Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera: Cultivation and Care for a Stunning Winter Flowering

Botany and description

The Schlumbergera belongs to the botanical family Cactaceae, meaning it is a cactus, even if it doesn’t always have the classic appearance with thorns and desert-like forms. The genus name pays homage to Frédéric Schlumberger, a 19th-century French collector specialising in cacti, whose work helped popularise this plant in Europe.

It is commonly called “Christmas cactus” or “Thanksgiving cactus”. These vernacular names directly reference their natural flowering period, which spans from late autumn to early winter, depending on the species and hybrids. For example, Schlumbergera truncata, with early flowering, is often associated with Thanksgiving (late November), while Schlumbergera x buckleyi, which flowers later, is known to bloom around Christmas.

Schlumbergera tructatum, right, botanical plate circa 1906

In their natural habitat, Schlumbergera are native to the humid tropical forests of southeastern Brazil, primarily in the states of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Minas Gerais. They grow as epiphytes or lithophytes, attached to tree branches or rocky walls, in shady, cool and humid environments at altitudes ranging between 700 and 1700 metres. Unlike desert cacti, they are adapted to conditions of high atmospheric humidity, with substrates rich in organic matter, well-draining but never completely dry.

They are mostly grown indoors in temperate regions due to their very low hardiness. These tropical plants cannot tolerate low temperatures: they begin to suffer below 10°C and frost quickly proves fatal. They therefore cannot be left outdoors year-round, except in very mild subtropical or coastal areas. However, they can be placed outside temporarily during summer, sheltered from direct sun and harsh weather, before being brought back indoors in autumn to avoid any exposure to cold.

Among the most commonly cultivated species, Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera x buckleyi dominate the horticultural market. The former, easily recognisable by its toothed segments and upright flowering, is often marketed as “Thanksgiving cactus”, while the latter, with more rounded segments and pendulous flowers, is associated with the traditional “Christmas cactus”.

The Schlumbergera has a trailing or semi-trailing habit, particularly noticeable in mature specimens, with a flexible, jointed silhouette that clearly distinguishes it from other cacti. Its root system is relatively underdeveloped, shallow and fasciculate, adapted to an epiphytic or lithophytic life; it mainly provides anchorage and rapid absorption of ambient moisture and nutrients available in organic debris. The plant typically reaches between 20 and 40 cm in height depending on growing conditions, but its spread can be much greater due to the gradual elongation of segmented stems.

The stems consist of flattened cladodes, called segments, which perform photosynthetic functions. These segments, often mistaken for leaves, lack a true lamina; they usually measure between 3 and 6 cm long by 2 to 4 cm wide, with dentate or crenate margins depending on the species. Their texture is fleshy, glossy, bright to dark green in colour, sometimes tinged reddish when exposed to intense light or stress. Each joint features a tiny areole (a vestige of its cactus origins and typical of cacti), which may sometimes bear very fine bristles.

The foliage consists of cladodes in Christmas cacti

Flowering occurs at the tips of terminal segments. The flowers are zygomorphic, tubular, with tepals arranged in several imbricate rows, usually recurved backwards. They can reach 6 to 8 cm long and come in a wide range of colours depending on the cultivar: white, pink, red, orange, yellow or purple. Indoors, Schlumbergera flowers quite readily, especially if given a rest period in autumn marked by gradually decreasing temperatures and reduced light. Flowering lasts several days and, under good conditions, the plant may produce several successive waves of flowers. Fruiting remains rare in ornamental cultivation, but when it occurs, it produces a small fleshy, ovoid fruit, red or pink in colour, containing numerous tiny seeds.

Depending on the cultivar, Schlumbergera produce flowers ranging from white to vermilion red

Main species and varieties of Christmas cacti

Growing Schlumbergera Indoors

Where to Place a Christmas Cactus in the House?

The Schlumbergera thrives indoors, provided it is given conditions close to its natural habitat. It enjoys bright, indirect light and tolerates gentle sunlight, particularly in the morning or late afternoon. An ideal spot is near an east or north-east-facing window, where light is abundant but not excessive. It can also be placed in a south or west-facing location if protected by a sheer curtain to filter direct sunlight. Avoid overly dark spots, as they hinder growth and flowering, as well as direct heat sources like radiators.

