Christmas cactus care
The Christmas cactus is a Brazilian rainforest cactus that grows on trees. It flowers when nights get long and cool, which is why getting it to rebloom is about autumn darkness rather than extra care.
Light
Bright indirect light. Harsh summer sun reddens and scorches the stems.
Watering
Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Unlike desert cacti it is a forest plant and should not stay bone dry for long. Reduce water for about six weeks after flowering.
Soil, feeding and repotting
Soil: Well-draining mix: potting soil with a third bark or perlite.
Feeding: Half-strength balanced fertiliser monthly from spring to late summer.
Repotting: Every 2–3 years after flowering. Blooms best slightly root-bound.
Propagation
Twist off a Y-shaped section of 2–3 segments, let it dry a day and push it into moist mix.
Problems and fixes
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Buds drop off | Moving the plant, draughts, heat or dry soil while in bud. | Once buds form, keep it in one place and water consistently. |
| No flowers | Too much light at night (lamps) or too warm in autumn. | From October give 12–14 hours of darkness nightly and cool temperatures for 6–8 weeks. |
| Limp, wrinkled segments | Either underwatering or root rot. | Check the roots; repot if they are mushy. |
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Ask about your christmas cactus
Questions gardeners ask
How do I get my Christmas cactus to bloom?
Starting in early autumn, give it long nights (12–14 hours of real darkness) and cool temperatures around 50–60°F for six to eight weeks until buds appear.
Is it a Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata) has pointed, claw-like teeth on its segments and blooms earlier; Christmas cactus has rounded scalloped edges.