3. Color Spectrum Manipulation
LED lights that are programmable to different color spectrums can be used to influence various growth stages.
Buy a programmable LED grow light that allows you to adjust the color spectrum.
Use a blue-heavy spectrum (400-500 nm) during the vegetative stage to encourage bushy growth. Switch to a red-heavy spectrum (600-700 nm) during the flowering stage to encourage blooms.
Use the light for 12-16 hours per day, depending on the growth stage and specific needs of your Christmas Cactus.
Use blue light during the vegetative stage and red light during the flowering stage.
Products You Can Use
- Spider Farmer SF-1000 LED Grow Light
- VIPARSPECTRA Pro Series P1500 LED Grow Light
Science Behind It
Different wavelengths of light are known to affect plant growth in various ways. For instance, blue light generally promotes vegetative growth, while red light stimulates flowering.
When you control the light spectrum, you encourage specific types of growth at different times.
Supporting Researches
Research states that Photoperiod, light intensity, and light quality influence plant growth and development – from seed germination to flowering.
This study also highlights the importance of selecting the light wavelength that influences plant leaf, flower, and fruit production.
4. Use the Science of Photoperiodism for Flowering
The flowering of this plant is significantly influenced by photoperiodism, which is the biological response of an organism to changes in light duration. Do it for 6 weeks minimum till you see the formation of buds on the plant.
The Science Behind Light Manipulation
Christmas cacti are short-day plants, which means they require long periods of darkness to initiate flowering.
This is because, in their natural habitat, these plants bloom when the days are shorter and the nights are longer.
It is generally recommended that you start this in late September to early October. Continue it for at least six weeks or until buds appear for 12-14 hours of complete darkness per day.
It needs 10-12 hours of bright, indirect light.
How to Execute Light Restriction
Place the Christmas cactus in a room where it can be in total darkness for 12-14 hours. Alternatively, cover the plant with a dark cloth or place it in a dark box. Use a timer for both light and dark periods to regulate them accurately.
Expose the plant to the bright, indirect morning light for 3-4 hours.
Also, move the plant to a shaded area in the afternoon. Avoid hot, direct afternoon sun that can cause leaf scorching.
Science Behind It
During periods of darkness, the inactive form of phytochrome accumulates in the plant cells. When the plant is exposed to light, the phytochrome returns to its active form.
For short-day plants like the Christmas cactus, a specific point level of inactive phytochrome must be reached to initiate flowering.
This research talks about the workings of photoperiodism.
Making Christmas Cactus Bushi
5. Electrostimulation
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