Botanical Specifications
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Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
Schlumbergera (holiday cactus)
A forest cactus with flattened, segmented stems and bright winter flowers.
About This Botanical
The Christmas Cactus is a holiday cactus (Schlumbergera, sold by growers as Zygocactus) from Brazil's coastal rainforests. Unlike desert cacti, it grows on trees, so it wants bright indirect light, regular water and no spines to worry about. Its arching, segmented stems carry tubular blooms in late fall and winter.
Getting it to bloom: buds form with long nights (12–14 hours of darkness) and cool temperatures (about 50–60°F) for several weeks in autumn. Once buds appear, leave the plant where it is, because moving it can make buds drop. Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and a little less after flowering. Plants may ship in bud, in bloom or without flowers depending on the season. ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as non-toxic to cats and dogs; as with any plant, eating it can still cause mild stomach upset.
Choose red or white flowers. Ships in a nursery grow pot and is covered by our 30-day Live Arrival Guarantee. In cold weather, see our shipping page for heat-pack guidance.
⚡ Quick Facts
At a Glance- • Light: Bright indirect light; some gentle morning sun is fine.
- • Water: Water when the top inch is dry; less after blooming.
- • Mature size: About 8–12″ tall, arching to 1–2′ wide over time.
- • Pet safety: Non-toxic (ASPCA lists Christmas cactus as safe for cats and dogs).
- • Beginner-friendly: Yes — forgiving, long-lived and easy to rebloom.
“Why are the buds falling off?”
Bud drop usually comes from a sudden change: moving the plant, a cold draft, heat or letting it dry out completely. Keep it in one spot once buds form.
Evidence-Based Indoor Botanical Care
Read in-depth cultivation protocols written by Nick Alan and Jenna Lee covering aroid soil physics, moss pole climbing dynamics, root rot remediation, and seasonal light acclimation.
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