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Our Christmas cacti are Schlumbergera truncata, known as the Thanksgiving cactus and sold in the UK as Christmas cactus. They flower from November through December, a little earlier than the true Christmas cactus. Start with Schlumbergera truncata 'Pink', then find more winter colour in our Christmas plants and gifts and cyclamen.
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Both are Schlumbergera, forest cacti from the coastal mountains of Brazil that grow on trees rather than in desert sand. The Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata, has pointed teeth along the edges of its flat stem segments and flowers from November. The true Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera x buckleyi, has rounded segment edges and flowers a few weeks later.
Most plants sold as Christmas cactus in the UK, including ours, are Schlumbergera truncata. Schlumbergera truncata 'Pink' is usually in flower by early December and carries on through Christmas.
Give it bright, indirect light and water when the top few centimetres of compost are dry. As a forest cactus it likes more water than a desert cactus, but it should never sit in water.
Flower buds form as nights get longer and cooler in autumn. Once buds appear, leave the plant where it is. A sudden change in light or temperature is the most common reason buds drop.
A Schlumbergera can live for decades and flower every winter. After flowering, let it rest a little drier for a few weeks, then water and feed normally from spring. For more winter colour, see our indoor and outdoor cyclamen and amaryllis gift boxes.
Our plants are Schlumbergera truncata, the Thanksgiving cactus. It is the plant most UK shops sell as Christmas cactus. You can tell it by the pointed teeth on the edges of its stem segments; the true Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera x buckleyi, has rounded edges.
Schlumbergera truncata flowers from November through December, a few weeks earlier than the true Christmas cactus. Buds form in autumn as the nights get longer and cooler, so a plant bought in November is usually already in bud.
Bud drop is usually caused by a change in conditions: moving the plant, a cold draught, heat from a radiator or very dry compost. Once buds form, keep the plant in one bright spot and water when the top of the compost is dry.
Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry, usually every week or two indoors. It likes more water than a desert cactus, but empty the saucer so the roots never sit in water.
Schlumbergera is generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, which makes it a good choice for a pet-friendly Christmas gift.
Tips, care guides & advice for this collection
Successful Christmas cactus care comes down to two key details: providing a cooler, drier rest in autumn to encourage flowering, then water consistently once flower buds appear....
Read care guide →
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