Christmas Cactus

Schlumbergera bridgesiiAlso known as: Holiday Cactus, Schlumbergera

The Christmas Cactus is a beloved holiday plant known for its spectacular tubular flowers that bloom during the winter season. Native to Brazilian rainforests, it's actually an epiphyte that grows on trees, making its care different from desert cacti. Can live for decades and be passed down through generations.

Easy Care

Medium Light

Perennial

Quick Care Summary

Light
Medium Light

Temperature Range
55-75°F (13-24°C)

Ideal Temp
65°F (18°C)

Pet Safe

This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs. While it's safe to have around pets, ingestion of any plant material may still cause mild stomach upset.

Seasonal Care Schedule

Adjust your care routine based on the season for optimal plant health.

Watering Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 7-10 days, keep soil lightly moist
Summer	Every 5-7 days, more frequent in heat
Fall	Every 7-10 days, reduce before blooming
Winter	Every 7-14 days, keep evenly moist during bloom

Unlike desert cacti, prefers consistent moisture. Don't let soil dry out completely.

Misting Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Weekly
Summer	2-3 times per week
Fall	Weekly
Winter	Weekly during blooming

Appreciates humidity as a tropical jungle plant.

Fertilizing Schedule

Season	Schedule
Spring	Every 2 weeks with balanced fertilizer
Summer	Every 2 weeks
Fall	Stop fertilizing in October to encourage blooming
Winter	No fertilizing during bloom and dormancy

Resume fertilizing after blooming ends.

Pruning

Frequency: After flowering

Best Season: Spring

Pinch or twist off 1-2 segments to encourage branching. Save segments for propagation.

Repotting

Frequency: Every 3-4 years

Best Season: Spring after blooming

Prefers being slightly rootbound for better blooming. Use well-draining potting mix with peat.

Flowering

Season
Late November through January

Color
Pink, red, white, purple, orange, or salmon

Tubular flowers bloom at segment tips. Requires short days and cool nights to initiate buds.

Propagation Methods

Stem cuttings of 2-3 segments
Root in water or moist soil
Very easy - roots in 2-4 weeks

Common Problems

Bud drop: Sudden temperature change, drafts, or moving plant
Wilting: Overwatering or root rot
No blooms: Needs 12-14 hours darkness and cool temps (55-65F/13-18C) for 6 weeks
Red or purple leaves: Too much direct sun or phosphorus deficiency

Pro Tips

Keep in complete darkness 12-14 hours daily starting in October for holiday blooms
Don't move once buds form - can cause bud drop
Pet-safe! One of few holiday plants safe for cats and dogs
Can live 20-30+ years with proper care