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While holiday decorating tends to be dominated by traditional poinsettias and sprigs of evergreen, there’s something especially charming about a Christmas cactus. Unlike the spiky desert plants most people picture when they hear “cactus,” the Christmas variety (scientific name: Schlumbergera x buckleyi) has flat, leafless stems that cascade gracefully over the pot’s edge, topped with bright flowers that open right when winter feels its dreariest. The blooms are a big part of the appeal—they come in shades of red, pink, peach, lavender, and white, adding a burst of color that feels tailor-made for the holidays.
Beyond their beauty, Christmas cacti are surprisingly easy to keep alive, and with proper care, they can thrive for decades—a one-of-a-kind heirloom that can be passed down for generations. That combination of festive color, long life, and low-maintenance care is why they’ve earned a spot on so many mantels and windowsills in December. Here’s what you need to know before bringing one home.
What is a Christmas Cactus?
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The Christmas cactus is a hybrid epiphytic plant, prized for its flat, segmented green stems that gracefully spill over the edges of a container. Grown primarily indoors, it produces vibrant magenta-red to pink flowers typically from December through February. Each stem segment reaches about 2½ inches long, and the blooms can measure up to 3 inches across, with the plant itself growing roughly 1–2 feet tall and wide.
This cactus thrives in a well-draining mix of potting soil, peat moss, and sand or perlite, and prefers soil that stays consistently moist without becoming soggy. Bright, indirect light encourages healthy growth, while cooler night temperatures and controlled light exposure in early autumn help promote abundant flowering.
Soil Sunrise Christmas Cactus Potting Soil Mix
How to Water a Christmas Cactus
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Unlike many desert cacti, this succulent does not tolerate soggy soil. It’s important to water only when the top third of the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause stems to become soft and mushy, while under watering may result in shriveled segments. The good news is that these plants can go several days without attention, but they do prefer slightly more moisture than typical arid cacti.
During the growing season (March/April to September), maintain consistently moist—but never waterlogged—soil. In the fall, reduce watering to help trigger flower bud development, and continue to water sparingly from late winter through spring.
How to Care for a Christmas Cactus
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A Christmas cactus thrives in bright, indirect light, making a spot near a north- or east-facing window ideal. Direct sunlight can scorch its flat stems, so light should be filtered or diffused. These plants prefer moderate temperatures, generally between 60 and 70°F, though they can tolerate nighttime lows down to 50°F. If indoor air is dry, placing a shallow bowl of water nearby can increase humidity, which helps the plant stay healthy.
During the growing season, fertilize with a balanced houseplant food, either liquid or granular, applied every two weeks at half strength. Pinching back stems after the winter bloom encourages branching, creating a fuller plant with more flower potential, while also preventing stems from becoming too heavy and breaking.
TPS NUTRIENTS Christmas Cactus Fertilizer
While relatively low maintenance, Christmas cacti can attract pests such as fungus gnats, mealybugs, and spider mites. Check stems and soil regularly for small insects or webbing, and treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or consider repotting if necessary.
Arber Organic Insecticide & Fungicide
How to Get a Christmas Cactus to Rebloom
Typically, the Christmas cactus blooms during and after the holiday season. If your Christmas cactus isn’t flowering and buds haven’t formed, it’s often due to light or temperature conditions. These plants are “short-day” bloomers, meaning they need long periods of uninterrupted darkness—typically 12 to 24 hours each night—for about six to eight weeks leading up to the holidays. To encourage flowering, place your cactus in a dark room, like a garage or unused section of the basement, making sure it is shielded from any artificial lights. During the day, bring it into bright, indirect light for roughly 10 hours. Consistency is key: even a small amount of light at night can disrupt the plant’s natural cycle and prevent blooms from forming.
How to Propagate a Christmas Cactus
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Propagating a Christmas cactus is simple and best done in spring. Start by taking a cutting of two to three stem segments and allow them to dry for a day or two. Fill a small pot with well-draining cactus or succulent soil, make a hole, and insert the cut end of the stem. You can coat the cutting with powdered rooting hormone to help promote the development of roots, but it isn’t essential. Place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, and keep the soil lightly moist. Within a few weeks, new segments should begin to emerge, signaling that the cutting has successfully rooted and is ready to grow.
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