Holiday Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)

Holiday Cactus Plant Features

Holiday cactus is one of the most colorful flowering houseplants. This easy-care grower bursts into bloom when the days get short, putting on a fabulous show during the holiday season. You can find Holiday cactus  in a wide variety of colors, including pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and white -- as well as bicolors where an individual flower shows multiple shades at the same time. 

This flowering houseplant is a cinch to grow, which has made it a popular holiday plant for generations. In fact, a beautiful Holiday cactus has become something of an heirloom for many families, with the plant being passed down through the ages.

In bloom, Holiday cactus are spectacular holiday plants, showing off their colorful blossoms like jewels at the end of their stems. When not in bloom the rest of the year, Holiday cactus show off jagged foliage that gives insight to one of its other common names: crab cactus. 

Note: Holiday cactus is sometimes also called Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, or zygo cactus.

Holiday Cactus Growing Instructions

Grow Holiday cactus in bright light for the most blooms. It will grow in medium or low light, too --- but this flowering houseplant has fewer flowers the darker it gets. Indoors, Holiday cactus can take direct sun on their foliage. 

Water Holiday cactus when the top inch or two of the potting mix dries out. It prefers a little more water in spring and summer than it does in autumn and winter. 

Fertilize Holiday cactus in spring and early summer with a fertilizer made for houseplants. Follow the directions on the product packaging for tips on how much fertilizer to use and how often to apply it. 

Because Holiday cactus comes from tropical rainforests, it prefers average to high humidity. While it tolerates low humidity, you may find Holiday cactus does better and flowers more with good humidity levels.

Holiday cactus grows best in average temperatures, but cooler temperatures in late fall --- around 55F (13C) --- can help it to produce blooms.

Note: Holiday cactus is not meant for human or animal consumption. 

  • Water

    Medium water needs

  • Light

    Indoors: High light

    Indoors: Low light

    Indoors: Medium light

  • Colors

    Orange

    Pink

    Purple

    Red

    White

  • Special Features

    Purifies the air