Martha Stewart Cares for Her Mom’s Heirloom Christmas Cactus

Christmas may be synonymous with the classic Poinsettia, but it’s hard to overlook the plant that’s named after the holiday: The Christmas Cactus. In Martha Stewart’s home, this vibrant plant (also known as Schlumbergera) is not only a festive staple, but also one that carries a sentimental meaning.

Martha’s Christmas Cactus belonged to her mother before her late sister discovered two small stem segments and replanted them to achieve the plant she now displays in her Bedford farmhouse. With the right Christmas cactus care, she created a time-honored treasure, and it’s refreshingly easy to follow her example.

‘This stunning Christmas Cactus originally belonged to my mother, Big Martha,’ she shared (alongside an image of the thriving plant) on Scotts Miracle-Gro blog.

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‘My late sister, Laura Plimpton, found two small stem segments, called cladodes, in the back of a drawer several years after our mother died. We took a chance and planted them, and they thrived. This is the plant now. Laura would have loved it.’

Suscsess begins with a simple care routine, including the best soil for a Christmas Cactus, which Martha has covered.

‘Provide bright light and room temperatures between sixty and seventy degrees. Water the soil when it is dry to the touch,’ she says.

‘Don’t overwater; a Christmas Cactus doesn’t like wet feet. I use a succulent or cacti soil mix for the best results. I prefer Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm & Citrus Potting Mix (available at Amazon).’

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Miracle-Gro Cactus, Palm and Citrus Potting Mix

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Enhance the beauty of your Christmas cactus with this specially formulated fertilizer. Designed to nourish and support long-lasting blooms, it helps your plant thrive while adding a vibrant, eye-catching touch to your indoor garden.

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Knowing how to make a Christmas cactus bloom every year (just as Martha does) also involves planning beyond December.

‘In mid-September, start placing in total darkness for fourteen hours nightly for three to four weeks. Temperatures should be cool: in the sixties during the day, the fifties at night. (A dark, cool closet works nicely.) Water sparingly until flower buds form; then return the plant to its regular care conditions,’ Martha comments.

As she reminds us, these plants are reasonably easy to care for, and their visual appeal makes them great Christmas decor, especially when placed alongside your tree. ‘Just be sure to treat each plant as an individual, following our basic guidelines,’ Martha says. If there’s ever a time to follow her advice, it’s now.