Christmas Cactus Care Guide

While the poinsettia might get most of the seasonal spotlight, a thriving Christmas cactus can be every bit as dazzling. When it's covered in blooms, this easygoing houseplant adds long-lasting color to any holiday display. With just a few straightforward care habits, you can keep your Christmas cactus healthy and beautiful year after year.

Temperature

Cooler temperatures help blossoms last longer, so place your plant in a bright spot where the air stays comfortable. Try to avoid heat vents, fireplaces, radiators, or other hot, drafty areas that can dry the plant out or cause buds to drop.

Soil Conditions

Good drainage is key. Use a commercial cactus or succulent mix, or blend your own by combining two parts potting soil with one part clean sand or vermiculite. This keeps roots from sitting in water and helps the plant stay vigorous through the season.

Watering

Christmas cacti prefer a simple watering rhythm: water thoroughly when the top half of the soil feels dry. Let any excess water drain away, then wait until the soil dries to that same point before watering again. How often this happens will depend on your home's light, temperature, and humidity, so don't worry if the schedule shifts throughout the year. The plant will tell you what it needs.

Light Levels

Although Christmas cacti tolerate lower light, they bloom best in bright, indirect light. A sunny window indoors is perfect. During the summer, you can move the plant outdoors to a protected shady or partly shaded area. Bring it back inside in early fall and let it readjust gradually by increasing its indoor time over several days to avoid shock.

Pruning

A light pruning after the blooming period encourages a fuller, more shapely plant. Simply pinch or cut off a few stem segments from the ends. These pieces root easily in moist vermiculite, so you can start new plants to share with friends or keep for next season.