Christmas Cactus Care: Light, Temperature and Getting It to Bloom
The short answer
Christmas cactus care is simple once you know its bloom triggers. Minnesota, Iowa State and Wisconsin Extension say cool nights and long, uninterrupted dark periods in fall help set buds. Give bright, indirect light, water when the top soil dries and avoid moving the plant once buds form, since sudden changes can cause bud drop.
Christmas cactus is a favorite holiday houseplant that can live for decades, and many get passed down through families. Getting one to bloom on time comes down to light, temperature and a little patience.
How do you care for a Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus isn’t a desert plant. It grows on trees in Brazilian rain forests, and that shapes its needs.
Light. Give bright, indirect light, ideally from an east window. Harsh afternoon sun can redden or scorch the segments.
Water. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry and let the excess drain. Our post on overwatering explains signs of soggy roots.
Soil. Use a fast draining mix, such as potting mix with extra perlite or bark.
Humidity. Average home humidity is fine, and a pebble tray helps in dry winter rooms.
Feeding. Feed lightly every few weeks in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. Stop in fall.
The University of Minnesota Extension guide to holiday cacti covers year round care for these plants.
How do you get it to bloom?
Christmas cactus sets buds in response to cool nights, long nights or both. Our post on light cycles explains how night length drives flowering in many plants.
The Iowa State University answer on poor Christmas cactus blooms explains the main options.
| Trigger | What to do | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Long nights | 12 to 14 hours of total dark each night | About 6 weeks from early fall |
| Cool nights | Nights around 55 to 60 degrees | About 6 weeks |
| Both together | Cool room with no lamps at night | Most reliable approach |
| Light water | Water a little less in fall | During bud set |
Sources: University of Minnesota Extension, Iowa State University Extension, University of Wisconsin Extension.
Even a lamp switched on for a few minutes at night can break the dark period. A spare room or a closet at night works.
Once buds are visible, return to normal care and room temperatures.
Why do buds drop?
Bud drop is the most common complaint, and it usually follows a sudden change.
Moving the plant from a cool spot to a warm, bright room can make buds fall. So can drafts, heat vents and dry soil.
The University of Wisconsin Extension article on holiday cactus notes that steady conditions help buds open.
Pick a display spot before buds form and leave the plant there.
How to: step by step
- Give bright, indirect light.
- Water when the top soil feels dry.
- Give cool nights and long dark periods in fall.
- Place the plant away from drafts.
- Avoid moving it once buds form.
- Feed lightly in spring and summer.
What is the difference between Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus?
Both are holiday cacti in the genus Schlumbergera.
Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw like teeth on the edges of each segment. It often blooms in November.
Christmas cactus has rounded, scalloped edges. It usually blooms in December.
Easter cactus is a different plant with bristly segment tips. It blooms in spring.
Many plants sold as Christmas cactus are actually Thanksgiving cactus.
Can you propagate a Christmas cactus?
Yes, and it’s easy. In late spring, twist off a piece with two or three segments.
Let the base dry for a day, then set it half an inch deep in moist mix.
Roots form in a few weeks. Several cuttings in one pot make a full plant fast.
When should you repot?
Holiday cacti bloom most freely when slightly snug in their pots. Repot every few years in spring, moving up only one pot size. Our post on potting up covers how to move plants into a larger container.
Troubleshooting
No buds in fall. Nights were too warm or too bright.
Buds dropped. The plant moved, dried out or sat in a draft.
Segments limp and wrinkled. Check roots. Both overwatering and underwatering cause this.
Segments turning red. Too much sun, so move it to softer light.
Blooms at odd times. It may be a Thanksgiving or Easter cactus.
A little fall darkness can bring a cactus into full bloom for the holidays. Kind Seed Co shares more garden ideas in outdoor growing.
Sources
- Holiday cacti, University of Minnesota Extension, Holiday cacti
- My Christmas cactus does not bloom well. Why?, Iowa State University Extension, Yard and Garden, My Christmas cactus does not bloom well. Why?
- Holiday cactus, University of Wisconsin Extension Horticulture, Holiday cactus
FAQ
What is the difference between Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving cactus has pointed segment edges. Christmas cactus has rounded ones.
Can you propagate a Christmas cactus?
Yes. Root short segment pieces in moist mix.
How often should it be watered?
When the top inch of soil feels dry.
Does it need a special soil?
A fast draining mix with extra perlite or bark works well.
How long can a Christmas cactus live?
Many live for decades with good care.
