Plants
Christmas cactus care: light, water & problems
Scientific name: Schlumbergera truncata · Common name: Christmas cactus
An epiphytic cactus with flat toothed segments and flowers at their tips; unlike a desert cactus.
Editorial revision:
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright filtered light; harsh sun can mark the segments.
- Watering
- Water when part of the mix has dried, without treating it as a desert succulent.
How to identify it
An epiphytic cactus with flat toothed segments and flowers at their tips; unlike a desert cactus.
Light
Bright filtered light; harsh sun can mark the segments.
Watering
Water when part of the mix has dried, without treating it as a desert succulent.
Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.
Environment and placement
Keep the mix airy; changes in light or temperature can affect buds.
Potting mix and feeding
Use a draining mix that retains some moisture, matched to pot size and the drying rate in your home.
During active growth, follow a suitable feed label. First check light, water and roots if the plant is declining.
Problems to check
If buds drop, check moves, draughts and dryness before watering more.
How to assess yellow leavesCommon question
Does it need a desert cactus mix?
Not necessarily. As an epiphyte it benefits from an airy mix that retains some moisture.
Botanical source
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