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4.6 out of 5 (11 experiences)


About Christmas Cactus
Did you know plants in the Schlumbergera genus are actually leafless? Instead of leaves, they use modified stems to capture sunlight! Unlike the Easter cactus, this species flowers in the later autumn or winter. They also have pointed wings at the corners, where its counterpart has more rounded edges. In the wild, they are epiphytes, meaning they grow on tree branches or rocks! 🌳 🪨
Taxonomy
Schlumbergera russelliana
Schlumbergera
Cactaceae
Caryophyllales
Also known as
Easter Cactus, Shrimp Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus and Schlumbergera bridgesii

How to care for Christmas Cactus
How often to water your Christmas Cactus

every 12
Christmas Cactus needs 0.5 cups of water every 12 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
12
Finding light for Christmas Cactus in your home

a window
Christmas Cactus may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.
Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Christmas Cactus in your home 🏡.
How to fertilize Christmas Cactus

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Christmas Cactus after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
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Cats are mean sometimes. One of my cats, I haven’t figured out who, knocked over Alberto, my Christmas Cactus. I had to buy him a whole new pot because they shattered the previous one… 😭 and of course it would be my favorite pot too…(besides the one that Chica is in) Anyways, here lays the remains of Alberto’s previous home, on my table, and although I’m glad he was able to upgrade his house, it still cost me a lot of moneys! 😭 I’m really hoping he pulls through, and survives this ordeal, because he was out of his pot and just laying on the ground for a long time… (my mom texted me but I didn’t see it until I got home from work) Please pray for Alberto and send wishes for him to be okay…
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Christmas Cactus is very sad?? Hi, I am babysitting this plant for a coworker while they are down south for the winter. It was doing so fabulous and bloomed beautifully but in the last two weeks has become very very sad? I water it as Greg instructs but something is wrong?? Its leaves feel very thin and look wrinkly. Please help, they told me this plant is a family heirloom and nearly 100years old?!
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I just wanted to share my plant’s glow up! My friend got this plant when his aunt passed away—it was hers. But he didn’t know how to care for it, it was dying, and his cat bit it. He brought it to me to save it. The photo in the gray square pot was two years ago. The last photo shows it now next to that same gray pot, which now houses a peperomia. This beautiful #ChristmasCactus has grown so much, and I love it! It’s also a nice reminder of his aunt Linda, who was a wonderful lady. (This is why it is named Linda in my oasis.) I hope I can keep this cactus going for many years to come, as it is a sentimental cactus. 💚 #HappyPlants #SucculentLove #BeforeAndAfter #CactusClique #WhatTheSucc
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I got a bloom #EasterCactus I propagated these in water last year from cuttings my broinlaw gave me.. #HappyPlants #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #NewGrowth #BloomingSuccs
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Hey, I just got this app, and I have two questions. Is this a false Christmas cactus or an actual one? It said my pigs ear was a ghost plant so I want to ask. Also, is the version you just download free completely free for as long as you have it?
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Is this Christmas Cactus? Hi guys! I got this cactus a few years ago and I'm not sure what Type of plant it is. Do you think it might be Christmas Cactus? #whatplantisthis #identify #christmascactus
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Little appreciation post for my Christmas cactus ❤️
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Looking a little sad This is Queen Dee I named her after my late mother. She was my mothers plant for 50 years. Before that is was her grandfathers. This plant is about 100 years old. It is massive. And I am terrified of not knowing how to take care of it properly. I know it likes to be root bound. I know it likes sun. And to water it as needed. But lately it looks a little sad. I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you! #NewPlantMom #ChristmasCactus
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Update on the dying christmas cactus part 2! It survived! I'm really glad I didn't get rid of this ancient baby. And despite my doubts this baby is flowering and everything. Some of them fell off but one still remains! Look at it! I'm so proud 🥲 and it's such a pretty one too! It lost some leaves here and there while being moved so it's not as good looking as a while ago with update 1, but so far so good. If it's flowering it probably means it's doing well. From the trash to the runway babey! #rescueplant #rescue #christmascactus #greg #plant #plantparent #succulentsquad #cactus #update
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone I’m thankful for all of u!! Love my #GregGang hope u all had a good one w ur families! Blessings 🙏🏻 im stuffed lol I was given this succulent cuttings am I progation he right ? #ChristmasCactus #PlantAddict #SucculentSquad @vvvelo ?
Care Summary for Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 12 days

< 3ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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