Question

only one bloom   My fonquieria splendens/monkey tail cactus is 14 years old.  I bought it in a two inch plastic pot.
I can not really remember how many times I have transplanted it.  I have purchased several stands as the 'tails' kept growing and were touching the floor.  The plant stands inside of a french door facing South.  The clay pot is 8 inches wide.  I use the cactus soil mixed with vermiculite.  Last week I noticed
one orange bud facing right near the window.  The next day it bloomed and then died and fell off.
Can you please give me advice on how to make more blooms?  Thanks so very much for your time and expertise.  I have enclosed a picture.  The bloom is hard to see but look to the bottom right and you will see a small orange bloom facing the window.   Judy

Answer
Hi Judy,

The plant in the photo does not look like Fouquieria splendens. I believe you have an Aporocactus flagelliformis, sometimes informally called Rattail cactus.

To flower this plant needs to be very potbound and located in a sunny window. The light looks okay, but it may not be as tightly potted as it should be. In nature, it clings to tiny bits of soil in rock crevices and in the crotches of tree branches. That demonstrates how littel soil it requires. Nothing you can do about that other than to stop anymore repotting and allow the roots to fill the pot.

Although this plant is not frost hardy, it does require cool temperatures to flower. In the summer, temps should be about 70 degrees F. and in fall and winter temps should be kept below 60 degrees. That is not easy for most people to do in their homes. In addition, the soil must dry out completely in the fall and winter to help set the buds. Once the buds appear, you can resume normal watering and fertilizing. Flowers typically last for only 3 to 4 days.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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