Christmas Cactus Care: Simple Steps for Success
If there’s one plant that knows how to make an entrance, it’s the Christmas cactus. Just when the days are short, the skies are gray, and you’re running dangerously low on holiday cookies, this cheerful houseplant bursts into bloom like it’s throwing its own winter party.
But as with any good guest, a little thoughtful hosting goes a long way, and that’s where Christmas cactus care comes in.
In this article, we’re going to walk through everything you need to know to keep your plant not just surviving, but thriving. We’ll start with the basics of how to identify a true Christmas cactus (hint: not all holiday cacti are the same).
Then we’ll dive into practical care tips, from choosing the right soil mix and fertilizer to spotting common diseases before they become a full-blown drama.
Wondering how to encourage those spectacular blooms year after year? We’ll cover that too, along with a quick reality check on whether this plant is safe for your curious cats.
So grab a mug of cocoa, settle in, and let’s unwrap the secrets of Christmas cactus care together. Your plant will definitely thank you!
A festive pink bloom is one of the best rewards of Christmas cactus care. Image credit @samudri7 via Canva.com
How to Identify Christmas Cactus
First, let’s figure out if you even have a Christmas cactus. Chances are, you might actually be the proud owner of its cousin, the Thanksgiving cactus. This plant is more common in retail shops because its foliage is sturdier and less prone to breaking than the true Christmas cactus.
Before diving into Christmas cactus care, it helps to know exactly which plant is sitting on your windowsill. Here’s how to tell them apart (and yes, we’ve included some helpful pictures to make it easy):
Stem segments: Look closely at the stems, which resemble flattened leaves. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) has rounded stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), on the other hand, has pointed, claw-like edges that give it a spikier look (see photos below).
Bloom time: The names are a giveaway. Thanksgiving cactus usually flowers in late November, while Christmas cactus tends to bloom in late December.
Flower form: Thanksgiving cactus flowers have a more upright appearance, while Christmas cactus blooms dangle gracefully, almost like ornaments on a tree.
If you think you have a Thanksgiving cactus, head over to our page on Thanksgiving cactus care for a complete guide.
The Christmas cactus has round, scalloped edges on each stem segment, while the Thanksgiving cactus has pointy tips on each stem segment.
Christmas Cactus Care
A Christmas cactus is wonderfully easy to live with, making it a favorite indoor houseplant for both beginners and seasoned plant parents.
It thrives in bright, indirect light, but be sure to keep it out of direct sun or those pretty stems can “sunburn” and turn a sickly purple color.
Also, remember those stems tend to be quite delicate! Unlike its sturdier Thanksgiving cactus cousin, the Christmas cactus has fragile leaves. Avoid placing it in a high-traffic spot where people or pets might brush against it and cause the leaves to drop off.
Watering: Aim for watering your Christmas cactus every 1- 2 weeks, letting the top inch of soil dry before watering again. Don’t let the pot dry out completely, and always make sure it has drainage holes (soggy roots = grumpy cactus).
Pruning: Not required, but if you want a bushier plant, prune it in late winter after the blooms fade. Just pinch off segments with your fingers or use clean scissors.
Potting: Christmas cactus actually prefers being a little root-bound. This type of stress forces it to put energy into flower production rather than root and leaf growth. Repot sparingly, every 3-5 years, only when the pot is truly overcrowded.
With the right Christmas cactus care, these beauties can live for decades, sometimes even a century, and become a cherished family heirlooms!
Despite its name, Christmas cactus thrives with regular, consistent waterings, so don’t let it dry out completely! Image credit @valentinacalatrava via Canva.com
Christmas Cactus Soil Mix
In their natural habitats, Christmas cacti are epiphytes, growing on trees or rocks rather than in traditional soil. These clever plants cling gently to surfaces and absorb nutrients from rain, air, and fallen debris. This gives us a clue about Christmas cactus care at home.
To recreate these conditions indoors, give your Christmas cactus a well-draining, airy potting mix. A good Christmas cactus soil mix is about 80 percent cactus potting soil blended with 20 percent perlite, which keeps the plant happy and ready to produce those festive blooms.
Choose a container with drainage holes because soggy roots are a Christmas cactus’s worst enemy. Allow the mix to dry out only slightly on the top inch between waterings.
By using well-draining soil, your plant will thrive for years to come. Choosing the right soil type makes Christmas cactus care both simple and rewarding.
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Christmas Cactus Fertilizer
During spring and summer, it’s important to support the growth of your Christmas cactus with regular feedings using the right type of fertilizer.
