Christmas cactus

For Christmas cacti, it is best to keep the soil slightly moist and never soggy. Water your Christmas cactus once a week during the spring and summer and then reduce watering to once every 2 to 3 weeks during the fall and winter. To water, slowly pour water onto the soil, taking care to avoid getting water on the foliage. Allow the excess water to completely drain out of the bottom of the pot before replacing it onto the saucer.

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is native to the rainforests of South America and is typically found in areas with high humidity and low, indirect light levels. For this particular species of cactus, it is best to provide it with bright, indirect sunlight for about 4-6 hours each day. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight as this can cause the leaves to turn yellow or become sunburned. A south-facing window that receives plenty of diffused natural light is an ideal location for the Christmas cactus. This can be supplemented with a fluorescent light placed 8-10 inches above the plant during the winter months when natural light is scarce.

Christmas cactus is best pruned at the beginning and end of its blooming seasons. Around late winter or early spring and then again in late summer or early fall. Before pruning, you want to take the time to carefully inspect your plant and identify each branch or stem. Then use scissors or pruning shears to snip off dead or broken pieces, as well as any leaves that are discolored or wilted. Prune away any stems that are too long or too straggly, but don't be too aggressive as it may damage the plant.