Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a beloved holiday bloomer with flat, segmented stems edged in soft 'claws' and vivid flowers in winter. An easygoing jungle cactus that brightens the season. Colors are sold as assortments based on availability. ✓ Free Shipping · ✓ Carefully Packed Live Plant · ✓ Ships Across the Continental U.S. · ✓ 48-Hour Live-Arrival GuaranteeNatural variation expected with live plants Botanical Label Common name: Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' Botanical name: Schlumbergera truncata Pot size: 3", 4", 6" or 8" nursery pot (choose at checkout) Light: Bright, indirect; no harsh direct sun Water: when the top inch of soil dries (a little more while growing or budding). Difficulty: Beginner-friendly — easy as long as you don't overwater. Growth style: Slow-growing cactus. Mature size: Stays compact and grows slowly — mature size can vary by growing conditions. Lifespan: Can live for many years with regular care — varies by growing conditions. Pet safety: Pet safety varies among succulents — keep this plant out of reach of pets unless you have confirmed it is non-toxic. Best for: Bright shelves and spots out of direct sun. Vibe/personality: Sculptural, low-water, and easygoing. Curator's Note: Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' is sculptural and self-sufficient — a low-water, light-loving little form that holds its own on a bright sill. It asks for almost nothing beyond good light and the occasional drink. Related Plants You'll Love Epiphyllum 'Ric Rac' Cactus Opuntia 'Microdasys' (Bunny Ear Cactus) Succulent Cereus Cuddly Cactus Browse all Cacti → Why It Belongs in Your Collection Low-water and forgiving as long as you don't overwater Sculptural, eye-catching shapes Happy in bright spots without harsh direct sun Easy to propagate from leaves or cuttings Compact — perfect for shelves, desks, and sills A slow, low-fuss grower Care Notes from the Greenhouse Light: Bright, indirect light suits Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' — it's a forest/jungle type that prefers bright light without harsh, direct midday sun. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil dries — these forest types like a little more water than desert cacti, especially when growing or in bud. Still, never leave them soggy. Humidity: Average household humidity is fine — these are dry-climate plants and don't need misting. Temperature: Warm room temperatures; protect it from frost and cold drafts. Soil: A gritty, fast-draining cactus/succulent mix in a pot with a drainage hole. Fertilizer: Feed lightly with a diluted cactus/succulent fertilizer in spring and summer; none in winter. Handling: Mind the spines — wear gloves when repotting, and place it where pets and kids won't brush against it. Care tip: Err on the side of underwatering — these store water and rot if kept wet. Best Display Spots Bright shelf out of direct sun: ideal for forest-type cacti. Desk near a bright window: a sculptural little accent. Bright shelf or plant ledge: shows off its form. Windowsill grouping: cluster a few for a mini collection. Any bright spot with good airflow: they dislike damp, stuffy corners. Best For / Think Twice If Best for: Sunny windowsills and bright rooms People who tend to underwater (or forget to water) Lovers of sculptural, low-water plants Small spaces — shelves, desks, and sills Think twice if: Low-light rooms — they stretch and weaken People who tend to overwater — soggy soil rots them Homes with pets, unless you've confirmed it's non-toxic Spots where kids or pets might brush the spines Botanical Exhibit Notes Succulents and cacti store water in their thick leaves or stems — an adaptation to dry climates — so they need far less watering than most houseplants. They want plenty of light and very well-draining soil; soggy roots are their main enemy. Many are slow growers that live a long time with minimal care — though lifespan can vary by growing conditions. Cacti are a type of succulent; their spines are modified leaves that reduce water loss and deter animals. With enough light and a cool, dry winter rest, many succulents and cacti can surprise you with flowers. From Our Greenhouse to Your Home Florida Plant ships across the continental U.S. Your plant ships from Florida and California, USA, carefully packed in its nursery pot with soil unless noted. Orders dispatch within 1–4 business days, early in the week so plants don't sit over a weekend in transit. During cold weather, orders to colder areas are sent with a heat pack, and we may hold delivery to very cold areas until it's safe to ship. Every plant is backed by our 48-hour live-arrival guarantee — contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos if there's an issue. Because this is a live plant, each one is unique — size, fullness, color, and shape vary naturally, and minor cosmetic imperfections can happen. Give your plant a little time to settle in after it arrives. Plant Questions, Answered How often should I water Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus'?Water when the top inch of soil dries (a little more while growing or budding). It prefers to dry out a little between waterings rather than stay soggy. What kind of light does Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' need?Bright, indirect light suits Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' — it's a forest/jungle type that prefers bright light without harsh, direct midday sun. Is Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' pet safe?Pet safety varies among succulents and cacti. Until you've confirmed Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' is non-toxic, it's safest to keep it out of reach of pets. Why is my Zygocactus 'Christmas Cactus' stretching out or getting leggy?That's usually not enough light — succulents stretch (etiolate) reaching for the sun. Move it to a brighter spot, ideally a sunny windowsill, and new growth will come in more compact.
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