Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) features flat, segmented stems and colorful tubular flowers in winter. This long-lived green plant can be passed down through generations and adds welcome color during the holiday season.
Christmas Cactus Care Guide
Environment
Christmas Cacti prefer bright, indirect light and higher humidity than desert cacti. They are epiphytes that naturally grow in tree branches in tropical forests, not in desert conditions.
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal. East-facing windows work well. Too much direct sun can burn the segments, while insufficient light prevents blooming.
Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and around 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night. This temperature drop helps trigger blooming.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during spring and summer. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings. Reduce watering in fall to help trigger blooming, then resume normal watering when buds form.
Humidity
Moderate humidity (40-60%) is preferred. Use a small humidifier or place on a pebble tray with water to increase moisture levels.
Fertilizing
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter during the blooming cycle.
Care Tips
- Use well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark.
- To initiate flower buds, provide cool temperatures (55-65°F/13-18°C) and 12-14 hours of darkness daily for about six weeks in fall.
- Avoid moving or rotating the plant once buds have formed as this can cause bud drop.
- Prune after flowering by removing 1-2 segments to encourage branching.
Common Problems
- Bud drop often occurs from sudden temperature changes, moving the plant, or dramatic shifts in watering.
- Red or purple segments may indicate too much direct sun or cold stress.
- Limp, wrinkled segments suggest underwatering.
- Soft, mushy segments indicate overwatering and possible rot.
Seasonal Care
Spring
Active growth period after flowering - a good time for repotting and pruning.
Summer
Maintain consistent watering and fertilizing. Keep in bright, indirect light.
Fall
Reduce watering and fertilizing. Provide cool temperatures and longer nights to initiate buds.
Winter
Blooming season. Resume normal watering when buds form and maintain consistent care until flowering is complete.