causes it in the first place. There are a few key reasons buds fall off Christmas cacti:
Underwatering
Christmas cacti prefer consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Insufficient watering causes stress, leading to bud drop. Yellow, drooping leaves are a sign of underwatering. Thoroughly soak the soil when dry 1-2 inches deep.
Overwatering
While these tropical plants like moisture, too much can lead to root rot and bud drop. Signs include yellow lower leaves and mushy stems. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Low Humidity
Native to Brazilian rainforests, Christmas cacti need 40-50% humidity to thrive. Dry indoor air causes buds to shrivel and fall. Use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase moisture.
Temperature Fluctuations
Christmas cacti flourish with daytime temps of 65-75°F and around 60°F at night. Rapid temperature swings or sustained heat/cold cause bud drop. Avoid drafty areas and heating/AC vents.
Improper Lighting
Too much or too little light leads to bud drop. Christmas cacti need bright but indirect sunlight. An east or west window is ideal. Too much direct sun scorches leaves, while too little light produces weak blooms.
Nutrient Deficiency
If the soil is depleted, vital nutrients like nitrogen and magnesium will be lacking. This manifests as yellowing leaves and poor flowering. Repot in fresh, high-quality potting mix.
Shock
Any sudden changes in environment – light, temperature, location – can shock Christmas cacti into dropping buds. Transition indoor plants gradually and mimic greenhouse conditions.
Overfeeding
Excess fertilizer prompts Christmas cacti to grow rapidly and abort some buds. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer like 20-20-20 from March-August only.
Pests
Sucking insects like mealybugs, aphids and scale can weaken Christmas cacti and cause bud drop. Check for bugs under leaves and treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Disease
Fungal diseases like botrytis, root rot, and leaf spot can spread quickly. Bud drop is just one symptom. Discard infected plants, sterilize pots, and prevent disease with proper watering and air circulation.
How to Prevent Bud Drop
Now that you know why your Christmas cactus is dropping buds, it’s time to course correct and get it back on track for abundant winter blooms. Follow these tips:
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Water thoroughly – Allow soil to dry out between waterings, then soak completely. Yellow lower leaves indicate under-watering.
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Increase humidity – Use a humidifier or pebble tray to maintain 40-50% humidity. Dry air causes buds to shrivel.
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Find the right light – Place in bright, indirect light. A north or east facing window is best. Rotate to get even coverage.
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Maintain ideal temps – Keep daytime temps around 70°F and 60°F at night once buds form. Avoid drafts and heating/cooling vents.
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Feed lightly – Use a balanced fertilizer at 1/2 strength monthly from March-August. Overfeeding causes bud drop.
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Repot when needed – Refresh nutrient-depleted soil every 2-3 years. Use cactus mix amended with perlite for drainage.
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Avoid shock – Transition indoor plants gradually to avoid temperature, location, and lighting shock.
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Inspect for pests – Mealybugs, mites, and aphids can weaken plants and damage buds. Wipe leaves with alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
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Prune off spent blooms – Snip wilted flowers to encourage reblooming. Make cuts just above stems.
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Propagate vigorously – Take stem cuttings to grow replacements if disease strikes. Sterilize pots before replanting.
With some attentive care focused on avoiding stress and shock, you can get your Christmas cactus to reward you with a bounty of brilliant holiday blooms.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Cactus Bud Drop
If you’re struggling with a bud-dropping Christmas cactus, here are answers to some common questions:
How do I get buds to grow on my Christmas cactus?
To initiate bud growth, Christmas cacti need long uninterrupted dark periods starting in fall. Place the plant in a closet from 5pm-8am each night starting in October to mimic winter nights. Maintain moist soil and temperatures between 60-70°F.
What causes a Christmas cactus to wilt?
Wilting or drooping stems and leaves indicate underwatering. Christmas cacti should be thoroughly watered whenever the top 1-2″ of soil become dry. Insufficient water prevents roots from absorbing moisture, leading to wilting.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus turning yellow?
Yellow leaves point to overwatering or insufficient light. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Yellow lower leaves can also mean root rot. Remove dead sections. Place in bright indirect sunlight, rotating to encourage even growth.
How often should I fertilize my Christmas cactus?
Fertilize Christmas cacti monthly from March-August using a balanced houseplant food like 10-10-10 diluted to half strength. Don’t feed after September, as excess nutrients encourage leaf growth over flowers.
What should I do with my Christmas cactus after it finishes blooming?
After blooming finishes in late winter, continue caring for your Christmas cactus as usual by maintaining even moisture and placing in a bright window. Prune off spent flower stems. In spring, move outdoors to a shady spot after danger of frost has passed.
Following the tips outlined here will have your holiday cactus looking festive with bountiful blooms in no time. With the right care, your Christmas cactus can thrive for many holiday seasons to come!
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Species sold throughout the holiday season are often considered “short-day” plants. For a Christmas cactus to bloom, it needs to be dark for a long time before the buds form—at least 13 hours a night for eight weeks. This occurs naturally throughout winter when the day length is much shorter.
Other factors, like temperature and moisture, will also play a role in the plant’s ability to flower. Shop Houseplant Essentials.
The Gardening Know How Shop is the best place to buy rare plants in pots that water themselves. They also sell high-quality tools and other plant-related items.
Understand Christmas Cactus Flowering Habits
For those who want to know more about Christmas cactus and how it flowers, it can help when the plant is losing buds.
Christmas cacti are succulents that reside in the deeply vegetated tropical forests of Brazil. They are epiphytes, which means they grow on trees and rocks under a thick canopy of trees. Their aerial roots take in water and nutrients from their surroundings.