Understanding Holiday Cactus Varieties
Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus all originate from the coastal mountains of Brazil, where they grow in shade to part-shade in high humidity. Though their flowers and leaves differ slightly and they bloom at different times of the year, their environmental requirements are largely the same.
The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter cactus (Schlumbergera, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) all thrive under similar growing conditions.
Light, Soil, and Temperature Needs
Holiday cacti perform best in an east-facing window, where they receive bright light without harsh sun. Strong, direct sunlight can fade and scald the leaves.
They should be planted in a high-quality cactus or succulent potting soil in containers with drainage holes.
Ideal temperatures are:
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Night: around 65°F
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Day: mid- to high 70s°F
Watering Holiday Cactus
Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry—typically every 2–3 weeks when indoors. If plants are kept outdoors in the summer, they should be placed in shade and the soil should be checked manually to determine watering frequency.
When holiday cactus are actively flowering, the soil should remain slightly more moist, as blooms require consistent moisture to remain vibrant.
Feeding and Rest Periods
Holiday cactus can be fed monthly with a regular houseplant fertilizer.
After flowering, reduce both nutrients and water to provide a rest period. An eight-week rest works well for most plants and helps support future bloom cycles.
Pruning and Propagating
If a plant becomes leggy, pruning can be done after it finishes flowering. Excess leaves may be pinched off at the joints. These pieces can be repotted to start new plants, making holiday cactus easy to propagate and share.
Repotting and Longevity
Holiday cacti are long-lived plants—many have been passed down for over 100 years. They grow well while slightly pot-bound, so repotting should be done sparingly. When a plant does outgrow its pot, the container size should not be increased by more than 1–2 inches.
