7 Must-Know Facts About Christmas Cactus

Christmas cactus is one of the most popular houseplants during the holiday season. It’s a stunning plant that adds to the festive spirit and makes an excellent gift.

Widely available in garden centers and grocery stores, this likely plant produces unique flower blooms during Christmas time.

But as popular as it is, many people are still confused about properly caring for it.

That’s okay! While it can be relatively low-maintenance, it does have unique care needs. Once met, this plant can provide the beautiful show you look forward to every year!

Let’s go over some must-know facts about this tropical plant, below.

1) Christmas Cactus is Only One Type of Holiday Cactus

That’s right! You might think you’ve been purchasing Christmas Cactus every year, but what you’ve actually bought might just have been a Thanksgiving Cactus!

It can get tricky if you’re unaware of the differences.

There’s also a type called Easter Cactus, and all there are grouped together and often referred to as “Holiday Cacti”.

What’s neat about this is that their names reflect the time in which they bloom.

They’re all members of the Schlumbergera genus and while they look very similar, they do have slight differences.

It’s all in the lead segments – it’s the easiest way to tell them apart.

Schlumbergera bridgesii, aka Christmas Cactus, typically blooms in December in time for Christmas.

Its leaf segments have rounded edges, while the Thanksgiving Cactus has very spiky edges. In my area of Southern California, Thanksgiving Cactus seems to be more popular.

Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) usually flower in late November. The edges of their leaf segments reflect a claw-like appearance.

Easter cacti (Hatiora gaertneri) bloom around springtime in time for Easter. Their leaf segments are round like Christmas Cacti, but with soft bristles at the end.

Knowing which variety you have will help you determine its care needs, especially as it relates to dormancy and flowering.

2) It Needs to Go Dormant To Flower

Your Christmas cactus requires a period of dormancy to produce those beautiful blooms. This dormancy phase is crucial for the plant’s flowering cycle.

This is what differentiates it from more low-maintenance houseplants.

To encourage dormancy, you’ll need to adjust your care routine and be proactive.

Reduce watering and stop fertilizing in late summer or early fall. This mimics the natural conditions the plant experiences in its native habitat.

Place your Christmas cactus in a cool spot with temperatures between 50-55°F (10-13°C). Make sure it receives about 12-14 hours of darkness each day. You can achieve this by moving it to a dark room or covering it with a light-blocking cloth.

Maintaining these conditions for about 6-8 weeks is crucial. After this period, you should start to see flower buds forming. Once buds appear, gradually increase watering and move the plant to a warmer, brighter location.

3) Sunlight Needs: It Prefers Bright, Indirect Sunlight. Direct Light Can Burn the Leaves.

If you grow succulents or other houseplants, you might already be aware that hot, direct light can wreak havoc on the leaves of plants.

Christmas cactus thrives in bright, indirect light.

The best thing to do is place it near a window that lets in plenty of natural light.

Be cautious about exposing your plant to direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Direct sun can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or develop brown spots.

If you notice your Christmas cactus stretching or becoming leggy, it may need more light. Try moving it to a brighter spot, but still away from direct sun.

During the winter months, when sunlight is less intense, you can place your plant closer to the window. Just keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t get too much direct light.

For optimal growth, aim for 12-14 hours of bright, indirect light each day. If natural light is limited, you can supplement with artificial grow lights to keep your Christmas cactus healthy and blooming.

4) Humidity: Christmas Cactus Enjoys High-Humidity Environments

One of the best things we can do for our indoor plants is mimic their natural environment as closely as possible.

Christmas cacti thrive in environments with high humidity levels. You’ll find these plants naturally occurring in tropical rainforests, where moisture is abundant in the air.

To keep your Christmas cactus happy, aim for humidity levels between 50% and 60%. This range mimics their native habitat and promotes healthy growth.

You can increase humidity around your plant by placing a tray filled with water and pebbles nearby. As the water evaporates, it creates a more humid microclimate for your cactus.

Misting the leaves regularly with a spray bottle is another effective method to boost humidity. Just be careful not to overwater the soil in the process.

If you live in a dry climate, consider using a humidifier in the room where you keep your Christmas cactus. This helps maintain consistent moisture levels in the air.

Proper humidity not only encourages growth but also helps prevent issues like leaf drop and bud failure. Your Christmas cactus will reward your efforts with lush foliage and beautiful blooms.

5) Fertilize Only Once a Month in Late Spring and Summer Months

Christmas cacti benefit from light fertilization during their active growing period. Feed your plant once a month from late spring through summer using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.

Choose a fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK). Dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing.

Apply the fertilizer when the soil is moist, not dry. This helps prevent root burn and ensures proper nutrient absorption. Water your Christmas cactus thoroughly before fertilizing.

Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant enters its rest period. During these months, your cactus needs less nutrients as it prepares to bloom.

If you notice yellowing leaves or stunted growth, you might be over-fertilizing. Reduce the frequency or strength of your fertilizer applications.

Remember to flush the soil every few months with plain water. This helps remove any built-up salts from fertilizer that can harm your plant.

6) Christmas Cactus Prefers to Be Root-bound

Christmas cacti thrive when their roots are slightly cramped. Unlike many other plants, they don’t need frequent repotting. You can keep your Christmas cactus in the same pot for several years.

Root-bound conditions actually encourage blooming. When the roots fill the pot, it signals the plant to focus energy on producing flowers rather than growing more leaves.

To maintain this root-bound state, choose a pot that’s just slightly larger than the root ball. Repot only when you notice the plant becoming top-heavy or the soil drying out too quickly.

When you do repot, select a container that’s only 1-2 inches wider than the current one. Use a well-draining potting mix designed for succulents or cacti to ensure proper moisture levels.

