Holiday cactus care guide

All About the Christmas Cactus 🌵✨

A Holiday Classic That Blooms With Care

The Christmas cactus is a beloved houseplant known for its arching stems and vibrant blooms that appear just in time for the holidays. Unlike desert cacti, this plant comes from tropical forests and thrives with a little extra love and the right conditions.

Scientific Name

Schlumbergera × buckleyi

(Commonly grouped with Schlumbergera species, though many plants sold as “Christmas cactus” are actually close relatives.)

Christmas Cactus Care Instructions 🌿

Light

• Bright, indirect light is ideal

• Too much direct sun can cause leaf segments to turn red or purple

Water

• Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry

• Water thoroughly, then allow excess water to drain

• Never let the plant sit in standing water

Soil

• Use a well-draining potting mix

• A cactus mix amended with orchid bark or perlite works well

Temperature & Humidity

• Prefers temperatures between 60–70°F

• Enjoys higher humidity—great for kitchens or bathrooms

Fertilizer

• Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer

• Stop fertilizing in fall and winter

How to Encourage Blooms 🌸

To trigger blooming, Christmas cactus needs:

• Long nights: 12–14 hours of darkness for 6–8 weeks

• Cooler temps: Around 55–65°F at night

• Reduced watering during this rest period

Once buds form, avoid moving the plant—changes in light or temperature can cause buds to drop.

Tips & Tricks for Success ⭐

• Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth (but not during bud set)

• Repot every 2–3 years, preferably in spring

• Slightly rootbound plants tend to bloom better

• Drooping segments often mean overwatering, not underwatering

How to Propagate a Christmas Cactus 🌱

Propagation is easy and fun!

1. Gently twist or cut a segment with 2–3 joined sections

2. Let the cutting dry for 24 hours

3. Place it in lightly moist, well-draining soil

4. Keep in bright, indirect light

5. Roots usually form in 2–4 weeks

Once established, treat it like a mature plant.

Christmas vs. Thanksgiving vs. Easter Cactus 🎄🦃🌷

These plants look similar but have key differences:

Thanksgiving Cactus

• Scientific Name: Schlumbergera truncata

• Pointed, claw-like stem edges

• Blooms in late fall

• Most commonly sold in stores

Christmas Cactus

• Scientific Name: Schlumbergera × buckleyi

• Rounded, scalloped stem edges

• Blooms around December

• Slightly more delicate

Easter Cactus

• Scientific Name: Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri

• Rounded segments with tiny bristles

• Blooms in spring

• Requires a slightly longer rest period

A Plant That Keeps on Giving 💚

With proper care, a Christmas cactus can live for decades, often becoming a cherished heirloom plant passed down through generations. Give it the right conditions, and it will reward you with stunning blooms year after year.

Happy growing! 🌿✨