Frequency: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Method:
Use room-temperature water.
Water thoroughly until it runs out the drainage holes. Empty the saucer afterward to prevent waterlogging.
Seasonal Changes:
Water less frequently in fall (to encourage budding) and more regularly during the blooming period.
Avoid Overwatering: Constantly soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Encouraging Blooms
Light and Darkness Cycle
In late fall, give the cactus about 12–14 hours of darkness each night for 6–8 weeks. This mimics the shorter days and cooler nights of its natural environment, encouraging flower buds to form.
Temperature Adjustments
Keep the plant in cooler temperatures during this period—around 55–60°F (13–15°C)—to stimulate blooming.
Feeding
Use a balanced fertilizer (20-20-20) diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Stop feeding in late summer and early fall, then resume once the blooms fade.
Post-Bloom Care
Remove Spent Blooms
