Taking care of succulents can be a wonderful experience. They are an excellent choice for novice planters because they don’t require much maintenance. However, many will experience the frustration of their cactus flowers perishing after a short time.
If you take care of a cactus, you may wonder, why do cactus flowers die so quickly? There are a few reasons why this might be happening. Below you will find tips for cactus flowers that perish before they’re supposed to and what to do about it.
Causes of Short Bloom Time
There are many species of cacti that bloom including the Christmas Cactus, Dog Tail Cactus and Blue Myrtle Cactus. The flowers that cactuses produce can be vibrant and exciting. Losing it before you’ve had the chance to appreciate it can be disappointing.
Overwatering
Many gardeners will experience the fallout of overwatering their succulents. Cactuses don’t usually need much moisture to survive and will reject too much additional liquid.
Watering these plants every few weeks is often more than enough. It can also be helpful to keep the cactuses’ growth periods in mind. You can time your watering with your plant’s optimal schedule.
Insufficient Sunlight
Most succulents are accustomed to abundant sunlight; this makes sense, considering they typically come from dry, arid spaces. If you notice your cactus is wilting or otherwise not thriving, try moving it into direct sunlight, and you may notice that it perks up within a few days.
Short Bloom Time
The simplest explanation for some plants is that the flowers have a short bloom time. Depending on which cactus you choose, the flower may not last very long, although this isn’t always the case.
With some research, you can find out how long the flowers on your cactus should bloom. A few very unique plants will bloom for just a day or two.
Christmas cactuses are succulents with one of the longest bloom times. If you are interested in adding succulents to your garden for their flowering capacity, it’s wise to look into the bloom times of each species.
Caring for Cacti
If you’re interested in adding cacti to your garden, one of the best things you can do is learn how to take care of them well. Blooms tend to last the longest with ideal care.
Pruning
Many people wouldn’t consider pruning an essential part of caring for succulents. This is unfortunate, however, because even these sturdy little plants need occasional grooming. With cacti, this can include removing welting flowers or dying stems and branches. This practice makes room for new growth.
Proper Soil
Finding the correct soil for any given cacti is subjective. Certain cacti will prefer different pH levels, but the proper soil with plenty of fertile components is vital in terms of plant growth. A nutrient-dense soil will provide your plant with the elements needed for sustained growth.
Excellent Drainage
Cacti and other succulents absolutely cannot withstand too much moisture. Selecting well-draining soil and allowing it to dry out between waterings is the perfect way to keep the roots healthy. It can also be helpful to add rocks to the bottom of a pot and select one with drainage holes.
Conclusion
So, why do cactus flowers die so quickly? Determining the reason can be a matter of trial and error. It’s important to keep in mind that, in some cases, this is entirely normal. And others, you have the opportunity to extend their life by providing the ideal care and environment for your specific plant.
If you are still feeling confused and overwhelmed, it’s easy to get in touch with a professional who can help advise you on the matter. In some instances, succulents can be fragile and need delicate care to thrive.