Most of the year, the holiday cactus looks like one of the strangest plants alive. It consists of a cluster of hanging “branches,” which are actually stems. These stems are made up of a series of similarly shaped flat segments that look like thick leaves. The plant doesn’t seem to grow much, and doesn’t appear to be very interesting, that is until it starts producing teardrop-shaped buds from the ends of the arched stems. Slowly, each teardrop opens to unveil an unusual display of petals which surround a colorful protruding stamen. The whole plant is soon cascading with dazzling, unique blossoms. It is then truly an amazing sight to behold.

Once in bloom, this cactus makes a wonderful centerpiece for the holidays. 

Holiday cacti come in an assortment of species which belong to the genus Schlumbergera. About 150 years ago, early breeders crossed Schlumbergera truncata with Schlumbergera russelliana, creating the beginnings of the hybrid plants we have today. Commonly referred to as Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Cactus, there are actually several closely related species which look very similar but bloom at different times of the year in a variety of colors.

Most holiday cacti sold today are Thanksgiving varieties, as they tend to bloom before Christmas. These plants have elongated asymmetrical flowers, pointed stem edges, and bloom in November. True Christmas cacti have elongated, radially symmetrical flowers, softly scalloped stem edges as opposed to points, and bloom in December and January.

Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti bloom in beautiful shades of red, pink, yellow, white, orange and purple. These cacti produce flowers twice a year, between October and February. Blooms are long lasting, and these plants can live for decades, gradually increasing in size and eventually bearing hundreds of blooms each year.

The Easter Cactus (below) blooms only once a year, April through May, with vivid red, rotational flowers. Its stems are much smoother and elongated than the other holiday cacti.

Originally, the holiday cacti were tree-dwelling epiphytes growing in Brazilian rainforests. As such, these are jungle cacti as opposed to desert cacti, and require much different care in regards to water, light and temperature.

Plant Care

Water – When the top of the soil is dry to the touch, it is time to water. Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in water as they will rot. Reduce watering fall through spring.

Sunlight – Never place in direct sunlight as it can burn the plant. Bright, indirect light is best.

Temperature – While these plants can tolerate temperatures from 35° to 100° F., the recommended temperature is 65° to 85° F. Do not subject the plant to frost.

Budding – In order to set buds, these plants should have 12 to 14 hours of total darkness along with cool nighttime temperatures a few months before the blooming season. They should also bloom if kept at a constant 50° to 58° F. for 6 to 8 weeks before budding begins.

Growing Medium – Plants prefer to be potbound in a peat-based potting medium.

Fertilizer – Feed your plant two to four times per year with a 20-20-20 fertilizer. If you know when the plant sets bud, do not feed it the month before buds appear or while it is flowering.

Pruning – To promote new root growth and increase bud count, prune the plant after it has finished its final flowering. Pinch off one or two segments (phylloclades) from each stem with your fingers or scissors. You can use mature segments to start new plants!

Propagation – Plant a single stem segment in a pot filled with slightly sandy soil, about 1/4 of its length deep. Place in a well-lit area and keep the soil moist. The cutting should begin showing signs of growth after two or three weeks.

If given the proper care, these plants will thrive and bloom for decades. If you don’t already have one of these unique plants, maybe this year is the time to start a new holiday tradition for yourself, or purchase one as a gift which will keep “giving” year after year!

Local Resource: Hazeltine Nurseries, 941-485-1272.

Written by Lizette Lenhard
Printed December 2007
Web December 2007