Christmas Cactus Care Tips

With proper care, Christmas cactus can grow well indoors and bloom year after year.

Before acquiring a new plant, make sure your environment meets its needs. Not every plant will do well in every location.

Christmas Cactus Overview

FeatureDetailsGenusSchlumbergeraCommon NameChristmas CactusPlant TypeHouseplantLightPart SunHeight6–12 inchesWidth1–2 feetFlower ColorsOrange, Pink, Purple, Red, White, YellowFoliage ColorBlue/GreenSeason FeaturesFall, Spring, and Winter BloomSpecial FeaturesGood for Containers, Low MaintenancePropagationSeed, Stem Cuttings

Light and Temperature

Bright but indirect light is best for Christmas cactus. It can tolerate some direct light, but avoid strong direct sunlight during summer because it can burn the fleshy leaves.

If the stems begin turning reddish-purple, the plant may be receiving too much sunlight. Too little light can result in thin, spindly growth and sparse flowering.

Christmas cactus grows best in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. Keep it away from radiators, fireplaces, and other sources of excessive heat.

During warm summer months, it can be grown outdoors in a sheltered, partially shaded location. Bring it indoors before temperatures fall below 50°F.

Water and Humidity

Christmas cactus requires regular watering, especially during spring and summer.

Water weekly during spring and summer. In early October, reduce watering until flower buds begin to form. Once buds have developed, resume weekly watering until flowering finishes.

During flowering, keep the soil evenly moist. After flowering ends in January, reduce watering to approximately twice a month during the rest of winter.

Christmas cactus also prefers higher humidity. You can increase humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or setting the pot on a pebble tray with water below the top of the rocks.

Fertilizer

During active growth from late winter through late summer, apply a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month.

The plant also benefits from magnesium. A mixture of 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt per gallon of water can be applied monthly during active growth, but it should not be applied at the same time as regular fertilizer.

Pruning

Pruning is generally unnecessary unless the Christmas cactus has become overgrown.

Remove faded flowers to encourage the plant to continue blooming for as long as possible.

Potting and Repotting

Use a mixture of approximately 3 parts regular potting soil and 1 part cactus and succulent potting mix to improve drainage.

Always use a container with drainage holes because Christmas cactus requires moisture but can develop rot if excess water remains around its roots.

Christmas cactus generally does not need frequent repotting and often flowers better when slightly pot-bound.

Repot approximately every three years, preferably in spring when the plant begins active growth again.

Christmas cactus is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Pests and Problems

Soft or yellowing stems can indicate overwatering. Use well-draining soil and a container with drainage holes to prevent water from collecting around the roots and causing root rot.

Wilting or wrinkled stems can indicate insufficient water. Give the plant a thorough watering and avoid allowing it to become excessively dry again.

Flower buds may fail to develop if the plant receives insufficient light or water before early October.

Bud drop can also occur because of low humidity or excessive water. Avoid moving the plant during the bud-forming period because changes in location can stress the plant and cause buds to fall.

Common pests include mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects. A strong spray of water can remove many pests. More persistent infestations can be treated with neem oil according to its directions.

Christmas Cactus Requirements for Blooming

Christmas cactus needs a specific period of darkness to encourage flower-bud formation.

Before buds set, provide approximately 12–15 hours of complete darkness every day.

For indoor plants, begin this process about eight weeks before the desired flowering date. Place the plant in a completely dark location where it will not receive light from lamps or outside sources.

Once flower buds begin forming at the tips of the leaf segments, return the plant to its normal location.

Christmas cactus typically blooms from late October through winter, around January, although flowering time can vary.

Types of Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera × buckleyi has scalloped leaf margins and clusters of satiny flowers that hang from segmented stems.

It is also sometimes called zygocactus or holiday cactus.

The true Christmas cactus generally blooms around mid-December. Many plants sold as Christmas cactus are actually Thanksgiving cactus.

'Madame Butterfly' Christmas Cactus

This variety of Schlumbergera has cream-colored variegated leaves and magenta flowers with white centers.

Thanksgiving Cactus

Schlumbergera truncata blooms several weeks earlier than Christmas cactus.

Its stem segments have two to four pointed teeth along their margins.