Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera buckleyi
The Christmas Cactus is a classic heirloom epiphytic cactus native to the organ mountains of Brazil. Unlike desert-dwelling cacti, this plant naturally grows in shaded rainforests as an epiphyte on trees. It is renowned for its vibrant, pendulous flowers that bloom in mid-winter and its unique, flat, scalloped green segments. Often passed down through generations, these plants are remarkably long-lived and bring a splash of color to the home during the holiday season.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Easy
Humidity
High
Pet Friendly
Schlumbergera buckleyi is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. However, ingestion of any plant material can still cause minor stomach upset or vomiting in sensitive pets.
Care Guide
Lighting Schlumbergera buckleyi prefers bright, filtered light. Avoid direct midday sun, which can burn the segments, leading to a reddish or bleached appearance. ### Watering Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In the dormant period following its bloom, reduce watering frequency. ### Temperature and Blooming To trigger flower production, the plant needs 'short day' conditions (at least 12-14 hours of total darkness) and cooler temperatures (55-65F) for about 6 weeks. Avoid placing it near drafts or heat vents during this time. ### Pruning Prune in late spring to encourage a bushier habit. You can simply twist off one or two segments from the ends of the stems.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10)
Soil
A well-aerated, rich potting mix such as a blend of two parts peat moss and one part perlite or coarse sand.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 12 inches tall, 12 to 24 inches wide
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings of 2-3 segments taken in the spring or early summer.