Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera) flower over the Christmas period, from late November to January – hence their name. They make good Christmas gifts – their bright, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, white, pink, purple and even yellow bring a welcome splash of colour to any room. Their flat, segmented and trailing stems look attractive all year round.
Sunlight: Give your plant a bright spot away from direct sunshine, which can scorch the leaves, and a steady temperature of 18-24°C.
Watering: In spring and summer, water only when the top 2-3cm of soil is dry, and let any excess water drain away – Christmas cacti suffer if they sit in cold, wet compost. Water more sparingly during winter and during the two rest periods.
Humidity: As Schlumbergera are native to from rainforests, they do best in a humid atmosphere. Mist your plant a few times a week, or place on a pebble-filled tray of water. Feed monthly in spring or summer with a general fertiliser.
Pruning: Schlumbergera don't need pruning, but the stems can get leggy or too long. Make the plant more bushy by removing the tips after the plant has flowered. You can also remove some of the older stems at the base at the same time.
