Christmas Cactus Care Guide
Family: Cacctaceae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera truncata
Durability: Finicky but easy to manage
Light
Your Christmas cactus will be happy in bright indirect light, in an east facing window. They do sunburn very easily, so be careful not to leave them in direct sunlight for long. They can adapt to lower light conditions if you don’t have the brightest light. They need less sunlight in the winter months (only 4-6 hours).
Water
Christmas cacti need to be kept in slightly moist soil unlike other cacti. Because of this, they require frequent and thorough watering. Keep in mind that they will need more water once they begin to flower.
Climate
Because it is a forest cactus, it does like humidity and comfortable temperatures. They do well indoors in temperatures between 60 and 70°F, with added humidity. As the growing season ends, reduce watering and hours spent in sunlight to prepare for the dormant season.
Soil
Pot your Christmas cactus using a rich, organic potting mix for the best results. Never let them dry out or sit in water. Keep them healthy by feeding them with a houseplant fertilizer that encourages flowering.
Pests and Diseases
They are attracted to plants that are over watered, so be careful not to over water your Christmas cactus to avoid running into root mealybugs, fungus gnats, and thrips. They are also susceptible to root rot and basal stem rot.
Tips
Light and temperature are the keys to getting your Christmas cactus to flower!
Keep them in the window in a cooler room and keep the lights off to encourage your guy to flower!
Let your cactus get nice and comfy in its pot for a while—they like to be pot bound.
Keep a pebble tray with water nearby to help increase humidity levels around your cactus.
Signs your Christmas cactus isn’t feeling jolly
Red tips or leaves: too much sun
Dead sections: no worries just cut them off!
Browning areas or spots: stem or root rot—cut those areas off to prevent spread
Limp: needs water or less sunlight
Wilting leaves: too much water
How to Propagate
You should propagate your Christmas cactus during the spring, a few weeks after it has bloomed and a month before its dormancy period. Unlike most plants, you can’t just choose a random section and cut it. You have to be careful not to cut open the bottom of the pad. Once you’ve chosen the pad you want to use, you should gently twist it to separate it from the pad below. You will want to let your cutting dry out for 1-2 days.
Fun Facts
Christmas cacti are classified as a forest cactus.
They are originally from Brazil!
Christmas cacti grow better as a container plant.
Their flowers form in cooler temps—think 50-55°F
Hardiness Zones
Before you move your plant outside, be sure to check the hardiness zone to save yourself some grief and the loss of a beloved plant.
The hardiness zones for Christmas Cactus are : 9-11
If you live in Tennessee, here’s a hardiness map to help you decide if your plant can survive outside!
