Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera x buckleyi
Forest cactus with flattened segmented stems that cascade gracefully and erupt into vivid tubular flowers in pink, red, white, or salmon around Christmas. Long-lived — some plants are passed down through generations.
Best rooms for christmas cactus
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
How to care for christmas cactus
To trigger flowering, give 6-8 weeks of short days (12-14 hours darkness) and cooler temperatures (12-15°C) from October. Water when the top 2cm of compost dries. Keep in bright indirect light. Feed fortnightly spring through early autumn. Don't move the plant once buds form.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Stem cuttings of 2-3 segments, left to callus then potted
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Bud drop from being moved or temperature changes
- Limp stems from overwatering
- No flowers without a cool dark rest period
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