---
title: "I am helping my Christmas cactus to bloom. I put them under boxes at…"
description: "I am helping my Christmas cactus to bloom. I put them under boxes at night. They look like they will have flowers soon."
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/6556a08bef87d9f21941156c"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Betty"
published: "2023-11-16T23:06:51.402Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/H0MHhvNs8CMlowDOJLN8eqMxRHTsavT_F687JQ2yhKY/e891a0b8534e4ca2b3e29171f9317842.webp?size=large"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md)

# I am helping my Christmas cactus to bloom. I put them under boxes at…

_Posted by Betty on 2023-11-16_

I am helping my Christmas cactus to bloom. I put them under boxes at night. They look like they will have flowers soon.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/H0MHhvNs8CMlowDOJLN8eqMxRHTsavT_F687JQ2yhKY/e891a0b8534e4ca2b3e29171f9317842.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Lindsay in PA commented on 2023-11-17

I did a paper bag nightly years ago and got a few blooms. As soon as I stopped, they died and fell off.

### Mullein commented on 2023-11-17

I’m trying I similar thing with my poinsettia from last year. Except half the time I forget to tuck it in or take it out in the morning 😅

### Kelly commented on 2023-11-17

Why does covering them encourage flowering?

#### Sunny replied on 2023-11-17

Putting the cactus in total darkness (at night only) for at least 12 hours simulates cooler months and begins dormancy. After several weeks, the plant starts blooming. The plant needs cooler temperatures around 55°F at night, as well. They also need bright light and warmer temperatures during the day. Plus, the dormancy ends (procedure restarts) if the plant is exposed to light during the 12 hour night period. It’s a hassle. But, worth it if the plant blooms.

### ReeRee commented on 2023-11-17

I think that’s a False Christmas cactus( aka zygo cactus, aka thanksgiving cactus) I have one too and its buds are almost ready to bloom. Yours will probably bloom before thanksgiving.

### Betty commented on 2023-11-21

Thank you, gang.🥰

---

_Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_