Schlumbergera Bridgessii 'Christmas Cactus'

The Christmas cacti is a popular holiday house plant that can live for decades with the proper care. Christmas cacti bloom just in time for the holidays, hence their name and their popularity around the holiday season. The hanging branches of these cacti are made up of flat, glossy green segments and can grow to up to 3 feet long. Flowers in red, yellow, white, pink or purple appear at the tips of these branches. This plant is adaptable to different lighting condition but will bloom most in bright light. 

Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Schlumbergera Bridgessii
• Common Name(s):  Christmas Cactus
• Family: Cactaceae
• Native Range: Brazil 

Care Guide

• Care Level: Easy
• Light: Prefers bright light to encourage blooms, but can adapt to low light conditions
• Water: Water when soil is nearly dry. Avoid overwatering 
• Humidity: High
• Temperature: 60-70F in the summer. When outdoor temperatures begin to drop, 50-55F to encourage blooms. 
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove brown or dead leaves
• Feeding: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
• Propagation: Stem tips
• Growth: Will bloom colorful, tubular flowers in pink or lilac colors. To trigger blooming, nights need to be at least 14 hours long and days between 8 to 10 hours for six weeks. If you have strong indoor lighting at night, you may need to cover your cacti. Flowers will only form when the temperature is between a cool 50-55F
• Pests: Look out for mealy bugs
• Toxicity: Non-toxic to humans and pets. However, fibrous plant material of the cactus can cause illness if ingested. It is recommended to exercise caution with pets and children. 

Looking for houseplants that are safe for your furry friends? Check out our Guide to pet-friendly plants and learn how to create a vibrant, pet-safe space today!

Looking for more resources on how to keep your Christmas Cactus happy and healthy? Check out our Christmas Cactus Care Guide here!