An all-purpose, water-soluble indoor plant fertilizer, such as Jack’s Classic All Purpose 20-20-20, is a reliable choice. It provides a balanced mix of essential nutrients (not a sponsored endorsement, just a personal favorite that always works well).
Dilute the fertilizer according to the package directions and apply it once per month. Maintaining a consistent Christmas cactus care and fertilization routine encourages healthy foliage, strong roots, and vibrant blooms.
With the right care, your Christmas cactus can live for decades! Image credit @saraTM via Canva.com
Christmas Cactus Diseases
Even with the best Christmas cactus care, these plants can face a few common challenges.
If your plant has a decorative foil wrapper, remove it immediately! Foil wrappers trap water, causing root rot, wilting, and yellowing stems. Place the plastic pot on a saucer or repot the plant into a decorative pot with drainage holes.
Here’s a quick guide to spotting and preventing Christmas cactus disease and other issues:
Root rot – Usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage; leaves may wilt or turn yellow. Prevent it by using a well-draining Christmas cactus soil mix and watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. Read more about houseplants and root rot at the University of Wisconsin’s website.
Fungal infections – Often appear as black or brown spots on stems or leaves and can spread if the plant stays too wet. Prevent them by avoiding overwatering, ensuring good airflow, and keeping leaves dry. Read about fungal spots on the University of Maryland’s extension website.
Leaf discoloration – Purple, red, or yellowing leaves can indicate sunburn or nutrient deficiencies. Prevent by providing bright, indirect light and fertilizing appropriately. Read more about houseplant leaf problems in Iowa State University’s diagnostic guide.
Bud drop – Buds may fall off due to temperature swings, inconsistent watering, low light, or relocation stress. Prevent it by keeping your cactus in stable conditions, watering it consistently, and minimizing movement during bud formation.
Stem softening or rot – Overwatering, crowded roots, or heavy soils can make stems mushy. Prevent it by using well-draining soil, repotting every 3 - 5 years, and avoiding excess watering.
Powdery mildew or mold – This white, powdery growth on stems or leaves thrives in high humidity and poor air circulation. Prevent it by placing your plant in a well-ventilated area and avoiding excessive moisture on the leaves. Read more on the University of Maryland’s extension website.
By staying on top of these Christmas cactus diseases and using consistent care, your plant will stay healthy, happy, and blooming for many holiday seasons to come!
Bright green, smooth leaves are a sign of top-notch Christmas cactus care. Image credit @Alecmac7 via Canva.com
How To Make a Christmas Cactus Bloom
With the right Christmas cactus care, you will be rewarded with gorgeous flowers year after year. Many people find that their Christmas cactus reblooms without any special effort at all.
Whether or not your cactus flowers every year depends largely on the conditions in your home, including temperature, lighting, and its proximity to a window.
Some lucky folks simply keep their cactus in the right spot without realizing it, and voilà - blooms appear. But if your plant seems stubborn, don’t worry - there are tried-and-true methods to help coax those buds into action.
If you want to guarantee blooms, a little intervention might be in order (though some techniques sound more like elaborate pranks on your poor cactus!).
The key is giving your plant 6- 8 weeks of cooler temperatures, ideally between 55 - 65°F, combined with 14 hours or more of continuous darkness each day.
To create this environment, you could move your Christmas cactus plant to a cool, dark closet or garage, or go the DIY route by placing a box over it every afternoon - yes, it might feel a little ridiculous, but it works!
After this “neglectful" treatment, buds should start to form, and you can bring the plant back to its usual sunny spot just in time to show off its blooms for Christmas.
Vibrant and festive… the Christmas cactus flower never disappoints! Image credit @carolthacker via Canva.com
Is Christmas Cactus Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
If you have recently been gifted a Christmas cactus or bought one on impulse, you may be wondering if the Christmas cactus is toxic to cats and dogs, and if it’s safe to have around your furry companions.
The great news is that the Christmas cactus plant is non-toxic and is not poisonous to cats or dogs. So if you’re plant-obsessed and a pet owner (like me 😜), feel free to add as many Christmas cacti to your collection as you like!
However, it's always a good idea to monitor your pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if you have specific concerns or if your pet shows any signs of illness after contact with the plant.
To learn more about plants poisonous to dogs and cats, read “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs?” and “Which Common House Plants are Toxic to Cats?”, or visit the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
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Common name: Christmas Cactus, Holiday Cactus, True Christmas Cactus, Flor de Maio
Latin name/Botanical name: Shlumbergera x buckleyi
(previously referred to as Shlumbergera bridgesii)