Christmas Cactus Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Schlumbergera x buckleyi

Cactus Family

Succulent Plants

In modern times, the Christmas cactus has become a very popular yuletide decorator plant, second only to the poinsettia. Like many other members of its family, the Christmas cactus produces superb flowers, and over the years plant breeders have developed varieties with distinctive, tubular blossoms ranging from white to rosy purple.

Interestingly, the Christmas cactus hybrid was derived from plants that grew not in the hot, dry soil of a desert, but on the branches of jungle trees.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Direct and preferably day-long sunlight (as provided by an unobstructed southern or western window) is best just before and during flowering. The plant will also tolerate bright indirect light, especially when it is dormant.

WATERING: During the plant's active growth or flowering, water as soon as the soil surface is dry. During the plant's dormant phase, water more sparingly--twice a month, or when the plant shows signs of shrinking or "deflating" due to low water content. When you do water, drench the soil thoroughly: at least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes. However, the plant should not stand in saucer water for more than ten minutes.

FEEDING: Feed sparingly, and only when the plant is forming flower buds. At that point, use a high-phosphorous (high middle number) houseplant fertilizer at half the concentration and feeding frequency listed in the product directions.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Overwatering may promote root rot. If you would like your plant to flower the following Christmas season, make sure that your cactus receives twelve or more continuous hours of darkness per day, from the beginning of September through the end of October. This treatment should trigger a new flush of flower buds that will open in time for the holidays.