Joe deSousa (public domain)1. Christmas cactus flowers best when slightly potbound and doesn’t often need repotting. (Once every three years at the very most.) If you do repot your cactus, do so when it’s no longer blooming.
2. Allan Cunningham was the first botanist to collect and document Christmas cactus during an expedition to Brazil in the early 1800s.
3. Two great spots to enjoy the cascading stems of a blooming Christmas cactus during the holidays are right on the table or hanging from above.
4. Get your cactus blooming by keeping it in uninterrupted darkness for 14 hours.
5. Christmas cacti tolerate cool indoor temperatures, but require at least 50 degree Fahrenheit.
6. Share your Christmas cactus with friends and family by burying a three-segment-long stem in well-drained potting mix. Water sparingly and it should take root in about four weeks.
7. Christmas cacti are popular indoor plants, but can be grown outdoors in zones 9 to 11.
8. With proper care, Christmas cacti can live for decades. One Montana family has passed down the same Christmas cactus for over 145 years!
Karen says
I have one over 100 yrs.old. We aren’t sure how many years over 100 it is. Has very thick woody stems. Blooms November through March!
Debbie says
So does mine bloom November through March , my mom had it many years , she passed 6 years ago then it became mine , I just love it I Ralf to it as if I’m talking to her lol its crazy I know it’s just what makes me feel closer to her my mom .
Debbie says
I meant I talk to it .
Ingrid says
Got one in 2015 it bloomed then but has never bloomed since
Jane says
Honestly, I ignore mine from late summer through Thanksgiving and then it blooms. I think it likes being ignored. I put it outside in the spring and then when September comes I truly forget all about it and the remember it when it gets cold and bring the poor thing inside and water it. It thanks me by blooming.
Deb Lapierre says
I was just my husband that my mother did the same as you. Put her plant out in the warm weather under a tree and not bringing it back in until fall. The plant was very old not sure now old. The plant was given to me was doing great until I moved it died. Don’t know if it was the move had anything to do with it or it didn’t like it’s new home.
Karen says
It’s December 11th here in Hainesport nj, and winter has arrived. I have several Xmas cactus and all of them had blooms in November now all the beautiful flowers are falling off!
Karen says
Karen S
Lou says
I have a ?. If your Christmas cactus blooms can u put it in darkness again and after 14 hrs bring it out and will bloom again.
Diane Hollister says
Mine never has 14 hours of uninterrupted darkness and blooms every year! It’s about 15 years (if not more) and is just starting to become woody and breaking off pieces.
Lynn taylor says
I have pieces breaking off my plant is VERY old 4 versions. I reported it. It looked leaves. @late feb- early March.. I put it outside as soon as I can. Does great….. Bring it back in as temp near freezing does good until. Late winter eraly spring again. Any suggestions????
Crystal says
I’ve never put my ten year old Christmas cactus in the dark and it blooms every Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. Love it!
Shelly says
My oldest is about 15, and I have several of its children and grandchildren, both from starts and from seed. Mine go in the sunniest windows I can put them in and the only time they move is to rotate so the other side can get more sun. East and west windows are great. Well draining soil is great but filling the drain bowl full to absorb as needed makes mine most happy. They bloom off and on all year. I do use Miracle Grow indoor houseplant fertilizer at half the recommended strength once in the spring.
lynn says
I take mine out I. The summer. Bring it in early fall, some times late in Feb. Leaves just start dropping off…it leaves out again in summer. But really drops alot of leavez before I can place it back outdoors. Any suggestions
Shirley says
This is just a guess but chances are you are over watering it while it is indoors. They really do not need much water, this is especially true while they are indoors.
lezlee says
Where do you live? I would suggest NOT taking it outside if this makes it drop lots of leaves.
Lynn taylor says
I’ve had the same thing not sure why… But not much foliage on original woody stalks??? Any help?
Patricia Van Gennep says
Cannot handle going from lots of sun in summer time to very little almost overnight. Try cutting back on the sunlight gradually.
From NJ says
It really is a succulent and needs less water than most house plants.
Bobbie Denherder says
What happen to the peach color Christmas cactus u never see them any more.Also do u keep them wanted while blooming?
Larry Spinnenweber says
I have a peach-colored Christmas cactus. It blooms with a peach/salmon colored flower. I bought it a few years ago, believe it or not, on Amazon. It arrived in a small pot in a box and has done quite well since then. At the same time I bought a yellow and an orange Christmas cacti.
