How to Grow and Care for Christmas Cactus
About Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) grows 1 to 2 feet tall and is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12. It grows best in part shade to light shade with low water.
Plant Description: ‘Schlumbergera truncata,’ most commonly known as the ‘Christmas Cactus,’ features gracefully arching, succulent branches that put on a spectacular show of cascading, tubular flowers around the holidays. As soon as winter nights begin to lengthen, the rather plain-looking branches adorn themselves with show-stopping blossoms in vivid colors such as magenta, pink, scarlet, salmon, white, orange, apricot, purple, or yellow. In its native habitat, the ‘Christmas Cactus’ is not a true cactus, as its name suggests, but is actually an epiphyte. An epiphyte is a plant that must grow on other plants for support. This epiphytic succulent is native to the rainforests of Brazil and thrives in the tropical and subtropical climates within USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Elsewhere, the ‘Christmas Cactus’ is typically grown as an annual or houseplant. Many holiday cactus plants are incorrectly labeled as ‘Christmas Cactus’ when they are truly ‘Thanksgiving Cactus’, or possibly, ‘Easter Cactus’ plants. The only way to tell the subtle difference among the three is to examine the thick, ever-green leaves, which are actually segmented, leaf-like pads. ‘Thanksgiving Cactus’ leaves have pointed, serrated, claw-shaped leaf margins, while the edges of ‘Christmas Cactus’ leaves are smaller, with scalloped or rounded ends. Those of ‘Easter Cactus’ have short, fat rounded segments with even more distinctly-scalloped edges. These beautiful, slow-growing succulents, which are named for the holiday period near which they bloom, can grow to a height and spread of one to two feet. ‘Schlumbergera truncata’ is the botanical name for the ‘Thanksgiving Cactus.’ The genus name, ‘Schlumbergera’ honors Frederick Schlumberger, a renowned Belgian horticulturist, and “truncata” translates from Latin to “cut off square,” referring to the plant’s segmented leaves.
When to Plant Christmas Cactus
Christmas cactus is a houseplant and can be potted any time of year. Repot in spring after flowering, every two to three years.
How to Plant Christmas Cactus
Tropical holiday cacti perform best with indirect light or dappled shade, preferring no more than 2 to 4 hours of sunlight daily. The plants should be grown in loamy, well-draining soil, which may consist of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. A well-draining potting mix formulated for succulents is ideal. This plant requires frequent water, but the top two inches of soil should be allowed to dry between each watering. Potted plants are widely available from local nurseries, especially near the Holidays. Holiday cacti flourish in bright, indirect light with evening temperatures ranging between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and daytime temperatures remaining below 90 degrees. Holiday cacti are easily propagated by gently pressing cut stem segments into a pot of moist potting soil and then placing it on a sunny window sill. The cuttings will root after a few weeks.
Christmas Cactus Care
Holiday cacti require frequent water, but the top two inches of soil should be allowed to dry between each watering. The plants flourish in bright, indirect light with temperatures falling between 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can spend the summer in a shady garden spot in until temperatures fall below 50 degrees, at which time it must be brought indoors.
Fertilizing Christmas Cactus
From spring until fall, Holiday Cacti can be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced 10-10-10 houseplant fertilizer to promote flowering. Throughout the rest of the year the winter, a monthly application is sufficient. It is important to carefully read and follow the directions on the product label before using fertilizer.
Pruning Christmas Cactus
Holiday Cacti can be pruned in late spring to promote branching and encourage flowers to form by removing a few sections of each stem.
Christmas Cactus Pests and Diseases
Holiday Cacti tend to drop buds and blossoms when stressed from sudden changes of light or temperature. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but the plant can suffer from root rot if over-watered. Mealy bugs may occasionally show up and can be treated by gently wiping them away with a cotton swab dipped into rubbing alcohol or a spray of insecticidal soap, according to the product label directions.
Is Christmas Cactus Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
No. PlantTAGG rates Christmas cactus as pet-friendly, and the ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs and cats. Eating the fibrous stems can still cause mild stomach upset. If you think a pet has eaten a toxic plant, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Christmas Cactus FAQs
How do I get my Christmas cactus to bloom?
Starting in early fall, give it 12 to 14 hours of darkness each night and cool nights of 55 to 60°F for about six weeks. Flower buds form under these conditions.
Why is my Christmas cactus dropping buds?
Bud drop usually follows a sudden change in temperature, light or watering, or moving the plant once buds have set.
How often should I water a Christmas cactus?
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Unlike desert cacti, it is a tropical forest plant and should not dry out completely.
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