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An Illustration of a Christmas Cactus with pointed petals and a vibrant green stem. Set against a soft peach background, it conveys a fresh, lively tone.

Christmas Cactus

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Schlumbergera spp.

KNOWN AS: Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, Easter cactus and holiday cactus

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Brazil | Subtropical

DESCRIPTION: The Christmas Cactus is a famous houseplant that has bright flowers and a unique look. It's not like most cacti because it doesn't have spines. Instead, it has flat, segmented roots that hang or trail down. The Christmas Cactus usually grows around Christmas, which is how it got its name.

Christmas Cactus Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light, which can be obtained in an east or west-facing window. Avoid placing them in a dimly lit area or in direct sunlight, as this can cause their leaves to turn yellow or brown. For your plant to bloom they require a period of darkness for at least 12-14 hours each day during the holiday season.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Allow soil to completely dry out before watering.

The watering method for indoor Christmas cactus plants requires a bit of attention. These plants prefer to be kept evenly moist but not soaked, so it's important to monitor the soil moisture level and water as needed. It's best to water Christmas cacti with room temperature, non-chlorinated water, as they are sensitive to chemicals in the water. When watering, be sure to thoroughly saturate the soil until water drains out of the bottom of the pot, but avoid leaving the plant sitting in standing water, as this will lead to root rot. It's important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, making sure the top inch of soil is dry first is always a good rule of thumb. Be careful not to let the plant wilt, as this can cause damage. In general, Christmas cacti need less water during the winter months when they are in their dormant phase. It's also helpful to mist the foliage regularly to provide additional moisture and humidity. It's important to monitor the plant's response to the watering schedule and adjust as needed based on environmental conditions and the plant's growth stage.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 70º

Christmas cacti, also known as Schlumbergera, prefer temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and a minimum of 50°F (10°C) at night. They require a humid environment and prefer moist but not soaked soil. It's important to provide adequate humidity by misting the leaves regularly, placing a tray of water near the plant, or using a humidifier. Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate some direct sunlight. It's important to avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 40°F (4°C), as this can cause damage to the plant and too far from what they are accustomed to, Christmas is misleading here we know. Additionally, it's important to avoid exposing the plant to sudden changes in temperature or drafts, as this can cause the buds to drop. Christmas cacti are a popular holiday plant and have specific care requirements, so your in the right place to make sure you are doing the most for your Christmas cactus.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 40 - 50%; Moderate Humidity

Christmas cactus plants prefer moderate humidity levels, ideally between 40% to 50%. Humidity is especially important when the plant is in its active growing and blooming phase (spring and summer). Low humidity levels can cause the plant to suffer from dry foliage and flowers, while high humidity levels can increase the risk of fungal diseases, finding the right balance is important. To increase humidity levels around the plant, you can mist the foliage regularly, place a tray of water near the plant, or use a humidifier. It's important to avoid getting water on the blooms, as this can cause damage. In addition to maintaining proper humidity levels, it's also important to provide adequate air circulation around the plant to prevent the buildup of moisture and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. With the right level of humidity and care, Christmas cactus plants can thrive and produce stunning blooms.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Christmas cactus plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem segment that is approximately 3-4 segments long and remove it cleanly from the main plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Allow the cutting to dry out for a few hours before inserting it into a well-draining soil mix, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright, but indirect, light location. After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots and new growth. Once the new plant is well-established, it can be potted up and cared for like a mature Christmas cactus. Christmas cacti can also be propagated by dividing the plant entirely, but this method should only be done every few years to avoid damaging the plant.
Toxicity
Christmas cactus plants can be propagated through stem cuttings. Choose a healthy stem segment that is approximately 3-4 segments long and remove it cleanly from the main plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears. Allow the cutting to dry out for a few hours before inserting it into a well-draining soil mix, such as a mixture of peat moss and perlite. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright, but indirect, light location. After a few weeks, the cutting should begin to develop roots and new growth. Once the new plant is well-established, it can be potted up and cared for like a mature Christmas cactus. Christmas cacti can also be propagated by dividing the plant entirely, but this method should only be done every few years to avoid damaging the plant.
Repotting
To repot a Christmas cactus plant you must first select a new pot that is slightly larger than the current one and has drainage holes. Fill the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, being careful not to damage the roots, and loosen any tangled or compacted roots. Place the plant in the new pot and add soil around the root ball, pressing it down lightly to remove any air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly and place it in a bright, indirect light location. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering, and avoid overwatering or allowing the plant to sit in standing water.
Pruning
To prune a Christmas cactus plant, wait until you have a healthy and robust plant to begin propagating. To start, use sharp, clean shears to remove any dead or damaged branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. If the plant is overgrown, you can prune up to one-third of the total growth. Additionally, you can pinch back the tips of new growth to encourage branching and a fuller plant. To promote more flowers, pinch back the tips of the stem segments in the spring or early summer. After pruning, water the plant thoroughly and resume regular care. The plant should produce new growth and possibly more flowers in the coming weeks to months. Christmas Cactus plants are resilient, so don't be afraid to prune them back to encourage healthy growth.
Fertilizer
Christmas cactuses require regular fertilization to maintain their health and promote flowering. Use a water-soluble, high-phosphorus fertilizer and apply it to the soil every two to four weeks during the growing season, which is typically spring and summer. Follow the package instructions carefully, and avoid over-fertilizing the plant, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots. It's important to water the plant thoroughly after fertilizing to avoid burning the roots and to avoid fertilizing the plant during the dormant season when it is not actively growing. Christmas cacti prefer slightly acidic soil, so consider using a fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Regular fertilization can help keep the Christmas cactus looking healthy, promote new growth, and stimulate flower buds for the next season. Additionally, using a fertilizer with a higher potassium content can encourage the plant to produce more vibrant flowers.
Soil
Christmas cactus plants prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. A recommended soil mixture consists of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, with some compost added in to increase the organic content. It is important to avoid using soil that contains too much sand, as this can cause the soil to dry out too quickly, this cactus is not like the others! Additionally, Christmas cactus plants should be grown in a pot with drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil, as this can cause root rot. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not soaked, and the plant should be watered with room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots, this goes for most plants broadly. During the growing season (spring and summer), it is recommended to fertilize Christmas cactus plants every two weeks with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. With the right soil conditions and proper care, Christmas cactus plants can produce beautiful blooms and brighten up your space!

Hanging Heights

Christmas Cactus Lighting Requirements: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Christmas Cactus

-

Soltech's Recommendation -

12" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Christmas Cactus

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : Not Recommended

60º Wide Beam Vita : Not Recommended

-

VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Christmas Cactus

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 18" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 12" to 30"

-

VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Christmas Cactus

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

-

VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Christmas Cactus

-

Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

-

VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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