Succulents & Cacti
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera bridgesii
In short: Bright indirect light · medium water needs · non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA)
Stunning holiday bloomer with cascading tubular flowers in pinks, reds, and whites. Easy-care cactus that flowers every winter.
- Light
- Bright Indirect
- Water
- Medium
- Humidity
- Average
- Growth
- Medium
- Mature size
- 1-2 feet wide, trailing
- Temperature
- 55–80°F (13–27°C)
November-January · Blooms around Christmas with proper preparation. In early October, provide 12-14 hours of darkness and cool temperatures (50-60°F) for 6 week...
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Overview
Christmas Cactus: Holiday Blooms for Decades
The Christmas Cactus is a tropical forest cactus that produces spectacular cascading blooms right around the holiday season. Unlike desert cacti, it has flat, segmented stems and no sharp spines.
Heirloom Plant
Christmas Cacti are known for their longevity — many are passed down through generations. With basic care, yours can rebloom winter after winter for many years.
Bloom Colors
- Hot pink (most common)
- Red and deep magenta
- White and cream
- Salmon and orange
- Bi-color combinations
Getting reblooms requires a cool, dark period in autumn — the effort is rewarded with weeks of stunning flowers.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy during growing season. Water when top inch is dry. Unlike desert cacti, Christmas Cacti are tropical and need more regular moisture. Reduce watering slightly after blooming and during the fall dark period. Never let it sit in water.
Light
Bright indirect light year-round. Some morning sun is fine. Avoid hot afternoon direct sun. In fall, provide extended darkness (12-14 hours per night for 6 weeks) to trigger winter blooming. A spare room works perfectly for this dark period.
Soil
Well-draining but moisture-retentive mix. Standard potting soil with added perlite works well. More organic matter than a typical cactus mix — these are tropical forest plants, not desert dwellers.
Fertilizing
Feed monthly from spring through late summer with balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding in September to allow the plant to set buds. Resume after blooming finishes in late winter.
Propagation
Very easy from stem cuttings. Twist off a segment of 2-3 pads, let dry for a day, then place in moist soil. Roots and new growth appear in 3-4 weeks. Spring/summer propagation is most successful.
Repotting
Every 2-3 years after blooming finishes (late winter/spring). Keep slightly root-bound — this encourages blooming. Small pots work best. Refresh soil even if keeping the same pot.
Common problems
No blooms: Needs 6 weeks of long nights and cool temperatures in fall. Too much artificial light at night prevents budding.
Dropping buds: Stress from moving, temperature swings, or drafts. Do not move once buds form.
Limp segments: Overwatering or root rot. Let dry and check roots.
Red/purple segments: Too much sun or nutrient deficiency.
Pro tips
Bloom trigger: Put in a dark room from 6 PM to 8 AM starting in early October. Keep cool (50-60°F). Stop fertilizing. This mimics natural autumn conditions.
Do not move when budding: Moving a Christmas Cactus with buds causes bud drop. Find its spot and leave it.
Summer outside: Loves spending summer outdoors in dappled shade.
FAQ
Christmas Cactus questions
Starter kit
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The basics
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