Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
cover

How to Grow and Care for Christmas cactuses

Christmas cactuses, also known as Crab cactuses

Christmas cactuses is a low-maintenance plant ideal for bright, indirect light. Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out between waterings to avoid root rot. A key point is to provide a cooler temperature (around 50-60°F) in the fall to promote blooming, which is essential for its flowering cycle. Another special care tip is to avoid sudden changes in temperature, as christmas cactuses prefers a stable environment to thrive.

Icon water title

Watering schedule: Every 2 weeks

Icon water title

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Christmas cactuses

Care DifficultyEasy
LifespanPerennial
Watering ScheduleEvery 2 weeks
Sunlight RequirementsPartial sun
Soil TypeSucculent & Cactus Soil
Soil pH5.5-6.5
Planting TimeSpring, Summer, Fall
Hardiness Zones
10-13
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

Types of Christmas cactuses
Img topic
False christmas cactus

False christmas cactus gets its name from its flowering season; producing red purple pink or white flowers from fall to winter. Native to a small coastal strip on the east of Brazil this cactus prefers the shade and humidity of jungle conditions. In the wild hummingbirds pollinate the flowers.

Img topic
Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a small cactus indigenous to south-eastern Brazil where it can be found growing in the coastal mountains. Christmas cactus is often cultivated as a houseplant. As a tropical cactus rather than a desert cactus, it grows optimally when the top inch of soil remains moist. Christmas cactus cultivation began in Europe in the early 19th century. This plant is susceptible to aphids and mealybugs.

Img topic
Christmas cactus

Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant that blooms in winter. Its fleshy leaves and colorful flowers come in shades of pink, red, and white. This cactus is easy to care for and can thrive in low light conditions. It is native to Brazil and is a hybrid of several other Schlumbergera species. It is also known for its long lifespan and can live for over 20 years with proper care.

Img topic
Christmas cactus

Endemic to a small area in Brazil, the christmas cactus can be found growing in trees. Its habitat is related to moist forests, but it is a popular houseplant. Often used for breeding, the christmas cactus is a parent of many Schlumbergera hybrids.

Img topic
Christmas cactuses 'Thor Wild Cactus Orange'

Christmas cactuses 'Thor Wild Cactus Orange' has flattened, succulent arching stems that are dark green in color. In autumn, small buds appear that open to become multi-petaled deep orange flowers. This cultivar of the Thanksgiving cactus is named for its producer, Thoruplund, and its orange flowers. Gardeners like this cultivar because it is low maintenance and is easy to grow indoors.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Christmas cactuses based on 10 million real cases

Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free

More General Info About Christmas cactuses

Quickly Identify Christmas cactuses

Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Christmas cactuses is characterized by its succulent, segmented stems and vivid, tubular flowers which burst in a spectrum of hues from pink to red, to rare whites and yellows. Its stems arc gracefully, reaching a spread of up to 3 feet (91 cm). This plant thrives in conditions that mimic its jungle origins, favoring bright, indirect light and high humidity. The flowering cycle of christmas cactuses is in tune with the shorter days of the year, making its blossoms a seasonal spectacle.
Christmas cactuses identify imageChristmas cactuses identify imageChristmas cactuses identify imageChristmas cactuses identify imageChristmas cactuses identify image
Learn More About Identifying Christmas cactuses

FAQs About Christmas cactuses

Plants with Same Care Needs

close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app