Christmas cactus
Schlumbergera truncata · Family Cactaceae
Also known as: schlumbergera, Thanksgiving cactus, holiday cactus
- Light
- Partial shade to bright indirect
- Watering
- Every 7 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pet-safe
- Yes
Care
Where to put it
A bright windowsill in a room that stays cool at night.
Light
Partial shade to bright indirect light. Long dark nights set the buds.
Watering
Water when the top of the compost is dry. Unlike desert cacti, it dislikes drought.
About the plant
It is a spineless cactus with flat segments and drooping pink, red, white or orange flowers. In Brazil it flowers in autumn, around May. It looks lovely in hanging pots and lives for many years.
Origin
Native to the Atlantic Forest in the mountains of Rio de Janeiro, where it grows on trees and damp rocks.
What it likes
- Bright indirect light
- Light, free-draining potting mix
- Longer, cooler nights in autumn
What it dislikes
- Strong direct sun
- Soggy compost
- Being moved while in bud
Did you know?
Although it is a cactus, it lives in humid forests, not deserts; in the northern hemisphere it is the Christmas cactus.