Choose a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight

It tolerates typical indoor temperatures well, between 18 and 25°C during active growth. Protect it from cold—below 10°C, it becomes stressed, which can stunt development or cause segment drop.

In mild climates, particularly along the Mediterranean coast or in parts of western France, it can be moved outdoors during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn. It then prefers bright but indirect light, such as dappled shade under a tree or on a sheltered terrace. However, as night temperatures drop in autumn, it must be brought back inside to protect it from the cold.

Unlike other tropical plants, it does not require misting—moderately dry air is fine as long as watering is adjusted. In autumn, gradually cooler temperatures and reduced light encourage flower induction, and this period of relative rest is essential for abundant winter flowering.

When to Pot the Schlumbergera?

The Schlumbergera can be potted year-round when grown indoors, where conditions are stable and controlled. However, the ideal time for potting is after flowering, usually between late winter and early spring. This allows the plant to adapt to its new substrate and root actively during its growth phase. Avoid potting during or just before flowering, as this may disrupt bud formation and cause bud drop.

How to Pot the Christmas Cactus?

Growing Medium

The Schlumbergera requires a slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5), well-draining, airy, and lightweight medium that mimics its tropical habitat. The recommended mix includes:

• Houseplant compost or cactus compost as the main base
• About 30% perlite, coarse sand, or fine pumice for drainage
• Optional: A small amount of coconut coir or composted bark to improve aeration and slight moisture retention.

This mix prevents root suffocation and rot while retaining just enough moisture between waterings.

Potting

• Choose a pot with drainage holes, slightly larger than the root ball. The Schlumbergera prefers being slightly snug.
• Place a drainage layer at the bottom—clay pebbles, gravel, or pottery shards.
• Prepare the light, well-draining mix.
• Position the root ball so the collar sits just above the medium level.
• Fill in, lightly firming the compost without compacting it.
• Water moderately after potting, then let the surface dry before watering again.
• Place the plant in bright, indirect light, avoiding intense sun and excess moisture in the weeks after potting.

A small pot suits the Christmas cactus well

Christmas Cactus Care

Growing a Christmas Cactus indoors is relatively easy provided you follow a few basic principles suited to its tropical epiphytic nature. Here are the key care tips to keep it healthy and encourage annual flowering.

Watering

Watering should be regular but moderate. The Schlumbergera dislikes excess water: it is sensitive to stagnant moisture, which can cause root rot.

• During the growth period (spring to autumn), water when the substrate has dried on the surface, typically every 7 to 10 days.
• During flowering (winter), maintain slight moisture without waterlogging, spacing out watering slightly.
• Outside these periods, particularly in autumn during flower initiation, reduce watering to encourage bud formation.
• Always use water at room temperature, preferably non-calcareous.

Fertilisation

Fertilisation supports growth and promotes flowering if properly dosed.

• Use a liquid fertiliser for cacti, diluted to half strength.
• Fertilise approximately every three weeks from March to September.
• Stop all fertilisation as autumn approaches to respect the rest period before flowering.

Pruning

Pruning is not essential but can be useful to control the plant’s shape or stimulate branching.

• Prune after flowering by pinching or cutting the tips of the segments.
• This gentle operation encourages new shoots, often more floriferous.

Repotting

Repotting is needed every 2 to 3 years, preferably after flowering in spring.

• Choose a slightly larger pot, always with drainage holes.
• Completely refresh the substrate with a fresh, well-draining mix.
• Avoid compacting too much and do not overwater in the following days.

Precautions

• Avoid draughts and sudden temperature changes.
• Do not move this “Christmas Cactus plant” during bud formation or flowering: this may cause them to drop.
• Occasionally clean the segments with a damp cloth to remove dust.
• Regularly check the root condition if the plant shows signs of stress: excess moisture is often the cause.

Potential Pests and Diseases of the Christmas Cactus

Although the Schlumbergera is a rather resilient plant, it can occasionally be affected by some parasites and diseases, especially under suboptimal growing conditions.

Common Parasites

Mealybugs

These are the most frequent parasites on Schlumbergera. They appear as small white cottony clusters nestled at the base of the segments or in the plant’s crevices. They weaken the plant by sucking the sap.

