How to Make Your Christmas Cactus Bloom! 🌵|Care and Propagation Tips!|

Have you ever had a Christmas Cactus that wouldn't bloom? If so, this video is for you! I go over all of the necessary care tips to get your Thanksgiving or Christmas Cactus into tip top shape as well as give you a sure-fire way to get your cactus to bloom every time!
Hi!
My name is Justin and I have my managed my family's business (S&K Greenhouse) for the last 10 years! It is a local garden center in Shelby, NC that my family started around 25 years ago.
We have a strong desire to discuss and teach gardening to the online community and welcome anyone who wants to learn. Though we have been involved in the plant world for decades we have found that there is always something to learn when it comes to gardening.
Whether you are a master gardener or just starting out this channel is for you. Thank you so much for taking the time to watch our videos!

[@JMeixsell]

My Christmas Cactus is from a cutting of my mothers whose plant was from a cutting of HER grandmothers'. My grandmother was born in 1900 so that's generally how old my cactus is. Now if I can just get it to bloom. I've been trying for 22 years and it's only bloomed once. Thanks for the tips!

[@aleksandramocko2678]

Is it getting any food?

[@juliagarcia7512]

That is so beautiful...I'm going to try to and see if I'm lucky.thank you for sharing

[@aquilaclark814]

I have one that’s at least 23 years old and it blooms every Christmas. I use miracle Grow.

[@TaraAndFriends]

My aunt gave me a now 3 yr old rooting cutting of a bow 83 year old Christmas cactus plant!!

[@anneherring4475]

If the tallest leaf is turning red does that mean it's getting ready to bloom?

[@nancydickey7576]

My Easter Cactus, is 5 yrs old, and it was in bloom when I purchased it at Christmas all those yrs ago…it never bloomed again until I remembered my mom always giving her plants black tea every so often, so I gave it a drink of black tea..and it started blooming within a week those tiny buds that had been on the plant all those years…

[@aspanzer2006]

What kind of black tea?

[@judymitchell9802]

I like the way you gave so much information - my cactus was blooming when we came home in April and although 'healthy" looking you have given me pointers on how to make it more so. And for how to make more cacti! Thanks a heap!

[@OvcharkaShepherd]

We must be doing something right. Our white cactus blooms every Easter and Christmas.

[@chrisberg3629]

I've had mine for at least 5 years with no blooms. Recently, I put it in the closet for 2 months and let it dry out almost completely. Finally, I'm seeing a few blooms. I moved it to a sunny window. I enjoyed your clear and concise instructions. Saying my plant prayers! LOL!

[@fzleadventures173]

This video was perfect! Informative while still being fun to watch 😍 Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

[@richardfrost416]

Agreed 👍

[@DJTHRILLER]

I have one of these and it sits in an east facing window. I water about every week and a half or so and it blooms a lot. Really cool plant! Thanks for the tips as well!!

[@rosemariemoore3859]

I didn't have an area to black out the plant. I put a brown grocery bag over it for the allotted time . It bloomed beautiful. I never had it do that before

[@swright5081]

Great info! Thank you. Mine is a 5th or 6th generation plant whose 'parent' came into the family in the 1880s. I've had the one I have now since 1975 and it has main 'trunks' that are thicker than my thumb, but not as thick as my wrist. It is in a 15" x 15" x 15" pot, and fills a 3'x3' table, hanging far below the edge. I call it the Holiday Cactus because it used to bloom several times a year -- near Easter, My son's b-day in October, and Christmas. But the last 10 years or so it, and all its new cuttings, just aren't blooming as enthusiastically as in the past. -- only about half the plant blooms at a time, and only a handful of blooms at once. Now I see there are some things I can do to make it happier. It is way too dry where it is, with very low humidity. It is in the brightest, naturally lit room in the house, but this time of year maybe gets too much light? There are no curtains there, and light comes from 3 sides. Anyway. Thank you. I will try the easy fixes first, and wait to see if it needs a new room to be in later.

[@AmericanPatriot-1776]

Wow, you'e got a happy plant.

