Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera, also called Holiday cactus, Thanksgiving cactus
- Light
- Medium light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.
- Water
- Water when the top of the mix is dry
- Humidity
- Does better with extra humidity
- Potting mix
- A fast-draining cactus and succulent mix
- Pets
- Non-toxic (ASPCA)
How to care for a Christmas cactus
A rainforest cactus, not a desert one, so it wants more water and humidity than you'd expect. Bright, indirect light, no direct sun. Use a moist but well-drained mix with sand or perlite and water every 1 to 2 weeks, when the soil is nearly dry. For flowers: from mid-September to mid-November give it nights of 55 to 65°F and at least 13 hours of unbroken darkness, which means away from lamps in the evening. One plant can live for over a hundred years.
Common problems
No blooms almost always means it is getting artificial light at night. Buds drop with sudden changes in temperature or light, or if it dries out. Overwatering causes root rot and mushy stems. Mealybugs, scale, spider mites and aphids.
Questions people ask
How much light does a Christmas cactus need?
Medium light to bright, indirect light. Best spot: close to a bright window but out of the sun's direct rays.
How often should I water a Christmas cactus?
Water when the top of the mix is dry.
Is Christmas cactus toxic to cats and dogs?
No. Non-toxic to dogs, cats and horses.
Sources
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