Why does Christmas cactus only flower at Christmas?

Answer 1

The Christmas cactus [Schlumbergera and Zygocactus spp] blooms in response to appropriate heat, light and moisture levels. At the same time, it blooms in response to its genetic inheritance. It's a native of the Brazilian rain forest, where its growing season corresponds to northern winters. The appropriate environmental conditions, the genetic inheritance, and the growing season combine to make the Christmas cactus bloom when it does.

Answer 2

Christmas cactuses do bloom every year usually about Christmas. I had one for years and it always bloomed. It does need a sunny window.

At Christmas, there is more darkness than daylight. Hence a Christmas cactus needs a sunny window to get enough light. In summer months it does not need a sunny window.

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Actually, Christmas cactuses require half daylight, half darkness. Most people generally stick them in the light all day and it'll cause the cactus to overproduce food. When a plant overproduced food from sunlight it'll cause delays in blooms and may even kill the plant.

Answer 3

actually, the Christmas cactus doesn't necessarily always bloom at Christmas. it blooms naturally in the beginning of October and sometimes as late as January.