→ Natural solution: Clean affected areas with a cotton pad soaked in 70°C alcohol, or spray a solution of warm water mixed with black soap (1 tablespoon per litre). Repeat every 3 to 4 days until they disappear. Read more: Mealybugs: Identification and Natural Treatments.

Red spider mites

These tiny mites appear particularly in dry conditions. They leave small webs and discoloured pits on the segments.

→ Natural solution: Increase ambient humidity around the plant (without misting directly) and spray a horsetail infusion or a black soap solution. Neem oil as a mild treatment can also be effective. Read more: Red Spider Mites: Identification and Treatment.

Fungus gnats (sciarid flies)

These small black insects fly around the pot, and their larvae can harm the roots if the substrate remains constantly moist.

→ Natural solution: Allow the substrate to dry out longer between waterings and place yellow sticky traps. A dry sand mulch on the surface can also prevent adults from laying eggs.

Diseases

Root rot

This is a common fungal disease caused by overwatering or poorly draining substrate. The roots turn black and soft, and segments may wilt or drop.

→ Natural solution: Stop watering, repot the plant, prune damaged roots, and replant in a well-draining substrate. Adding a bit of crushed charcoal to the mix can help disinfect the new substrate.

Spots on segments

Sometimes caused by excessive direct sunlight or sudden temperature changes, these spots can also be fungal in origin.

→ Natural solution: Move the plant to a bright spot without intense direct sunlight, remove affected segments, and strengthen the plant’s defences with sprays of garlic or horsetail decoction.

Schlumbergera truncata

How to take a cutting from a Christmas cactus?

Propagating Christmas Cactus by cuttings is very easy using stem segments. Here are the precise steps to follow:

• Take segments: Choose a healthy stem and remove a section of 2 to 4 segments (cladodes), ideally just after flowering or in spring.
• Allow to callus: Let the segments dry in the open air, in the shade, for 24 to 48 hours. This step allows the wound to close, reducing the risk of rot.
• Prepare the substrate: Use a light, well-draining mix composed of potting soil for houseplants or cacti, with 30% perlite or coarse sand.
• Plant the segments: Insert the base of the segments 1 to 2 cm into the substrate, keeping them slightly tilted if possible to encourage rooting.
• Firm gently: Press lightly around the base to stabilise the segments without burying them completely.
• Water sparingly: Lightly moisten the substrate after a few days, then wait until it is almost completely dry before the next watering.
• Place in soft light: Position the cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, at a temperature around 20 °C.
• Roots usually appear within 3 to 6 weeks. You’ll know the cutting is well-rooted if it offers slight resistance when gently tugged.
• Transplant: Once the roots are well established, you can move the cutting into a permanent pot.

Stem propagation is the practical way to multiply a Christmas cactus, here in an egg box

How to showcase your Christmas Cactus in your home?

The Christmas Cactus’s off-season flowering rhythm also makes it a precious plant for brightening up our interiors in winter. While most plants enter dormancy, the Schlumbergera unfurls its trailing flowers, often in the heart of December, bringing a vibrant and unexpected splash of colour that instantly warms the atmosphere.

In terms of décor, this is a chameleon-like plant that blends with surprising ease into the most varied settings. In a Scandinavian or Japandi-inspired interior, it naturally finds its place thanks to its soft lines and structured foliage. Place it in a matte stoneware planter, positioned on a windowsill or shelf: its trailing stems will soften straight lines and add movement, while maintaining the harmony of a minimalist décor.

In a more bohemian or eclectic space, the Schlumbergera loves to embrace a natural look. Hang it in a woven basket or place it on a raw wood surface, surrounded by artisanal pottery and textured textiles. Its colourful flowering stands out beautifully against muted walls like olive green, terracotta, or clay grey.

It works wonderfully paired with other plants featuring graphic silhouettes, such as a Zamioculcas zamiifolia for vertical contrast or a Sansevieria for a sculptural effect. For an interesting play on textures, you can also pair it with an Asplenium nidus: the soft, crinkled foliage of this fern highlights the flat, jointed segments of the Christmas Cactus.

Placed at height, its trailing habit is particularly striking