It is a common misconception that Christmas cacti need to be placed in the dark to bloom. While it is true that these plants require a period of darkness in order to flower, it is not necessary to place them in a completely dark room. Instead, it is recommended to place the Christmas cactus in an area where it will receive 12 to 14 hours of darkness each night, but also have access to a few hours of light each day. This will provide the necessary conditions for the plant to flower.