[@user-ny3ij8vf5n]

done all you said kept in closet every might , also had a grow light and it is blooming like crazy now going to put in a saucer of pebbles and bring it in living room its Beautifull thanks so much

[@kerryfisher2596]

Thank you for your great tips. I hope I can get more blooms this year. I like your tip on adding extra humidity with rocks and water in a shallow plate, and place plant on top. Added bonus!

[@maureenkelly9920]

Fantastically informative! I'm rearing to do my cactus some justice in this world😂

[@MrsNoraZ]

Best Christmas Cactus Video Ever, it’s clear and quickly gets to the point. Thank you

[@AnaisTamargo]

This video was the first that popped up when I searched Christmas cactus and im so happy!! Just got one, I live in Miami, and repotted it so this video was SO helpful!! Thank You!☺🙏

[@barbaradavidson1950]

Thanks so much. My husband just gifted me a Christmas (it's really a Thanksgiving) cactus. I surely would have watered it too much. Waiting for that show and hopping I don't get bloom drop.

[@denisev.1217]

So great!! Thank you, I just received one for Christmas and now know what to do!

[@TnOrchidguy]

Thank you, brother, thank you.

[@RealALSK]

Thank you!! ❤

[@dustyflats3832]

Mine I believe is thanksgiving cactus, but it has bloomed on all 3 known holidays. It is not always a full flush of blooms. I believe because it’s in a room with a TV that the light prevents that side from bloom. It’s near, but not directly in south light. I love this plant and orchids and that’s all because I’m not great at watering plants and these don’t mind being on the dry side and root bound. It’s difficult to tell by shape of leaves because mine has both scalloped and pointed edges. They don’t like full watering only light watering. If I flood it like a normal plant the leaves turn yellow and I use a fairly shallow bowl type pot.

[@cheralsquyresArt]

Yikes I see a little bud. I have had bud drop before. I placed it in my bathroom to sleep without light. I am real excited.

[@kimberlymckevitt8227]

Thank you for your enthusiasm!

[@MLHPChanel]

Thanks so much for the information ❤

[@emilyrissling9703]

Very good explained thank you ,am gone try it

[@greenthumbelina7331]

Justin, thanks for the great growing information, and I didn't know the difference between a Christmas and a Thanksgiving cactus; I had always overwatered them in the past. Thanks for your timely tips, maybe this time, I'll be able to keep my newly acquired Thanksgiving cactus alive. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful Christmas! ~Margie🤗❄☃🎄

[@RealALSK]

You’re so sweet! Merry Christmas to y’all! Remember at the end of the day it’s still a cactus so you can always add more water but you can’t take it back, kinda like salt in cooking 🧑‍🍳

[@greenthumbelina7331]

@@RealALSK I definitely agree! 😃

[@jeanneblackwell5123]

WELL DONE!! Very informative and to the point. thanks. subscribed. first time owning a thanksgiving cactus. I didn't know there was such a thing. Whole video all new info for me. I love learning and you made it fun. thanks

[@dottisiders6932]

Agreed! Justin, you explain it well, and thank you for doing it with a happy heart. Happy New Year and a belated Merry Christmas…😁👊

[@karintolbert7452]

Excellent video!! ❤

[@slomo1716]

FABULOUS INFORMATION, I never knew there are two types (Thanksgiving and Christmas) Cacti! THANK YOU and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

[@marlenebornman1841]

There's also an easter cactus

[@vanarts7]

Thanks a lot for the very concise good tips! So easy to follow!

[@mildredmurphy9825]

I put leftover coffee in mine last year it bloomed in a couple of weeks

[@tesswagner895]

Always a treat to see you and what new you want to educate us on 💞 You are so fun to watch. Here's wishing you and yours best wishes in the coming new year!!! And looking forward to your videos 💞

[@RealALSK]

Best wishes to you! ❤️ Thank you so much it’s just the beginning!

[@tesswagner895]

@@RealALSK 🤸‍♂️ Yay!!!!!🥰

[@Dave-if5qj]

If you don't have a dark place to put them putting a box over the Works

[@jaynebirkholz1596]

Great information!

[@gigiheinsohn6635]

thank you for theses information now i can put them to use on my cactus.

