If you are looking to make the most out of your Christmas Cactus this holiday season, timing is everything. Controlling the amount of darkness this plant receives could be the secret to more lively flowers at the right time around Christmas! So, When Should You Put a Christmas Cactus in the Dark? Let’s find out!
The Role of Darkness
Light Exposure and Photoperiodism
Like many other plants, Christmas cacti are sensitive to light exposure, a phenomenon known as photoperiodism. Photoperiodism refers to the ability of plants to respond to variations in the length of day and night.
Christmas cacti are classified as “short-day” plants like Poinsettia, which means they require long, uninterrupted periods of darkness to trigger their flowering mechanisms.
Hormonal Changes
During the dark periods, the plant starts producing a hormone called florigen. It acts as the internal signal of the plant to initiate the development of buds and flowers.
Extended darkness increases the concentration of this florigen and encourage the plant to bloom.
Temperature
Temperature also plays a role in the blooming process. Cooler temperatures, when met with extended periods of darkness, can speed up flower bud formation. Therefore, placing your Christmas cactus in a dark, slightly cooler room can be doubly effective.
When Should You Put a Christmas Cactus in the Dark
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