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. Give it bright, indirect light, let the potting mix dry between waterings, and use a planter with drainage holes.
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.
Full care guide
Christmas Cactus Care
Grow Schlumbergera buckleyi with bright indirect light, a chunky mix, and the cool nights that help set winter blooms.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Avoid direct midday sun, which can burn the segments, leading to a reddish or bleached appearance.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In the dormant period following its bloom, reduce watering frequency.
Humidity and Temperature
Avoid placing it near drafts or heat vents during this time.
Maintenance
You can simply twist off one or two segments from the ends of the stems.
Soil and Planter
Use a well-aerated, rich potting mix such as a blend of two parts peat moss and one part perlite or coarse sand. Choose a planter with drainage holes so excess water can escape.
Common Issues
Brown edges often point to dry soil or low humidity. Yellowing can follow waterlogged soil, so check moisture and drainage before watering again.
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.
Common Varieties
Magenta (true S. buckleyi)
Smooth, scalloped leaf segments and pendulous growth habit, producing bright magenta, symmetrical flowers that hang from gracefully arching green stems.
White
Arching, deep green stems composed of flattened, leaf-like segments with smooth, scalloped margins that lack the sharp, pointed teeth of other species.
Red
Pendulous, flattened green stems with rounded, scalloped margins and bright, multi-tiered red blossoms that hang symmetrically from the segment tips.