Robbie says
I have 2 peach, I refer to them as shrimp. The last one I bought at Whole Foods when it was just budding because it looked like a white one. I’m looking for a white one!
Darlene says
Mine is white with a pink center was my mom’s pretty old too it has a few flowers right now again
Lois Masso says
I bought one called Tangerine from Michigan Bulb 2 years ago. I also have a yellow one from the same place. They are still blooming right now and have been loaded with flowers this year. These are in addition to the conventional white, red, and pink I have. I also have an Easter bloomer that has bright red flowers shaped totally different than our Christmas kind. The leaves also have rounded edges instead of pointed.
Cindy says
I have a peach colored cactus that came from my mother-in-law. It has bright frucia center when it blooms. It blooms in late November & December then again in April.
Eileen Greene says
I have a plant that had fuchsia colored blooms. This year the blooms are peach colored with a fuchsia center…it’s lovely, but I don’t know why the color change?? Can anyone explain…I keep it in the sunny window and give it very little water.
Bobbie Denherder says
How do I post a picture of my Christmas cactus on here?
Faye Howell says
My cactus blooms at Easter, Thanksgiving & Christmas it is in my front window but only gets sun at about 5-6 pm. I have given pieces to family & friends all my married life 54 years.
Pattie says
This is my first Christmas Cactus. It bloomed beautifully in November, then dropped all the blossoms and the outer edges of the leaves are turning yellowish. Did I water it too much? I water it with water softened water. Would the salt in the water cause this? Any help I can get would be helpful. Thank you so much.
Ingrid says
Yes, too much water & just use tap water. Re-read the article & put the schedule on your calendar. That’s what I’m going to do. These plants are so festive.
Barbara says
I have numerous Christmas Cactus plants. I also have soft water. I fill used and clean plastic containers with water. Every time I empty one I just refill and leave set. This seams to make a big difference. I also water only a little about every two weeks. I use this same water for all my house plants. Hope this works for you too. Mine is one my grand mother had, so I know it is well over a hundred years old. I just keep starting new plants and sharing them with other family member or who ever wants one.
Carolyn says
We do the same with our drinking water. Put filtered water from the fridge in 3 of those large tea glass dispensers with a tap. Let it set at least 2 days before using if you can. Many of the chemicals used by the treatment plant will settle out of the water (you won’t be able to see this). That’s how we got rid of bleachy tasting water.
Cindy says
Too much water makes the plant rot. Softener water is not good for the cactus–turns leaves yellowish and salt spots will appear on the leaves.
martha says
softener water (comes out your tap) was can harm your Christmas cactus, collect some rain water and only use that and don’t over water.
Shelly says
Be sure your pot has drain holes, the soil can get totally dry and the plant will start the desiccating your talking about over time, but I have never seen it happen from overwatering. My big old one loves its soil moist all the time. I usually fill the drain dish completely full and allow the water to be absorbed from there. I don’t have a water softening system but I would guess the amount of free salts in your water could cause problems.
Peter says
Have had one here in South Australia on Eastern patio for over 30 years still blooms every year, early Nov.to mid Dec. this year.Thanks for repotting hint, will do now
.
Georgia says
I have my grandmother’s from at least the 1940’s. Maybe even older.
Lori says
Mine is over 50 yes old. My mother left to me. I have grown a 2nd one from the orig too
Kathleen Ahart says
We have a beautiful Christmas cactus that we keep in the same pot and by the same window all year. Really a healthy plant and will bloom at least twice year. I love the color of the flowers. Brightens up a room on a cloudy winter day.
Kim Smith says
I love having something blooming in the winter period, so I love my Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus. I have them outdoors in summer and they can really grow fast. Once it gets too big, I will probably leave it inside.
Harriet Knox says
I have two, white and red. I wait patiently early November they “stretch” out and “brighten” up”, leaves become shiny and buds form. By January, they will begin to “sleep” again… I love them and wish I had room for more! I have them in a northwest bedroom window!
Dawn Reed says
Do any of you fertilize your Christmas cactus? I have used Epson salt in water. But I’m not sure how often to do this.
I have 4 Christmas cactus and one belonged to my Grandma. It’s over 30 years old.
Robbie says
I water with very week tea. The leaves love this and turn dark green glossy and full.
Deanna says
I do in the summer while their outside. It seems to help! I use Mircale Grow.
Diane Hollister says
I feed mine Miracle gro type food starting about September and it will bloom late November thru December (and sometimes in March!)
Shelly says
I fertilizer with Miracle Gro about once every month or two. Especially early fall when blooming starts.
