How to water a Christmas cactus
Schlumbergera spp.
Quick answer
Treat a Christmas cactus as a rainforest cactus: water when the upper mix dries, not only when the whole root ball is bone dry. Then let excess water drain.
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- Starting point (summer)
- every 8 to 12 days
- Starting point (winter)
- every 8 to 12 days, sometimes less
How to water a Christmas cactus
- 01
When to water
Water when the upper part of the mix has dried rather than waiting for the whole root ball to become bone dry. As a rule of thumb, check the top 1 to 2 inches, but pot size and mix change the exact depth.
Keep watering more regular during active spring and summer growth, then reduce it during the cool autumn flower-setting period. Resume the ordinary moisture routine as buds swell rather than keeping the plant in prolonged drought.
- 02
How to water thoroughly
Water the medium throughout the root ball, then let excess water drain. Check the medium before watering again instead of following a fixed weekly schedule.
Use a free-draining container and medium, and never leave the holiday cactus standing in water. Unlike a desert cactus, Schlumbergera still needs regular moisture, but saturated low-light mix raises disease and root-problem risk.
All Christmas cactus guides
Keep reading
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineTaxonomy · accepted genus · native range · accepted species
- Royal Horticultural SocietyWhat are Christmas cacti · Planting · Temperature · Watering · Humidity · Feeding · Problems
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxDescription · Cultural Conditions · Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems
- University of Minnesota ExtensionQuick facts · Light and temperature · Soil · Watering · Fertilizing · Flower buds · Common issues
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