🌺 Thanksgiving Cactus

☀️ Light

Bright indirect light year-round. North- or east-facing window ideal. No harsh direct sun — stems yellow or pale. Tolerates limited direct sun in midwinter only. Grow light or fluorescent light works well.

💧 Water

• Allow top 2–3 cm to dry between waterings
• Soak thoroughly, drain fully
• Keep evenly moist during flowering (autumn/winter)
• Reduce in spring after blooms drop
• Never let sit in water — root rot is the most common cause of death
• Sensitive to tap water minerals — filtered or rainwater preferred

🪴 Soil

• Well-draining but moisture-retentive (not as sandy as desert cactus mixes)
• Good potting mix + perlite + fine bark or orchid mix
• Slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5)
• Prefers a slightly snug pot — overpotting discourages blooming
• Always use a pot with drainage holes

🌡️ Temperature

• Growing season (April–September): 18–27 °C
• Bud-set trigger (mid-September onwards): 15–18 °C days / 7–13 °C nights
• During flowering: 21–24 °C days / 16–21 °C nights
• Above 32 °C causes bud drop
• Minimum: 7 °C — do not expose to frost
• Avoid cold drafts, sudden swings, and heat vents

💦 Humidity

• 50–60% preferred; tolerates average indoor levels
• Pebble tray or humidifier helpful in dry winter heating season
• Good air circulation reduces fungal risk

🌱 Feeding

• Every 2–4 weeks spring/summer at half strength
• Balanced liquid fertilizer
• Stop after blooms drop; resume in spring with new growth
• Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup
• Light feeder — less is more