Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi): Holiday Blooms for Indoor Gardens

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi), also called holiday cactus or zygocactus, is a popular, long-lived houseplant with flattened, segmented, spineless stems that produce spectacular, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and purple around the winter holidays.

Bloom Cycle

Flowering is triggered by short days and cool nights (50–55°F) in fall. The blooms last for weeks. With proper care, plants can live for decades and become family heirlooms.

Care

Bright, indirect light; well-draining, humus-rich soil (orchid or cactus mix). Water when top inch of soil is dry; reduce watering after flowering. High humidity appreciated. Fertilize monthly in spring/summer. Easy to propagate from stem segments.

Taxonomy

• Family: Cactaceae
• Genus: Schlumbergera
• Species: × buckleyi
• Synonyms: Zygocactus × buckleyi, Epiphyllum × buckleyi, Schlumbergera bridgesii