What’s a Christmas Cactus Anyway?

Two versions of Christmas Cactus

Our popular Christmas cactus is a tropical variety that grows in Brazil’s  coastal mountains.  It is one of several similar plants that tend to bloom  regularly at various times during the year.  This plant is also called Thanksgiving cactus.   The leaves or pads have scalloped edges and the stems are pendant with the flowers hanging downward.  The flowers grow in the joints between pads and also at the tips.  Flowers can be red, deep pink, white, or a purple shade.

Their native environment is humid and shady so they'll thrive as house plants in 65-75 degree conditions.  They tolerate dry conditions, but appreciate any added humidity.  They prefer a bright indirect light.

My plant made the move from an east coast home to New Mexico several years ago and it has continued to thrive here.  It sits a couple of feet back from a sunny window and seems perfectly happy.   I can moderate the amount of direct sun with a window shade.

There's another version of this plant.  It’s on the left in the photo. Both versions are members of the genus Schlumbergera.   The leaves or pads of this second version have points (a sort of serrated edge) so the two plants  look a little different.  I bought one of these cacti a few years ago and it's doing well even though it's in a location that doesn't provide as much direct light. This one has white flowers that appear at the tips of the pads.

If you need to transplant either variety, umm local garden center recommends using soil that's intended for succulents or cactus.  Don't overwater and let the plant dry out between waterings.  You can fertilize with a soluble fertilizer during the growing season (Spring and Summer).