Beautiful bright early-winter flowering cactus to brighten homes during the holidays.

Updated since January 12, 2025.

Three years ago, my husband brought home and gifted me a Holiday Cactus (also known as a Thanksgiving Cactus), and it has since become a cherished member of our home plant collection. Watching it bloom with vibrant flowers each year since its arrival fills me with smiles and reminds me of his thoughtfulness. Caring for it has been easy, and it brings a burst of flowers to our home during the early winter holiday season each year. The cactus’s resilience and beauty have made it a beloved addition to our plants. Its seasonal blooms brighten our winter days, making it a special gift that keeps giving. The Holiday Cactus truly holds a special place in my indoor garden.

Growing a Christmas or Holiday Cactus can be easy and rewarding. These plants are unique because of their vibrant, seasonal blooms that add a splash of color to your home during the winter months. They are relatively easy to care for, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Their resilience and long lifespan mean they can be passed down through generations, becoming a cherished family heirloom. Additionally, their unique blooming periods provide continuous beauty from late fall to winter. Their ability to thrive in indirect light and moderate water needs make them a sustainable and low-maintenance addition to any home.

Is it a Holiday or Christmas Cactus

The main difference between a Holiday Cactus and a Christmas Cactus lies in their blooming periods and the shape of their leaves.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Blooming Period
   • Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii): Typically blooms in December around Christmas.
   • Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata): Also known as Thanksgiving Cactus, it usually blooms in late November around Thanksgiving.
2. Leaf Shape
   • Christmas Cactus: Has more rounded, scalloped edges on its leaf segments.
   • Holiday Cactus: Features sharper, pointed teeth on the edges of its leaf segments.

Despite these differences, both types require similar care and can add a festive touch to your home with their vibrant flowers. If you have both, you can enjoy extended blooming seasons from late fall through winter.

Caring for Holiday Cactus and Christmas Cactus

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are beloved for their vibrant blooms during the winter months.

Here are some care tips to keep them thriving:

• Light: Both plants thrive in indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn their leaves.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering after blooming until new growth appears.
• Temperature: They prefer cooler temperatures, between 60-70°F (15-21°C). Keep them away from drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Humidity: Maintain a humidity level of 50-60% for optimal growth. Use a humidity tray or mist the plants regularly.
• Fertilizing: Feed monthly during the growing season (spring to fall) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years after blooming. Use well-draining soil, ideally a cactus or succulent mix.

With these practices, your Christmas and Holiday Cacti will flourish and brighten your home with their beautiful blooms.

Repotting

Repotting a Christmas or Holiday Cactus is a straightforward process.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose the Right Time: The best time to repot is after the cactus has finished blooming and during its growing season (spring to early summer).
2. Select a Pot: Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
3. Prepare the Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, such as a cactus or succulent mix. You can add perlite or sand to improve drainage.
4. Remove the Cactus: Gently remove the cactus from its current pot. If it’s stuck, lightly tap the pot or use a knife to loosen the soil around the edges.
5. Inspect the Roots: Check the roots for any signs of rot or damage and trim off any unhealthy parts with clean scissors.
6. Plant the Cactus: Place the cactus in the new pot and fill it with the prepared soil mix. Ensure the base of the plant is level with the top of the soil.
7. Water Lightly: Water the cactus lightly after repotting. Let it settle for a few days before resuming regular watering.

With these steps, your cactus will be set for healthy growth in its new pot.

Propagating

Propagating a Christmas or Holiday Cactus is a simple and rewarding process.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a Healthy Segment: Select a segment of the cactus with 2-3 leaf segments. Ensure it’s healthy and free from pests or damage.
2. Cut the Segment: Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to cut the segment just above a leaf node.
3. Dry the Cuttings: Let the cut end dry and callous over for a few days to prevent rot.
4. Apply Rooting Hormone: Dip the calloused end of the cutting into the rooting hormone powder, tapping off any excess. (optional)
5. Planting: Place the calloused end into a pot with well-draining soil, ideally a cactus or succulent mix.
6. Watering: Water sparingly until roots develop, then gradually increase watering.

Keep the new plant in indirect light and maintain a stable, warm environment.

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