Bryan says
I have a cutting from a Christmas cactus that was first owned by my great-great-grandmother Shupe in the 1870’s. Segments have been passed down to each generation.
Barb says
Hi Bryan, Just wondering if your Shupe relatives were from WI as I also have the same last name relatives?
Mickey Embleton says
Mine is 30 years old. Inherited from my Mom. Always think of her when it’s blooming.
carol says
I ha e a xmas cactus thats 75+ years old..was mt husbands grandmothers..hasnt bloomed this year?!! Any thoughts.. always has before…:(
Durell Loftin says
I have 6 in my solarium and 3 in a enclosed back porch each facing East, Most of them stay in same place, one is in a fish aquarium
over 30 years. It is easy to start new ones, Always beautiful Nov and Dec,
Linda says
A friend gave me a cutting a few years ago, and it bloomed two years in a row, right on time (Christmas). I keep it indoors because of the intense heat in the Phoenix area in the summer. This year, it hasn’t bloomed. Stubborn!
Carol Barnette says
I’m in zone 7. I have 4 Hugh plants. They prefer it outside as long as it’s above freezing. I don’t have to give them darkness they cover with blossems.
Joyce says
I live in NW Lower Michigan. Many years ago I accidentally found a good way to get my cactus to bloom. I had it hanging in a window & as the weather turned colder I noticed that the side facing the window had buds coming on but the side facing inside didn’t. Wanting to see the blooms as they came on I turned the cactus around. I later noticed the window side also formed buds. So now I keep my cactus in as cold a room as possible (I don’t allow it to get to the freezing point) during the fall months and I have always had a plant full of blooms. My fushia plant was cuttings from my grandmothers plant which dates back over 120 years old. I also break off pieces several sections long & restart in jars of water (submerge at least two sections) & once rooted I pot in Miracle Gro potting mix & use as gifts for friends & family. I also use Miracle Gro liquid fertilizer mixed with water as directed about every 2-3 months after the first year if using their potting mix that usually has fertilizer in it to start with.
martha says
i hung my cactus outside on the side of my house and forgot about it until first week in November (i live in Ontario, Canada) and when i remembered it, it was covered in buds. the cold hadn’t hurt it a bit and it bloomed just beautiful. i have white,red,bright pink and orange all in the same hanging pot.
Pat Nyitray says
I cross-breed mine and often get seed pods…What do I do with them?
Ingrid Clemmensen says
I have several. two of them live outside and while they both bloom magenta flowers, all the leaves are yellow or pale, pale green. Any suggestions. both are at least 20 years old.
Shari Cook says
I have several Christmas cactus plants that are at least 20 years old. They reside on the north side of my home and never go outside. I water them maybe once every 2 weeks. They bloom for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter every year. Do NOT move them once they bud as the buds will fall off.
Barb says
Hi Shari, Do you feed your cactus or are the rooms cooler that they bloom 4 times a year? Thanks in advance for the info.
Shelly says
I germinate blooms with blooms of other plants in order to get the hot pink seed pods that stay on the plant for years. I have several that I propagated myself from old plants. Fun to see the tiny tiny little sections grow. Right now I have about 50 2 year old babies to transplant and find homes for…
Barb says
Do you sell your babies, Shelley, as I would be interested in some? Thanks in advance for the info.
Denise says
Mine go outside as soon as it’s warm enough. They stay out until a hard frost is forecast. They start blooming within a couple of weeks. They are 65 and 43 years old.
Barb says
Do you leave them in the same pots when they go outside and don’t they bring in other bugs that you have to deal with? Thanks for the info in advance.
Carol says
ThisI is my first Christmas cactus. Wish me luck. The blooms have fallen off. I moved ait to a west window, seems to like it. I had it in my kitchen window, but I thought it was too cool, since its the east window, and didn’t get enough light. But now I see that they like it. Thanks for the tip.
Kathy says
I have 2 cactus flower plants . I have been married 50 years! Got first one about 45 years ago then started 2nd plant 10 yrs later! My question is…The dnd of my cacti turnned pink! I guess the ends are faded greenwith a strong pink tinge! I have never seen it on anyone elses plant. I have both plants in kitchen window all the time. Gets morning sun. Blooms every year but has slowed down on blooms. Have not replanted in 15 years! Why are the ends not green like other plants? I have to admit..I like having a different plant from others.
