How to Care for the Exotic Holiday Cactus

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

While I love Poinsettias and Amaryllis for the holidays, I am truly fascinated by the exotic beauty of a holiday cactus. Also, known as a Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus. Not only is it a beautiful plant, but under the right conditions, it will reward you with flowers year after year. Some varieties will even bloom twice a year. Continue reading to learn more about how to care for the exotic holiday cactus.

Most of the year, my cactus is content to be ignored sitting in its partially sunny window. However, two weeks ago I was reminded of its beauty when I started seeing buds begin to appear. The buds appear like clockwork every year.

I have had my cactus for over 25 years. One of its endearing features is longevity. These plants can live for over 100 years. People have told me stories of inheriting a holiday cactus from their mother and/or grandmother. What a wonderful heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next!

Background

In this article, I will focus on the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). Yes, they are distinct plants. Both are native to the coastal mountains of Brazil and can grow as an epiphyte on rocks and trees. Their native habitat has high humidity and lots of shade. While these plants are true cacti, their need for high humidity and moisture sets them apart from typical cacti and succulents.

Holiday cacti are considered “short-day plants”. This means they will form buds and bloom when days get shorter in the fall/winter. The common names of Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus generally refer to the time of year when blooms form. Plants that are in full bloom at Thanksgiving will be finished blooming by Christmas.

Another interesting fact about the holiday cactus is that they have no true leaves. What looks like leaves are green flattened stem segments called phylloclades. Flower buds form at the end of the phylloclades. To distinguish between a Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus, look at the flattened stem segments. The stems of the Thanksgiving cactus have 2-4 serrated saw-toothed edges while the Christmas cactus has rounded edges.

Just before Thanksgiving, you will start to see holiday cacti appear in garden centers. If you want a plant in bloom at Christmas, then purchase your holiday cactus in late November. Be sure to pick a plant that has lots of buds but no flowers. Flowers will appear two to three weeks after buds form. The flowers will last for approximately three weeks.

Caring for the Holiday Cactus

To care for your holiday cactus, place it in a spot that gets partial sunlight. Water when the soil is dry. The holiday cactus is tolerant of dry conditions. During the growing season from April to September, fertilize monthly with a quarter-strength fertilizer. These plants also like to be pot-bound and thus only need to be repotted every 3-4 years. As with most succulents, holiday cactus is easy to propagate from a stem cutting. Lastly, these holiday cacti are one of the easiest cacti to care for and thus make a great gift.

Temperature

These cacti thrive in temperatures of 75-80°F. They can tolerate down to 55°F. As with most cacti, the holiday cacti like to be outdoors when temperatures are in the 75-80°F range.

Sunlight

Holiday cacti prefer bright indirect sunlight. I keep mine in an easterly facing bedroom window with horizontal blinds on the windows.

Watering

These cacti are drought tolerant and thus are ok with the soil drying out. I check the soil for dryness and water as needed. I tend to give more frequent watering during the bud/bloom period.

Soil

Well-draining potting soil. Cactus soil is also good to use.

Fertilization

My preference is to use a slow-release fertilizer that I apply in the spring. The slow-release works for about 6 months. Look for a balanced 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer. N=nitrogen, P=phosphorus, and K=potassium. My second choice is a fish emulsion fertilizer with an NPK of 2-3-1. Apply this soluble fertilizer once per month from April through September.

Pests/Disease

Holiday cacti are relatively immune to pests and disease. If you keep them outside during the warmer months, check for slugs and other pests. Overwatering or poorly draining soil could lead to root rot.

Pruning

After the blooming period, I give my plant an all-around trim. I do this to keep its size in check and for its health. Just trim 4-5 sections of the flattened green stem segments all around the plant.

Repotting

Holiday cacti like to be pot-bound and thus only need to be repotted every 3-5 years. As a matter of fact, they will bloom better being a bit pot-bound.   

• When repotting, let the soil dry out before you remove the plant.
• Next, remove as much of the soil as possible around the root system. Inspect the roots and trim off any dead or dying roots. It’s also ok to give the roots an all-around trim.
• Get a new container that is 1-2 inches larger.
• Fill the container 1/3 full of fresh potting soil.
• Place the holiday cactus in the soil and then fill in the soil in the container. Be sure to compact the soil down around the roots and stem of the plant. You want a good sturdy soil base.
• Water and put it back in its place.

Propagation

As is the case with many cacti and succulents, holiday cacti are easy to propagate.

• Take a few stem cuttings with 3-5 flattened stem segments
• Optional: Moisten the cut end and dip in a rooting hormone
• Place the stem cuttings in fresh, well-draining potting mix
• Water and place in a sunny window
• In 2-3 weeks, roots should start to form. Follow the directions above for caring for your holiday cactus

Bud Drop

Yes, this has happened to me, and it’s very disappointing when this happens. Here are a few possible reasons.

• Change in temperature or humidity level
• Change in brightness level
• Too much or not enough water

Blooming

As mentioned earlier, holiday cacti are considered short-day blooming plants. Blooming is triggered by the days becoming shorter in the fall and the temperatures becoming cooler. For 4 weeks before blooming, plants will need at least 10 hours of darkness a day. There are two approaches.

• Find a spot in your home when this naturally happens. For example, I keep our plant in our bedroom. This area of the house always gets the required amount of darkness and is usually cooler than the rest of the house.
• If you don’t have the luxury of a darker/cooler room, then you can either place your cactus in a closet for 10 hours/day for 4 weeks. Or you can cover your cactus for 10 hours/day with a piece of dark plastic for 4 weeks.

I hope you learned a little something about how to care for the exotic holiday cactus.

Additional Information

Here are some related posts that you may find interesting.

• Holiday beauty with Amaryllis bulbs
• Caring for Poinsettia -the complete guide
• Christmas Wreath with Florida Plants
• Ocean-themed Christmas centerpiece
• DIY Modern Advent Wreath, Super Easy to Make
• DIY Holiday Wreath, Super Easy to Make

References

• University of Minnesota Extension
•  Wisconsin Horticulture Division of Extension