Few houseplants bring winter cheer quite like Holiday Cacti. Whether you grow Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) or Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), these festive favorites brighten the darkest days of the year with their arching stems and brilliant blooms in shades of pink, red, purple, white, and even orange. Their flowers open right when you need a burst of color, just in time for holiday gatherings, seasonal decorating, and cozy evenings indoors. Best of all, they’re long-lived plants that, with the right care, can bloom reliably every single year.
Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti are often confused, but you can tell them apart by their stem segments and bloom timing. Thanksgiving Cactus has pointed, claw-like edges on each segment and typically blooms in late November, while Christmas Cactus has smoother, scalloped edges and usually flowers closer to mid-December.
Here are six simple, effective tips to keep your Holiday Cacti thriving and blooming beautifully in your home:
1. Give Them Bright, Indirect Light - Holiday Cacti are forest cacti native to the shaded understories of Brazilian rainforests, so they thrive in bright but indirect light. A spot near a north- or east-facing window is ideal. Avoid intense, direct afternoon sun; it can scorch the flattened stem segments. If the plant begins to stretch or appears pale, move it slightly closer to the light, but keep it protected from harsh rays.
2. Water When the Top Soil Dries Out - Despite their name, Holiday Cacti are not desert cacti—they prefer consistent moisture but dislike being waterlogged. Water the plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Let excess water drain, and never let the pot sit in water. During active growth and blooming (late fall through winter), they may require more frequent watering. Reduce watering slightly in spring and summer when growth slows.
3. Use Well-Draining, Rich Soil - A fast-draining potting mix helps prevent root rot. A high-quality houseplant or succulent mix amended with a little peat or compost gives your Holiday Cactus both the drainage and organic matter it loves. Make sure the pot has drainage holes; you’ll avoid the soggy conditions these plants don’t like.
4 Keep Temperatures Cool to Encourage Blooming - Holiday Cacti set buds when exposed to cool nighttime temperatures (around 55–65°F) and longer periods of darkness. Beginning in early fall, place your plant in a cool room and avoid artificial light during the night. Once buds form, maintain steady temperatures and avoid drafts; sudden changes can cause buds to drop.
5. Don’t Overfeed—But Use the Right Fertilizer - These plants don’t need heavy feeding, but they do appreciate nutrients during the growing season. From spring through late summer, feed monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in early fall to help the plant shift its energy toward bud formation.
6. Repot Sparingly & Choose the Right Container - Holiday Cacti bloom best when slightly rootbound. Repot only every 2–3 years and choose a pot that is just one size larger. Oversized pots hold excess moisture and can lead to root rot. When repotting, refresh the soil and gently remove any dead or mushy roots to promote healthy growth.
Holiday Cacti are among the most rewarding indoor plants you can grow, especially during the winter holidays when their vibrant blooms brighten every corner of your home. With the right combination of light, watering, soil, temperature, and occasional feeding, these long-lived plants will flourish and reward you with a cascade of flowers year after year. Whether you display a single stunning plant or create a festive grouping, Holiday Cacti bring warmth, color, and a touch of tradition to your seasonal décor.
