Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Christmas cactus — benefits, growing guide & care for this Christmas species. Find watering, sunlight, soil, and growing tips to keep Christmas cactus healthy, plus identification notes and plant profile details from ePlant AI.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, Indirect
75% intensity
Prefers bright light but avoid direct, harsh sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-draining cactus mix
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Ideal temperatures are 18-24°C during the day and 10-13°C at night, especially for triggering blooms.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed during the growing season with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Do not feed in winter.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Reduce watering significantly during the winter dormancy period.
Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. Remove any leggy or damaged stems. Cuttings from pruning can be used for propagation.
Pruning helps promote a bushier plant and more blooms in the next cycle.
Propagate from stem cuttings. Take 2-4 segmented cuttings, allow them to callus for a few days, then plant them in well-draining potting mix. Keep slightly moist and warm until roots form, usually within a few weeks.
Repot every 2-3 years, or when the plant becomes root-bound, preferably in spring. Use a well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one to avoid overwatering issues.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Christmas Cactus (Christmas cactus)
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Species | Christmas Cactus |
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data