christmas cactus
Schlumbergera truncata
USDA zones10 to 12
SunHandles partial sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size9 to 12 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Arching
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Red, purple, pink, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a houseplant for containers, rock gardens, and winter interest. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 10 and warmer, down to about 30°F (-1°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes part sun or part shade and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Its arching, evergreen stems reach 9 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches. Red, purple, pink, or white flowers attract hummingbirds and birds.
Pairs well with Neon pothos, Cyclamen, and Mondo grass.
Native range
Southeastern Brazil.