How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus (It's not actually a cactus!!)

How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus (It's not actually a cactus!!)

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) Indoor Care Guide

Unlike it's name, the Christmas Cactus is not actually a cactus! Quick tips, they don't like to be really dry like succulents and cacti, and they don't love bright, direct, hot sunlight!

Read below to find out how to keep your new Christmas Cactus happy!

Overview

  • Common Name: Christmas Cactus

  • Botanical Name: Schlumbergera bridgesii

  • Type: Tropical epiphytic cactus

  • Bloom Time: Typically late November to January

  • Flower Colors: Pink, red, white, purple, orange

  • Lifespan: Can live for decades with proper care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light is ideal

  • Avoid hot direct sun, especially in summer—it can scorch the leaves

  • East- or north-facing windows are best

  • Outdoors in summer? Keep in dappled shade, not full sun

Watering

  • Keep slightly moist, not soggy

  • Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry

  • Reduce watering slightly in fall to encourage blooms

  • After blooming, let the soil dry out more between waterings during dormancy (late winter)

🚫 Avoid overwatering — root rot is a common problem!

Soil & Pot

  • Use a well-draining cactus or succulent mix

  • You can also mix standard potting soil with perlite or orchid bark (50/50 ratio)

  • Ensure your pot has drainage holes

Temperature & Humidity

  • Temperature range: 15–24°C (60–75°F)

  • Avoid placing near drafts, heaters, or vents

  • Enjoys higher humidity than desert cacti — mist occasionally or place on a humidity tray

Encouraging Blooms

To trigger winter flowering:

  • Starting in September or October, give 6 weeks of:

    • 12–14 hours of darkness per night

    • Cooler temps: 10–15°C (50–59°F) at night

  • Once buds form, move to a brighter room and resume regular watering

Pruning

  • After blooming, you can pinch or cut back segments to shape the plant or encourage bushier growth

  • Each segment you remove can be used to propagate a new plant!

Repotting

  • Repot every 2–3 years, ideally in spring

  • Choose a pot that’s 1–2 inches larger, but don’t overpot (plant into a larger pot than 1-2" larger)

  • Christmas Cactus prefers to be slightly root-bound

Common Problems

Bud Drop - caused by sudden temperature or light changes. Keep a consistent environment once buds form.
Yellow leaves - caused by overwatering and poor drainage. Check the soil and pot, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
No flowers - caused by a lack of darkness or cool temperatures. Provide conditions for dormancy in the fall.
Mushy stems - caused by root rot. Remove affected areas and repot into dry soil.

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