[@JaniceWyatt-ho7ng]

Thank you thank your thank you... will keep you posted on our results

[@evapaula-re7rp]

Beautiful plants 🪴🙏

[@joymahan2157]

Thank you for this information and all the other videos, too. Keep them coming.

[@OSKG2023]

Dude, I love your videos. You just crack me up. 😂

[@chrismason7669]

Were in April and minds blooming

[@nitaronquillo]

Very educational. My cactus is not flowering yet. It's almost December. Thank you for your tips. I'll try your tips and let you know. Thanks alot.

[@Cherryparfait41]

Hi, Justin! I’m a plant person 😊 and I just have to ask….can I prune my thanksgiving cactus now? It not pushing new growth yet. Always blooms beautifully for me. Thanks!

[@user-mc3nq9cr2b]

You have been so helpful, Thank You.❤❤😊

[@elliestueven5854]

I just your Thanksgiving Cactus info and learned why mine didn’t bloom this year. Thanks. Now I have another problem. I recently sold my home and moved into an over 55 apartment complex. My door and window to the patio faces north. I also have plots to a community garden and need knowledge on what plants I should get for patio that gets about 4 hours of sun during the summer, and garden area 6 hours of sun sunrise to 11:00 am. Do you have a video relating to that?

[@mike2garth]

I have tried and no luck don't know what I'm doing wrong, I would like to know how to propagating some rose do you have a video on that any help will help, love your show and don't change. thanks. Michael

[@Christmascactus88]

After watching the video about Christmas cactus, I feel extremely delighted and touched by the beauty of this plant. The video has helped me gain new knowledge about how to care for and decorate Christmas cactus during the holiday season. The images and information presented in the video demonstrate the delicacy and diligence in taking care of the Christmas cactus. From watering, pruning, to fertilizing, everything is done with love and meticulous care. I am also impressed with the way the Christmas cactus was decorated in the video. The LED lights and decorative accessories used created a warm and colorful festive atmosphere. The Christmas cactus is not only a decorative plant, but also a creative and impressive work of art. I am very grateful for the opportunity to watch this video and learn new knowledge about Christmas cactus. I hope to apply this knowledge to better care for my own plant and decorate a beautiful Christmas cactus in the upcoming holiday season.

[@barbaranorman9587]

Well explained in a quick manner unlike some utube narrators speak to slowly or take to long to make a point

[@susanclements9168]

My plants still going from my Original cuttings thirty three years ago I had off my sister.

[@sarahtaylor1833]

This was a GREAT video! I was wondering... I Googled the question re: Christmas cactus fertilizers, & a 20-20-20 was recommended (50% dilution). There are LOTS of fertilizers out there! I REALLY need your help about this! I read somewhere that you can get phemonenal growth by using tomato fertilizer... but Im not going to assume that is true. Which fertilizer brand is BEST for plant growth the cactus' growth & bloom production? I dont want to waste money buying several different fertilizers... also, should I opt for the leaf feeding type over the soil additive? My cactus is about 5x larger than when I first got it Feb last year. Im in Florida & our water is VERY hard. I lightly mist the leaves daily... but Im noticing the leaves arent shiny green. Is that because of mineral deposits on the leaves? They are nice & green, but dull looking. I dont want to assume something is wrong... I dont want to use a product that makes the leaves shiny- because I will be feeding thru the leaves. For years, I had a VERY successful garden- it was featured in our local weekend gardener section of the paper. I put in well over 750 hours. It covered the entire front yard (90% of the sod was removed)- there were 87 different hybrid tea roses, glads, amaryllis, impatiens, lobelia, daisies, butterfly weed & much more. There was a large area of mixed wildflowers. My Thanksgiving & Christmas cactus'- they are my main indoor plants (I dont have a garden anymore) & I know they need specific conditions & care. I want to be successful because I asked for advice from someone who KNOWS what they are doing... not by me assuming, then end up killing some of my plants. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[@ariananewcombe7737]

Beautiful presentation! 😊❤ I just subscribed! 😊❤

[@aleksandramocko2678]

Mine, both, thanksgiving and chrismas cactus are blooming thru all year. I find that after blooming i stop watering them until i will see leafes are wilty. Then i water them regulary amd in second watering i start feed them with seeweed organic fertilizer. But best amd tge most beautiful blooms are oct-jan.

