Using sterilized pruning shears or scissors, trim back the desired sections to the desired length. Make clean cuts just above a leaf node or joint, as this will encourage new growth to sprout from that area. Additionally, remove any dead or damaged stems to promote overall plant health. How Long Do Christmas Cactus Flowers Last. The Christmas cactus flowers typically last about 10 days. However, if the temperature is too cold, the flowers may only last for a few days. How To Force A Thanksgiving Cactus To Bloom. As your first option, keep the plant in a cool place. Place the plant outside overnight for six to eight weeks A Christmas cactus plant produces flowers in a cool, environment with a short day cycle. This means late in the fall when the days are shorter and the temps are cooler. Keep Christmas cactus in the dark to force blooms. These plants really do love darkness. Don’t keep it in a room where lights are on well into the evening. Many people remove spent blooms as flowers fade to keep plants healthy and the garden looking its best. If you want to deadhead cactus flowers, wear thick gloves, especially if you have several plants to work with. Long sleeves may be needed sometimes or long pants. Try to avoid painful pricks when working with your cactus. The first Christmas cactus I had was in Northern California, it bloomed profusely 3-4 times per year. I now live in New Mexico @ 7000 feet. I bought a Christmas cactus last Christmas and it’s got blooms coming on quick. In the fall, pinch off the leaves to limit growth and prepare the plant for blooming buds with a short-day treatment. After you take off the leaves, you’ll need to water and adjust the fertilizers to stop the growth of flower buds, not shoots. Flower buds also need short-day treatment. Pick the flowers as they wilt, and you’ll be rewarded How Long Do Christmas Cactus Live? Christmas cactus enjoys excellent longevity and can live for more than 100 years. Healthy, well-looked-after plants are often passed down from one generation to another as family heirlooms. About Oct. 1 set your Christmas cactus in a room where you never turn the lights on at night. For the flower buds to set, Christmas cacti need 12 – 14 hours of continuous darkness per day. After the flower buds have set, the plants can withstand light at night. Cool night temperatures also encourage bloom, 50 to 55 degrees. JTJUWaa.

how long do christmas cactus flowers last