Hello there! I am an Orchid Cactus, and I am so pleased you've invited me into your home. To help me truly thrive and show you my spectacular blooms, I need just the right spot. Please place me in a location with very bright, but indirect, light. A spot near an east-facing window is my absolute favorite, as I can bask in the gentle morning sun. A north-facing window can also work. Please, avoid harsh afternoon sun from south or west windows, as it will scorch my flat, leaf-like stems (they're called cladodes). I enjoy room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and would appreciate a cooler rest period in winter, around 50-55°F (10-13°C), to help me set my flower buds.
My watering needs change with the seasons, much like my tropical epiphytic ancestors who lived in tree branches. During my active growing season in spring and summer, I enjoy a consistent drink. Please water me thoroughly when the top inch of my soil feels dry, but never let my roots sit in water. Good drainage is non-negotiable for me! Come late fall and winter, I need to rest. During this dormancy, please significantly reduce watering, allowing my soil to dry out almost completely between waterings. I also adore humidity. If your home is dry, a pebble tray with water placed beneath my pot or occasional misting will make me very happy.
I cannot abide heavy, soggy soil. My roots demand a mix that is airy and extremely well-draining. A perfect home for me is a potting mix designed for orchids or succulents, or a blend you can make from regular potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark. As for food, I have a healthy appetite when I'm growing. From spring through summer, please feed me with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength every 4-6 weeks. To specifically encourage my magnificent flowers, you can switch to a fertilizer higher in phosphorus (like a 10-30-20 blend) in the early spring. Stop all feeding during my winter rest period; I am sleeping and do not need a meal.
You are likely most excited about my breathtaking, often night-blooming, flowers. To perform this show for you, I require specific conditions. The most critical factor is that cool winter rest period I mentioned (50-55°F). This chilly, drier dormancy for 6-8 weeks is what tells my body it's time to start forming buds. Without it, I may simply never bloom. Once you see flower buds forming in spring, please do not move or rotate my pot. I am very sensitive to light changes at this stage, and the buds may abort and drop off if my environment suddenly shifts. Just be patient, and I will reward you with a stunning display.
