How to Get Orchid Cactus to Bloom

[@Grrrnthumb]

Great video! But you did miss the #1 natural trigger to force blooming on these. It's an extended dry period. That is bolstered by cool night temps you mentioned they get when outside. To 100% guarantee a bloom, grown them outside with protection from midday sun under a deck or awning, so they only get direct sun early and/or late in the day. Grow them with fertilizer and frequent water so they're plump & fat and just tinged reddish at the edges from sun. Then when they get exposed to those cool night temps, stop watering completely for many weeks and protect from rain. When they get gaunt and the center ribs start to become prominent from drying down, they'll start to set buds if the plant is big enough. As soon as you get the buds set, then you can start up light water & fertilizer again and enjoy their amazing blooms. With this dry + cold method it's possible to get 2 sets of blooms per year. 🙂

[@bensellgreenhouse]

@@Grrrnthumb thank. You. Perfect instructions!

[@kayBTR]

I was thinking of bringing mine inside so I am so thankful you mentioned they need a temperature change! So glad you mentioned they need fertilizer, I had read they don’t need it. You are so right about the sunlight, the leaves on mine started turning yellow and that was the cause. Great video. I would love to see a tour of your greenhouse and seeing what is growing.

[@nerinat8371]

My favourite plants, thanks

[@bensellgreenhouse]

Mine too!

[@igaudion973]

super helpful thank u

[@Roxy-e77]

Thank you so so much for your help

[@tsb7003]

Very informative

[@bensellgreenhouse]

Glad you think so!

[@tysonmckinney5494]

Thanks so much. I’ve had some of my Great-grandmas cutting’s going for years… ha, Not a Cactus! Ours is a Disocactus, I guess, not an epy, is there any further recommendations for those?

[@roselyman7138]

What do you do with the roots that the plant sprouts?

[@bensellgreenhouse]

You can let them be or trim them off. Usually if it grows roots on the paddles that means inconsistent or not enough water. Epiphytes will also develop roots to anchor themselves on trees or other structures. Keep checking your pts for correct watering.

[@karentyler4117]

How often do fertilize every water? How often do u water in hot summer when it's 95 every day? Once a week or more often???

[@bensellgreenhouse]

We fertilize half strength every time we water spring through summer. Then give it just a flush of clear water for about 3 months after the blooming period. If it’s outside during the hot summer it is ok as long as it’s not in direct sun. Heat and humidity are great for this plant.

[@teresanarduzzi-g7f]

My cactus is sprouting little roots everywhere should I clip them and why is this happing

[@tuyetvo4353]

Epythyllum cactus . Hoa Quỳnh Raining day keep inside patio ….

[@bensellgreenhouse]

I agree if it’s a lot of rain. These plants will love rain water though but not torrential water that keeps them too wet for too long.