The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has become one of the most cherished indoor plants during the holiday season. These flowering cacti typically bloom from early November into February, bringing vibrant color to our homes during the gray winter months. This beautiful plant may live for 20 years or more. Many of our customers have shared stories of the Christmas cacti that have been passed down through generations.
These elegant plants feature short, leaf-like segments forming graceful arching stems, with unusual, yet beautiful flowers born at the ends of the branches. We offer a variety of colors at our garden centers across the Mid-Atlantic — including classic holiday reds, crisp whites, and warming oranges and pinks.
Here are some tips for caring for your Christmas cactus this holiday season:
Though they are associated with some of our coldest months, Christmas cacti originally come from the humid rainforests of South America. This tropical heritage means they need different care from that of their arid, dry counterparts. Here are just a few tips to care for your Christmas cactus, year-round:
How often to water a Christmas cactus:
In the Mid-Atlantic, where winter air is often dry due to forced-air heating, keeping your Christmas cactus properly hydrated and humidified is essential. Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 1–2 weeks, depending on your home’s humidity levels.
To maintain humidity, place the pot and saucer containing your plant in a small container with pebbles. Pour water over the rocks just enough so that the water remains beneath the topmost layer. This water will slowly evaporate, providing just enough humidity to satisfy your cactus’s needs.
When in bloom, flowers will last longer if the plant is in a cool, bright spot, away from drafts or heat vents. Always ensure good drainage and allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings.
How to get a Christmas cactus to bloom:
Christmas cactus uses a system of thermos-photoperiodic responses to trigger blooming, meaning that they use temperature and day length as triggers for blooming. These triggers are excellent news, as you can help, or delay, a Christmas cactus along in its bloom cycle.
For the Mid-Atlantic region, cold night temperatures at or around 50 – 55 degrees are the best trigger, but their blooms can also trigger with lack of light. The uninterrupted darkness of 13 hours or more in temperatures above 55 degrees will also trigger the cactus to bloom.
For an early Thanksgiving bloom, cover your Christmas cactus with a black cloth or store it in a lightless room (a closet or dark basement, for example)
For Christmas blooms, keep it exposed to more light and warmer temperatures later in the season as this will stunt bloom production, allowing you to have blooms at the holidays and farther along in the winter months.
Spring and Summer care:
After flowering, allow the plant to rest for a few weeks and then begin fertilizing regularly over the spring and summer with a flowering formula. Keep the plant moderately pot-bound, and prune it in the spring to promote branching.
Give the Gift of Holiday Blooms
A Christmas cactus makes a thoughtful and lasting gift, adding a festive touch to any home with its vibrant blooms. With just a little care, these charming plants can thrive and bring joy for years to come. Stop by one of our 16 locations across Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and DC this holiday season to choose the perfect plant with the help of our expert staff.