How to care for a Christmas Cactus

Known as the Holiday Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera, or Zygocactus, this houseplant is the perfect holiday companion—boasting red, purple, white, yellow, or pink flowers once winter hits. Unlike most cacti, this tropical houseplant enjoys high humidity and is less tolerant of direct sunlight.

Get one of these yourself!

  • Twice monthly
  • Each year after flowering
  • Medium to bright indirect light
  • Non toxic
  • Once every two weeks once buds form

Looking for something else?
Use the plant finder

  • The Christmas cacti differs from other cacti, as it originates in southern Brazil! Tropical conditions such as a high temperatures and high humidity suit this plant best.
  • Christmas cacti make good air purifiers—they actually release oxygen during at night, unlike most houseplants!
  • The Christmas cactus is not poisonous to dogs, cats, or humans.
  • Water every 2-3 weeks when the top 2 inches of soil feels dry. Reduce the watering before winter, but keep soil evenly moist again once it starts blooming.
  • Keep your Christmas Cactus away from bright light! It will do best in medium-bright indirect light. Before it enters the dormancy stage in winter, you can reduce the light (around 10 hours of light) to encourage blooming.
  • Feed your Christmas cactus once every two weeks in spring and summer, and once a month in the fall and winter to encourage your cactus to bloom!
  • You can repot your Christmas cactus every year in late winter, after the blooms have wilted. Use a well draining succulent mix.
  • You can prune your cacti stems after the blooms have wilted to encourage branching.
  • Your Christmas cactus may drop blooms if it's under temperature or light stress.

Gosh this was great info. Want to keep it within arms reach?
Download the Plantsome App

... ...