By keeping it slightly cramped, you’ll enjoy more abundant blooms during the holiday season.

7) Pruning: Trim after blooming to maintain shape

After your Christmas cactus has finished blooming, it’s time to consider pruning. This process helps maintain the plant’s shape and encourages new growth.

You can trim off a few segments from each stem, focusing on areas that look leggy or overgrown. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts.

Aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant’s total size. This will prevent overstressing your cactus while still promoting a fuller appearance.

Don’t throw away those trimmed segments! You can use them to propagate new Christmas cacti. Simply let the cuttings dry for a day or two, then plant them in a well-draining potting mix.

Pruning also gives you a chance to inspect your plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation. Remove any damaged or discolored segments to keep your cactus healthy.

Regular pruning helps your Christmas cactus stay compact and bushy. It’s a simple task that can make a big difference in your plant’s overall appearance and health.

8) You Can Move Outdoors Once the Weather Warms Up

Christmas cactus thrives indoors, but you can give it a refreshing change of scenery when the weather warms up. Once temperatures consistently stay above 50°F (10°C), you can safely move your plant outside.

Choose a shaded spot for your Christmas cactus. Direct sunlight can damage its delicate leaves, so opt for a location with filtered light or partial shade. Under a tree or on a covered porch works well.

Gradually acclimate your plant to outdoor conditions. Start with a few hours outside each day, then slowly increase the time. This helps prevent shock from sudden environmental changes.

Remember to bring your Christmas cactus back indoors before temperatures drop in fall. The plant isn’t frost-hardy and needs protection from cold weather.

While outside, keep an eye on your cactus’s moisture levels. Outdoor conditions may cause the soil to dry out faster than usual. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

The outdoor stint can promote healthy growth and may even encourage more abundant blooming later in the year.

9) Temperature: Thrives in 60-70°F (15-21°C).

Christmas cacti prefer moderate temperatures, making them ideal houseplants. The sweet spot for these festive succulents is between 60-70°F (15-21°C).

You’ll want to maintain this temperature range throughout the year for optimal growth. During the day, aim for the higher end of the spectrum. At night, slightly cooler temperatures are acceptable.

Avoid exposing your Christmas cactus to extreme temperature fluctuations. Keep it away from drafty windows and heating vents. These can cause stress to the plant and may lead to bud drop.

In warmer months, you can move your Christmas cactus outdoors. Place it in a shaded area where temperatures remain within the preferred range. Remember to bring it back inside before temperatures dip below 50°F (10°C).

By maintaining the ideal temperature range, you’ll ensure your Christmas cactus thrives and produces beautiful flowers year after year.

10) You Can Propagate It

Christmas cactus is easy to propagate, allowing you to grow new plants from your existing ones.

You can create multiple new cacti by taking cuttings from a healthy parent plant.

To propagate, select a segment with at least three segments attached.

Gently twist or cut it off at the joint. Let the cutting dry for a few hours to form a callus on the cut end, just as you would other succulents.

Once dry, plant the cutting in a small pot filled with well-draining cactus soil. Water sparingly until roots develop, which usually takes a few weeks.

Keep the new cutting in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight. Once roots have formed, you can care for it like a mature Christmas cactus.

Propagation is a great way to share your Christmas cactus with friends and family. It’s also useful for rejuvenating an older plant or creating backup plants.

11) They Can Live for Decades

Christmas cacti are known for their longevity.

With proper care, these plants can thrive for decades, sometimes even up to one hundred years!

Providing the right conditions is key to your Christmas cactus’s long life, though. This is not a plant you want to neglect for an extended period, especially during the active growing months.

Treat it with consistency, and you’ll be able to enjoy this plant for years.

Understanding Christmas Cactus

Difference From Other Cacti

Unlike desert cacti, Christmas cacti are epiphytes, which simply means they grow on the plants and trees.

They have flattened, leaf-like stem segments instead of thick spines.

Christmas cacti prefer humid environments and indirect light, something other cactus and succulents don’t much care for.

They thrive in conditions similar to their native rainforest habitat, which is what makes them good houseplants, as long you can maintain a decent humidity level inside your home.

One of the biggest differences between them and other succulents and cacti is that they need frequent watering.

Changes in daylight and temperature trigger their blooming cycle, BUT even if this plant doesn’t bloom, you can still enjoy its unique leaf shapes and segments, which drop downward in a showy display.

Caring for Your Christmas Cactus

Christmas cacti are relatively low-maintenance plants, but they do require specific care to thrive and bloom beautifully. Proper watering, lighting, and attention to common issues will help your cactus flourish.

Optimal Watering Techniques

Water your Christmas cactus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. During its active growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently. Reduce watering in fall and winter, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Use room temperature water and avoid getting the leaves wet. Ensure your pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.

Consider using a humidity tray or misting the plant occasionally, as Christmas cacti prefer higher humidity levels.

Ideal Lighting Conditions

Place your Christmas cactus in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing morning sun and afternoon shade.

During fall, when the plant is setting buds, it needs 12-14 hours of complete darkness each night. You can move it to a dark room or cover it with a light-blocking cloth.

In spring and summer, provide bright light but protect from intense afternoon sun. Rotate the pot occasionally to ensure even growth.

Common Problems and Solutions

Dropping buds: Often caused by sudden temperature changes, drafts, or overwatering. Keep your cactus in a stable environment and maintain consistent care.

Yellow or limp segments: Usually indicate overwatering. Reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage.

Lack of blooms: Insufficient darkness during fall or improper fertilization can prevent flowering. Ensure 12-14 hours of darkness nightly and fertilize monthly during growing season.

Pest infestations: Look out for mealybugs or spider mites. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

If leaves turn red, your cactus might be getting too much light. Move it to a slightly shadier spot.