December 1, 2025

Christmas Cactus: A Colorful Holiday Classic

Few holiday plants are as beloved—or as misunderstood—as the Christmas cactus. With its arching stems, jewel-toned blooms, and long lifespan, this festive favorite becomes a treasured part of many households. But despite its name, the Christmas cactus isn’t a “typical” cactus at all. Understanding how it grows, what it needs, and how to help it thrive will keep it blooming beautifully for many seasons to come.

christmas cactus

What Makes Christmas Cactus Different?

Unlike the desert cacti many of us picture, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) comes from the coastal mountains of Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte on tree branches and mossy rocks. Instead of baking in hot sun, it thrives in cool, humid, shaded forests.

Holiday cacti are sometimes grouped together, but each type blooms at a slightly different time and has its own distinct look:

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) blooms in late fall and features pointed, “toothed” edges on each segment.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) blooms closer to December and has smooth, scalloped segments with a graceful, arching habit.
Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) blooms in spring and has star-shaped flowers and more rounded segments.

Many people unknowingly own a Thanksgiving cactus—its pointed segments give it away—so if your “Christmas cactus” blooms before December, you might be celebrating a little early!

How to Care for a Christmas Cactus

Light

Bright, indirect light is ideal. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the segments, while too little light may reduce flowering. Check out this blog on indoor lighting if you’re not quite sure what ‘Bright, indirect’ means!

Water

Unlike desert cacti, Christmas cacti like consistent moisture—but not soggy soil.
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure your pot has proper drainage and always empty the saucer after watering to prevent root rot.

Temperature & Humidity

These plants thrive in cooler temperatures around 60–70°F and appreciate moderate to high humidity. Dry winter air from heating vents can stress them, so consider placing the pot on a pebble tray or grouping it with other plants.

Feeding

Feed lightly during the growing season (spring through early fall) with a balanced, diluted plant food. Stop fertilizing in October to allow the plant to prepare for blooming.

How to Encourage Blooming

Christmas cacti set buds when they experience:

Long nights (around 12–14 hours of darkness)
Cool temperatures (50–60°F)

You can help yours rebloom by placing it in a cool, dim room in fall or keeping it outdoors until temperatures dip below 50°F—just be sure to bring it in before it gets too cold.

Once buds appear, keep the plant in consistent light and avoid drafts or big moves—bud drop often happens when the plant is disturbed during this stage.

Repotting Your Christmas Cactus

Christmas cacti prefer to be slightly root-bound, so repotting is only needed every 3–4 years, or when roots begin emerging from the drainage hole.

When repotting:

Choose a pot only one size larger (1-2″).
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as cactus mix blended with a bit of peat or compost.
Replant after flowering finishes, typically in late winter or spring.

Once settled into its new pot, resume your regular watering and feeding routine.

Fun Lore & Traditions

The Christmas cactus holds a special place in many cultures, with stories passed down along with the plants themselves.

One popular Brazilian legend tells of a young boy living in the jungle who prayed for a sign of Christmas during a difficult season. On Christmas morning, he awoke to the trees covered in brilliant flowers—the wild Christmas cactus blooming just for him.

In many families today, a Christmas cactus becomes a living heirloom. Because these plants can live for decades—sometimes 50 years or more—it’s common to have a cactus that’s been passed from a grandparent to a parent to a child, blooming each winter like clockwork.