Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) are popular houseplants, often given as gifts during the holiday season. They are grown for their beautiful, exotic flowers.
Holiday cacti can be very long-lived. It is possible for these plants to live over 100 years, passed down from generation to generation. Although true cacti, these plants are native to rainforests.
Holiday cacti require good drainage and aeration for healthy root growth. Holiday cacti bloom best when kept somewhat pot-bound.
MGV Edna Wilson’s 80 year old Christmas Cactus beginning to bloom..
Healthy plants may only need repotting every three years.
Recommended potting mix for holiday cacti:
1 part sterile potting soil, 1 part sharp/builder’s sand or perlite, 2 parts peat moss
When watering your Holiday Cacti it is best to lace plants in a sink to drain when watering. Remove excess water from saucers and decorative pots. Excess water may result in dropping flower buds, wilting and root rot. Allow soil to dry out between watering.
Plants won’t grow well in heavy, wet soils. Do not allow plants to sit in excess water after watering. After the plants have finished blooming, water less frequently, increasing again in spring or early summer when the plants resume more active growth.
Plan to Fertilize monthly June thru August with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half-strength. In the fall when flower buds are forming, change to a fertilizer with low nitrogen (N), and high phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) formulation. Example: 0-15-10 (0% N, 15% P, 10% K)
Once flower buds have started to develop, holiday cacti do not like to be disturbed. Plants may drop buds due to drafts or sudden changes in temperature or humidity levels. Direction and the amount of sunlight they receive can result in dropping buds. If the plants are to be put in a warmer room than the one in which the buds started, move them there as soon as the buds appear.
As long as there is adequate light and a relatively cool night temperature, the flower buds should continue to develop normally. They will reward you with spectacular blossoms.