Pamela Jackson says
I never put mine in the dark. It goes outside every year where it hangs from a tree branch. Then I bring it back in and put it in a window. Starts sprouting blooms and she’s good to go. No darkness needed.
Geraldine Comer says
One of the branches fell off my Christmas cactus. I placed the end in a glass of water and was surprised to find that it rooted.
Sylvia says
Thanks for the info on how to get more from just a branch. How easy that is. Confession I have never tried that.
Denine says
Our cactus came here from Czechoslovakia in the mid 1800’s. Every one who got married got a piece of the parent plant and those were given to each child after that. I have the plant now and it had 137 flowers this year 🙂 It went through about a 15 year period where it would bud but not flower. When I had a very old dog that was going to be put down I said to him if you get to the Rainbow Bridge and are happy, let me know by making the flowers bloom. They have bloomed every year since and tons of them. The plant is HUGE and needs to be re-potted I’m sure… but I’m scared!!
Brenda Stickney says
Love the dog and rainbow bridge story, reminds me of Where the Red Fern Grows; I cry every time.
Sandy Bakeberg says
I have several colors potted in one big pot which is very interesting when they bloom. I put them outside in about June and take them in when it gets down to about 40 so they don’t freeze. The cool temp sets the buds and they are full of flowers every year. Live in MN.
Grace says
its the middle of Feb. and both of mine is blooming.
Stargazer says
I had one get frost bite kinda, it was inside a garage and it got pretty cold inside. I cut all the dead off. Which was everything. Will it come back ?
Wendy Warren says
I inherited my grandmother’s Christmas Cactus, and almost killed it by overwatering. I repotted it and am careful with watering now, but I can’t convince it to bloom at all.
Joy says
Last week two large clustered branches broke off my plant that I’ve had for 11 years. I’m going to try to root some of the leaves, but what can I do to prevent that breakage from happening? The plant that remains looks healthy. I live in Central Florida and the plant gets direct early morning sun for about 2 hours. Thanks!
Holly Knight-Moore says
I seem to have a couple of “Halloween, thanksgiving, Christmas , Valentine’s Day, Easter cacti. They are in a south facing, cool room and I pretty much ignore them, for the most part. I throw a little water on them once in a while and i am rewarded with prolific, frequent blooms of several colors. If a big stem falls off, i stick it in a cup of water (which I change once in a while) until it roots. Then I stick it in some dirt and add it to the group in the other room! Oh! And most of them are shoots off an 80+ year old plant!
LIN says
Several years ago I visited the Stuhr Museum in Grand Island, NE, and stood in admiration at a Christmas cactus that was reputed to have arrived in Nebraska on a wagon train back in the 1800’s sometime. It was in a south window and was at least three feet across with cascades falling three feet. The docent said it was in bloom all winter long and they give it benign neglect. In full bloom it would be a show stopper.
Cheryl D Morrison says
Well my cactus blooms in Thanksgiving and the other one around Christmas. I have never put them in the dark and both bloom like crazy. I live in SC.and both are outdoors for the Summer then I bring them in when the weather gets chilly. They are in the kitchen on the table and not hung for light. But it seems to work for me.
Cindy H says
Thank you all for the idea about putting it outside in the summer! I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of that. My Cactus has one side I call the Christmas cactus and one side I call the Easter cactus. It’s on a loft above our living room, so when it’s Easter I face those flowers out, and when it’s Christmas, I turn it around again and voila, a new set of beautiful fuchsia flowers again!
John A Sharpee says
My Christmas Cactus belonged to my great grandmother. I’m 70 years old and have had it for over 30 years, I often wonder how old it is. I plan on passing it to one of my daughters.
Kathy says
Mine is maybe 15 or 20 years old went years without blooming. Then started blooming after thanksgiving each year getting closer to Christmas then right on Christmas but this year it bloomed Easter, mother’s day one other holiday. And has been blooming since thanksgiving . 4 times this year I hope it last after the many times it has bloomed. Strangely very close to these hoildays
Barb Houmard says
Mine belonged to my mother-in-laws who died in 1995. She had it for at least 25 years before.that.
JJ says
My Grandmother had one and it was passed down to me. It was over 100 years old when it was stolen from my front porch one Summer. Broke my heart. It bloomed After Thanksgiving until past Christmas. It was not like the ones I see today. The segments were smooth, without the points. I wish I could find another, but have never seen another like it.
Sue says
I have one that has been passed down for at least 4 generations. It is easily over 140 years old as I am 70 now and will be passing it downline to my own children and grandchildren. It is vigorous and blooms several times a year.