Christmas cactus care: watering, light and repotting
Also called schlumbergera, holiday cactus, zygocactus · Schlumbergera truncata · Cactaceae family
10 d in winter
How often to water the Christmas cactus?
Allow about 7 days between waterings in spring and summer, and 10 days in autumn and winter, when growth slows down. These rhythms apply to a room with its favourite light: in a darker room the plant drinks less; in a brighter one, it drinks more.
A forest cactus: it likes more water than a desert cactus. Cool, long nights in autumn trigger flowering.
Misting every 7 days helps keep the air humid around its leaves, especially in winter when central heating dries the house out.
What light does it need?
The Christmas cactus likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Repotting and fertiliser
Repot every 3 years, ideally in March, into a pot only slightly bigger than the last one. As for fertiliser, from April to August, feeding every 30 days is enough; the rest of the year, let it rest.
Adult size: 1 ft (30 cm), trailing.
Safe for cats and dogs, according to the ASPCA.
Common problems
Buds dropping
Cause: Being moved or a temperature change. What to do: Stop moving it once the buds have formed.
Limp segments
Cause: Thirst or rotten roots. What to do: Check the soil: water if dry, repot if soggy.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you water the Christmas cactus?
About every 7 days in spring and summer, and every 10 days in autumn and winter, in a room with its favourite light. The darker the room, the longer you wait between waterings. Before watering, check that the top inch of soil has dried.
Where should you put the Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus likes bright but filtered light: near an east- or west-facing window, or a little back from a south-facing one. Direct afternoon sun can mark the leaves.
Should you mist the Christmas cactus?
Yes, misting every 7 days does it good, especially in winter when heating dries the air. Use soft, room-temperature water.
When should you repot the Christmas cactus?
Every 3 years, ideally in March, or sooner if roots come out of the drainage hole. Choose a pot only slightly bigger, 1 to 1.5 in (2 to 4 cm) wider, always with a hole in the bottom.
Cats, dogs, children: is the Christmas cactus safe?
The Christmas cactus is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. A pet that eats a lot of it may still vomit, so it's best not to let it nibble.
Is it an easy plant to care for?
Yes: the Christmas cactus forgives a missed watering and adapts well to the home. A good plant to start with.
These are guidelines for an indoor plant in a temperate climate. Trust the soil too: a finger pushed an inch into it will tell you whether it's thirsty.