by Sammy Stein

Created on: December 15, 2009   Last Updated: May 24, 2012

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera species) are beautiful plants to grace any home. They bloom in December - hence the name- or some around Easter - (Easter cacti) and their delicate flowers add grace and a soft scent to the home. They are perennials and erect when young. Later, as they mature, they develop a pendulous habit. This is because they naturally grow in nooks and crannies often in large trees and it is to their advantage to hang their flowers so pollinators can reach them easily - this is also why they have perfume as they grown in dense woodland naturally and the scent tells pollinators where to get nectar and pollinate the flower in the process.

The cacti have fleshy green stems divided into segments, each with distinctive notched edges which gives them a leaf- like appearance. Largely spineless they do possess small spines but these are scattered and soft. They can grow up to 36 inches in diameter and the stems can reach 24 inches in length.

They can be grown in a warm greenhouse or as a potted plant. They like indirect but bright light. They suit baskets as their long stems can overhang the edges to create a display. They can be grown outside in warmer areas but need protection from the rain. Avoid direct sunlight in summer and shelter from drafts indoors and strong winds outdoors.

Christmas cacti need a temperature with an average of 54 degrees Fahrenheit and they do not tolerate any frost .

To grow them indoors, use epiphytic compost with added grit and leaf mold. Apply a liquid fertiliser weekly to encourage blooms. They benefit from a rest period between February to April and then should be treated normally watering when the compost dries out.

From October when buds form, increase the temperature and water more frequently. This mimics the best season for pollination in the tropics so will encourage the plant to make flowers. Re-pot after 3-4 years or when the plant has outgrown its original pot.    

Christmas cacti come in a range of colors and varieties. A popular one is 'Limelight Dancer' which has pale pink flowers with a pink tube inside. Other colours include deep reds, yellows, whites and pale pinks. They are a robust plant if treated reasonably well and make the ideal 'starter' cactus for a beginner or youngster as they are almost guaranteed to bloom given the minimum amount of care, so long as they do not get too wet or cold.

Whether you grow them on their own or as part of a larger display, in pots or baskets, Christmas cacti will enchant and provide grace and beauty at any time of year.

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