Christmas Cactus
A jungle cactus with flat, jointed stems and a flush of pink, red or white flowers in early winter. Pet-safe, long-lived, and handed down through families. It wants more water and less sun than a desert cactus.
The Christmas cactus is not a desert plant at all. It grows in the crooks of trees in Brazilian cloud forest, which is why it wants filtered light, regular water and a bit of humidity, and why it is one of the few cacti that is safe for pets.
Treat it right and it lives for decades. Forty-year-old plants that flower every December are common.
Light
Bright indirect light. An east window is ideal, or a north one. Direct summer sun turns the stems red and limp. It enjoys a summer outdoors in the shade if you have one.
Water
Water when the top inch or two of soil is dry, about every eight days in summer and every twelve in winter while it is flowering. Do not let it dry out completely like a desert cactus, and do not let it sit wet. Filtered water helps.
Soil and potting
A light, airy mix: potting soil with orchid bark and perlite. It flowers best a little root-bound, so repot only every three years or so, in spring after flowering.
Feeding
A half-strength balanced feed monthly from spring to early autumn. Stop when buds form.
Propagation
Twist off a segment of two or three stem sections, let it dry for a day, and push the base into damp mix. It roots in a few weeks. This is how the family heirloom plants get passed around.
In a hot, dry home
It wants more humidity than a Phoenix summer gives, so group it with other plants or keep it in a bathroom with a window, and away from vents. Water a little more often in high summer. It does well here with that one adjustment.
Christmas Cactus varieties
Same care, different look. These are the named forms you will see for sale.
- Red
Red flowers.
- Pink
Pink flowers.
- Bicolor
Two-tone flowers.
Problems and fixes
Buds dropping before they open
Likely cause: A sudden change: temperature, light, or watering
Fix: Keep it in one place once buds form, water steadily, and away from drafts and heaters.
Stems limp and wrinkled
Likely cause: Thirst, or root rot if the soil is wet
Fix: Water if dry. If wet, let it dry and check the roots.
Stems turning red or purple
Likely cause: Too much direct sun
Fix: Move to indirect light.
No flowers
Likely cause: Not enough darkness in autumn
Fix: From late September, give it cool nights and about thirteen hours of darkness for six weeks. Buds follow.
Christmas Cactus questions
Is the Christmas cactus safe for cats and dogs?
Yes. It is non-toxic to pets and people.
How do I get a Christmas cactus to bloom?
Cool nights and long nights in autumn. From late September, keep it somewhere it gets thirteen hours of darkness and stays below 65°F at night for about six weeks.
Why are the buds falling off?
A change in conditions after the buds set. Keep the plant in one spot, water consistently, and keep it away from heaters and drafts.
