The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), often called the Easter cactus or simply the Christmas plant, is one of the most cherished houseplants for its vibrant blooms and effortless charm. Famous for brightening winter interiors, this plant can flourish in many conditions — and with the right care, you can even encourage it to bloom more than once a year.
Florists have a few well-kept secrets for keeping the Christmas cactus lush, healthy, and in near-constant bloom. Let’s uncover how they do it.
The Unique Beauty of the Christmas Cactus
Unlike typical desert cacti, the Christmas cactus hails from the humid rainforests of Brazil, where it grows on tree trunks and rocks, absorbing filtered sunlight under the forest canopy. This explains why it loves moisture and indirect light, rather than the scorching sun its desert cousins prefer.
Its segmented, flat green stems and stunning tubular flowers — in shades of red, pink, orange, and white — make it one of the most festive indoor plants. The natural blooming season falls between late November and January, coinciding beautifully with the holiday period.
