Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera truncata
An epiphytic cactus featuring segmented, flattened green stems with slightly scalloped or toothed edges, and hanging growth habit.
- Light
- Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the stems.
- Water
- Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Reduce watering slightly in autumn to encourage flower bud formation. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.
- Growth
- Perennial epiphyte with a cascading or trailing growth habit, reaching a mature height of 6 to 12 inches and a spread of 1 to 2 feet with moderate growth speed.
Care instructions
Provide bright, indirect sunlight, keep the soil moderately moist during the growing season allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings, use a well-draining epiphytic potting mix, and feed lightly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer during spring and summer.
Growing details
Sunlight
Bright, indirect light for 6 to 8 hours daily; avoid harsh direct afternoon sun which can scorch the stems.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry. Reduce watering slightly in autumn to encourage flower bud formation. Avoid letting the pot sit in standing water.
Soil
Light, well-draining potting medium containing peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA hardiness zones 10 through 12 if grown outdoors; typically kept as an indoor container plant in colder climates.
Growth habit
Perennial epiphyte with a cascading or trailing growth habit, reaching a mature height of 6 to 12 inches and a spread of 1 to 2 feet with moderate growth speed.
Bloom season
Blooms primarily in late autumn to winter, producing symmetrical tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, white, or orange.
Propagation
Propagated easily by stem cuttings containing 2 to 3 segments, allowed to callus for a day before planting in moist, well-draining soil.
Common pests & issues
Prone to root rot if overwatered or kept in poorly draining soil. Mealybugs and fungus gnats can occasionally affect indoor specimens, treatable with horticultural oils or appropriate insecticidal soaps.
Similar species
Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are often confused; Thanksgiving cactus stems feature sharper, claw-like teeth on the margins, whereas Christmas cactus stem segments are more rounded and scalloped.