Christmas cactus care

Schlumbergera truncata needs bright light with no direct sun. Check the soil before you water.

This is general care advice. Check the label of your plant. Keep toxic plants away from pets and children.

Care at a glance

Botanical name: Schlumbergera truncata
Other names: Holiday cactus, Thanksgiving cactus
Light: Bright light, no direct sun. Put it in bright indirect light. Keep it out of hot, direct sun.
Soil check: Every 8 to 14 days in the growing season. The app learns the real time.
Humidity: Medium humidity
Feeding: Feed once a month in spring and summer. Do not feed in winter.

How does the soil feel 2 to 3 cm below the top?

Push a finger 2 to 3 cm into the soil. Feel if it is dry, damp or wet.

Dry: no soil sticks to your finger. Water the plant.
Damp: a little soil sticks to your finger. It feels cool. Do not water yet.
Wet: soil sticks to your finger and feels soggy, or you see water. Do not water. Check the drainage.

Do not water on a fixed day. Test the soil first. Read the soil check guide.

Use a light, well-draining mix. Mix potting soil with perlite and bark.

Flower buds need long nights. Give the plant 12 to 14 hours of darkness each night for about 6 weeks in autumn.
Buds that drop mean a sudden change in light, cold or water. Keep the conditions steady.
Limp, wrinkled stems mean dry soil or root rot. Check the roots.

Not toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from pets that chew plants.