Christmas cactus care: light, water, and pet safety

Schlumbergera spp.

Care table

Light	Medium light to bright indirect light. Bright indirect light. A forest cactus, so not full sun.
Water	Let half the pot dry. Water when the top half of the pot is dry.
Humidity	Prefers 40 to 50 percent or more
Repotting	Every 2 to 3 years after flowering. It blooms best a little root bound.

Winter care

Needs long nights and 50 to 60 F in fall to set buds. Water when the top half is dry. Do not let it sit wet.

Pet safety

Non-toxic to cats and dogs (ASPCA). ASPCA entry: Christmas Cactus

Pet safety comes from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list. The list is not exhaustive, and a plant marked non-toxic can still upset a pet stomach. If a pet eats a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a fee may apply). ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list.

Common problems

Buds drop: A move, a draft, or dry soil while budding.
Soft, mushy base or black roots: Root rot from soil that stays wet too long. Common in winter.

How to check the soil

Finger test: push a finger into the soil up to the first knuckle, about an inch. Dry and crumbly means that layer is dry. Cool or damp means wait. For deeper checks use a wooden skewer: it comes out clean when the soil is dry.

All houseplants and the Light and Water tool