---
title: "My Christmas cactus looks fairly healthy but has been losing leaves…"
description: "My Christmas cactus looks fairly healthy but has been losing leaves like crazy. And I’ll note that it hasn’t bloomed in about 10 years. 🥺 what am I doing…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/sfeYv0gmSyiCijJVSN6rjA?language=nl"
community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle"
author: "Emily"
published: "2024-02-26T00:59:10.001967Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OzgbFBpIWLiPkncvZ9WgQy7cpD7L6CMMYoN_h0MlApY/lFPWzjqLQMuhSc4cE8D-FA.webp?size=large"
---

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# My Christmas cactus looks fairly healthy but has been losing leaves…

_Geplaatst door Emily op 2024-02-26_

My Christmas cactus looks fairly healthy but has been losing leaves like crazy. And I’ll note that it hasn’t bloomed in about 10 years. 🥺 what am I doing wrong??

![Bijlage 1 van 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/OzgbFBpIWLiPkncvZ9WgQy7cpD7L6CMMYoN_h0MlApY/lFPWzjqLQMuhSc4cE8D-FA.webp?size=large)

## 8 reacties

### Snowstorm reageerde op 2024-02-26

My mum told me to put my (false) Christmas cactus in a dark cold room for a few weeks to encourage it to bloom in the end of the summer/early fall. Donno if that’s correct but it seems to work for hers.

#### Noah antwoordde op 2024-02-26

Yes every year I close my blinds until like noon so it receives less light. That coupled with the colder temps (I’m in climate zone 6) it flowers throughout the holiday season.

#### Noah antwoordde op 2024-02-26

![Bijlage 1 van 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/w94B-BWRSLD9FYf4yL5kEHC7WY3jM3N_kZa7mI47Nfg/X4u3-drjTSe0FAPTkZu7MQ.webp?size=large)

#### Snowstorm antwoordde op 2024-02-26

Oh sweet! This is my first Christmas cactus so I was wondering how I’d swing it. My mum is up north (zone 7) so her basement gets quiet cool in the summer. Our basement stays much warmer/is heated (I’m zone 5) so good to know if I put her in a darker room and maybe close the vents she’ll bloom. 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

#### Snowstorm antwoordde op 2024-02-26

Beautiful!!!! That’s the colour of mine too!! Can’t wait to see the blooms!

#### Sunny antwoordde op 2024-02-26

There are several articles on how to get these cacti to bloom. You can put it in total darkness for about 12 hours in a cooler area. Then, give it light in the day. Some put them in a laundry basket or cardboard box and cover with a light blocking blanket to force it into dormancy. It works better when it stays in total darkness the entire 12 hours, no light leaks or room lights, or the process starts over. It must get light during the day. So, remember remove the covers. This takes about 4 weeks to 6 weeks to see the flower buds. See online articles for details.

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