[@beckyboopz1]

Love your videos, Justin! I have what you call a Christmas cactus but was labeled as an Easter cactus - and it has never bloomed since I brought it home from the store. I’m trying your method this year to see if it will finally bloom.

[@iluvchuko4415]

It probably is an Easter cactus, as Christmas cactus isn't sold in stores. Christmas and Easter do look really similar. Easters are a bit more fat-rounded on sides, Christmas tends to be longer. (Hope I made sense there lol)

[@tomcekiprovski8810]

Hey mate I'm from Australia and I just bought a Christmas cactus which I didn't need to know what it was in till I looked it up our seasons are different to your United States season do you reckon we should take care of the same way you do in the US please let me know because our summer is your winter and our winter is your summer

[@joycegemmill8557]

Thank you!

[@miasaddington3931]

Thank you good advice 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@melgavette3256]

Thank you!!

[@sarahtaylor1833]

I forgot to mention... I bought my 2 cactus' right after the peak of blooming, in Octber. There were only 6 blooms. I was in for quite a surprise... I couldnt believe what happened next- it bloomed TWO more times in less than 3½ months! The last bloom cycle had more than double the amt of blooms. I dont know if it was what I did, or if it was what the grower did, that it bloomed so much. double the amt of blooms.

[@sandraturner5338]

❤great info thanks

[@grahamthomas411]

Tomatoes feed any use ??? great tips thanks for your time 👍👍👍👍👍

[@RealALSK]

What’s the ratio of NPK in it?

[@RealALSK]

Also thanks for watching!

[@grahamthomas411]

@@RealALSK I will check on that thanks for your help 👍

[@grahamthomas411]

@@RealALSK 4per cent potassium !👍 could be a bit rich ??in potassium

[@missya3138]

I received a thanksgiving cactus and it had buds and flowers in it and I left it outside and they fell off what should I do ? Put it inside a closet ?

[@denisefaust6408]

Now I’m confused. Last yr I got a cactus in the spring & it was labeled Easter Cactus. It has the rounded leaves you described. I was always told the pointy leaves is Christmas Cavtus.

[@missyflutter5562]

Common names are extremely confusing & shouldn’t be used in horticulture, as there are many with same “common name” but are not the same plants. If you stick to the botanical names there’s no confusion.

[@zarkatalksbangla]

very nice

[@crankychef]

Can you grow cherry trees for fruit in the south? We're in northern SC, zone 7b.. having a hard time finding info online.

[@RealALSK]

You sure can!

[@aloseman]

As a heads up, that pebble tray doesn't work as expected. It's not much different than having a plate of water across the room. Moisture diffuses throughout an environment, having almost no effect on overall humidity.

[@lindawilliams1158]

Is there not also a spring cactus. I'm in California and my Christmas cactus did fine. I have another one is just now getting buds-April.

[@dianakane3995]

That would be the Easter cactus then.

[@angelamann140]

My MIL gave me a cutting from her Christmas cactus,when should start covering it in a dark place?

[@pattisutton650]

I took cuttings mid October, will they bloom around Thanksgiving if I put them in the dark and bring them out of closet around 9AM eah day for a week?

[@zasgardens7465]

New friend and subscriber from the Philippines!!! Actually, I am from Illinois and retired and decided to open my flower farm here in the Philippines. Thank you for sharing, it is a good info for me because i have not let my Christmas cactus bloom but I was able to propagate it. Please visit me sometimes in Zas Gardens when you have the chance. Thank you and God bless.

[@mnguyetnguyen-xf2vq]

My plan seems dying how do I save it help thank you

[@alparker8661]

Scotts Super Bloom

[@roshraghubir8356]

Hi please can we have d name of d white powder u used thank u

[@ann2155]

I’ve heard so many people say to put your cactus in a dark area. I have 15 of various shades of cactuses of this type, and I have never put them in the dark. What works for me is neglect. Lack of water. During the summer, I am so busy with growing my seedlings for my vegetable garden. And then maintaining that garden and harvesting and canning that my cactus is getting neglected. They repay me by blooming twice a year once in October and I have some blooming at this moment. (January) And every single one blossoms without issues. I do fertilize with fish emulsion.

