An Orchid Cactus Will Not Flower

Proper Conditions

• Encouraging flower formation and blooming in orchid cactus is no small feat. Your goal should be to emulate the natural conditions of orchid cactus as closely as possible. Keep in mind that orchid cactus may take three years to begin blooming. Stressors like transplanting can also delay blooms.

Soil and Pots

• Orchid cactus have very different needs than other cacti. They are tropical rainforest dwellers, dry and sandy conditions will not provide these plants what they need to bloom. Instead, use a commercial potting mix and add some extra sand to encourage good drainage. Choose a pot that will allow good drainage, but not a lot of extra root space for the orchid cactus you are growing, they prefer to be pot-bound and bloom best in this situation.

Water, Humidity and Fertilizer

• Water is vital to the production of blooms in the orchid cactus. Although they need well-drained soil, they evolved in a climate where it rains daily so water often. If possible, keep your orchid cactus in a location with high humidity, such as a greenhouse. Fertilize once a month from spring until fall with a balanced fertilizer, but do not fertilize during December or January. Apply low nitrogen fertilizer at the end of February and early in November to encourage blooms.

Heat and Light

• Orchid cactus are far more flexible than many plants when it comes to ambient temperatures. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 45 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that temperatures do not drop below 45 degrees during the winter, even at night. Orchid cactus do best in dappled shade or under medium light.