Grow Light for Hatiora: Easter Cactus Under Gentle LEDs
A grow light for hatiora has to work with the Easter cactus and its need for dark nights. NC State Extension lists this plant as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri and says it likes bright indirect light. Direct sun can scorch it, especially in the hottest part of the day.
The short answer
Give Easter cactus bright, filtered light from a dimmed LED for most of the year. In fall, move it away from lamps. It needs long, unbroken nights to set buds. Minnesota Extension says at nights of 60 to 65°F it needs at least 12 hours of complete darkness.
How much light does hatiora need?
NC State gives bright indirect light and 60 to 75°F, with a cooler 50°F in late winter to promote blooms. The University of Minnesota Extension says holiday cacti want bright but filtered light, high humidity and fairly moist soil, which sets them apart from most cacti. Too much sun brings pale green branches and sunburn. Wisconsin Extension adds that these plants do not tolerate long periods of intense direct sun. Read grow lights for cannabis for light basics.
Which grow light suits hatiora?
A dimmable LED suits it since you can turn it down. For succulents, University of Maine Cooperative Extension lists 100 to 200 PPFD. It points out that LEDs dim and that moving the light up or down changes intensity. Plants too far from a light put out thin, pale growth with longer gaps between leaves. Hang it higher than for a desert cactus. See led light distance cannabis for distance and grow light timers for timers.
How do you tell if hatiora has the right light?
Check stems and buds. Pale green branches point to too much light. Minnesota Extension says the direction and amount of sunlight can lead to dropped buds. NC State notes that Easter cactus forms its buds around February or March as days get longer, then blooms from late March to May.
Easter cactus light plan
| Season | Light | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Spring and summer | Bright, filtered light | Minnesota |
| Fall | Away from artificial lights | NC State |
| Short days | 12 hours of darkness at 60 to 65°F | Minnesota |
| Late winter | 50°F to promote blooms | NC State |
Sources: NC State Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension, University of Maine Cooperative Extension.
How to: step by step
- Pot the plant in a mix with good drainage and aeration.
- Hang a dimmable LED well above the stems.
- Set a timer for spring and summer growth.
- In fall switch the light off and move the plant away from lamps.
- Give it a cool spell in late winter.
- Water so the soil stays lightly moist but never soggy.
Troubleshooting
Pale green branches: too much light. Dim or raise the light.
Dropped buds: changes in light, drafts or sudden shifts in temperature or humidity, as Minnesota notes.
Dropped stem segments: NC State says over or under watering can cause this.
Kind Seed Co writes these notes for indoor gardeners. Under lights as well? Browse cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (Easter cactus), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Holiday cacti, University of Minnesota Extension
- Holiday cactus, University of Wisconsin Madison Extension
- Growing houseplants under artificial lights in Maine (Bulletin 2614), University of Maine Cooperative Extension
FAQ
Is easter cactus the same as Christmas cactus?
No. Wisconsin Extension says holiday cacti belong to two genera. Rhipsalidopsis blooms in spring and is called Easter cactus, while Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera.
How many hours of light does it need?
That depends on the season. Minnesota Extension says that at nights of 60 to 65°F it needs at least 12 hours of complete darkness to set buds.
Why do the buds drop?
Minnesota Extension lists drafts, sudden changes in temperature or humidity, excess water and the direction and amount of light.
Should easter cactus get a cool rest?
Yes. NC State says cooler temperatures of 50°F in late winter promote blooming.
Does easter cactus need humidity?
NC State says it prefers high humidity. A humidifier, a saucer of rocks and water or a bathroom can help.