[@TheFreedPerspective]

Does anyone know what the plant is hanging in the background??

[@triciamahan1152]

My poor cactus is not doing well. Leaves are withering...my soil is not too wet or too dry. I revived it about 20+ years ago...and it did great for about 15 years. I think it's giving up. Is there anything I can do to save it?

[@truthtellerfreethinker7311]

It’s still bloom without put in the dark.

[@Schnooberu]

What type of cactus or succulent is that hanging one in the background, beautiful!

[@RealALSK]

🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰 Thank you for noticing! That is my Dogtail Cactus! I rescued him from a lady on Facebook 10 months ago and he’s flourishing! But they sell them at Lowe’s! (Seasonally)

[@SeanDrain]

@@RealALSK - What kind of pot/hanging basket did you use for that dogtail cactus? I have a similar cactus that has been in my family for years, we call it bucket of worms and I think it'd be neat to try it in a hanging form like that. It has very fine roots though that aren't too strong and not sure the best pot option. Any tips would be appreciated!

[@RealALSK]

@@SeanDrain Hey! I used a regular 11” nursery pot that we use for hanging baskets! Ask your local garden center about a blank hanging nursery pot ! I used fox farm ocean Forrest potting soil with perlite and peat moss but fair warning ocean Forrest is too strong for the cactus he didn’t like it but since this video he’s quadrupled in size haha

[@dlemmon1276]

Im in zone 8b and it is April, my "Thanksgiving Cactus" is blooming. It isnt a lot because it is a 4" newbie, but does that mean it blooms 2 x a year?

[@SullenGirl1984]

I water mine almost everyday and it blooms 2x a year!

[@SullenGirl1984]

He made all this up 😂

[@bradmcclure4462]

Justin what part of south?

[@susanescamilla4965]

Can this plant be in a hanging basket in window

[@RealALSK]

YES

[@michaelacker2069]

Dark out method is unnecessary. All you need to do is give Schlumbergera buckleyi and Schlumbergera truncata Hybrids , Nighttime Temperatures between 40 to 60°F for 6 to 8 weeks to induce budding.

[@judithbarton6562]

Every cactus I have bought has died. I can’t seem to keep them alive.

[@RealALSK]

Less water more light ❤

[@judyingram-kh1vm]

I bought my mom one about 2 years before she past away. She loved it, she got it to bloom about 3 or 4 times. My sister took it home with her, it died. I'm afraid to buy one I'm afraid I can't get it to bloom or it will die.😮

[@wandatraver4285]

What eats chunks out of my cactus?

[@RealALSK]

Pet?

[@mnguyetnguyen-xf2vq]

My Christmas cactus doesn’t look healthy it’s dying why?

[@littlebudsvlog6723]

My cactus is not blooming 😢

[@karenreyes840]

Hi can you pls tel me the name for the homone growing thingui that growth for injert? please

[@pamaladarsow2763]

I put a box over my cactus at night

[@abrahamsasa3439]

It's plant parent

[@karinecraye7937]

Dommage pas de français

[@ChiNguyen-oh6ng]

Sorry!!! A clip the guy just talk…..talk too much , the main thing is how to make flower , what kind of fertilizer using ???? He didn’t mention just ignored . It’s so sad

[@SullenGirl1984]

Hey! I water mine everyday. This dude does talk to much. Apparently this plant is from the rain forest so spray the leaves with water and also water either everyday or every other day. Also he kept saying tit #1 tit #2 he's a dork

[@justsayin5609]

I enjoy and trust your videos Justin, but a little less drama in your intro please. Looks like you've been taking lessons from another youtuber I refuse to follow for the exact same reason. Enthusiasm is one thing; drama is quite another.

[@jendawson5765]

If you don’t like the “drama” move on lady you really do complain too much

[@sher64ct45]

Stop‼️ shouting ….. it’s okay to just talk!!