Repot the plant every three years or so, it does well being slightly pot-bound. It has many branches. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. Type: Cactus. The Easter Cactus flower, Hatiora gaertneri, is a starburst shape. Christmas cactus blooms around Christmas and has smaller leaves with smooth edges. The pads of a Christmas cactus have lobes that are smooth-rounded. The stems (leaf-like pads) of the Christmas cactus are smaller with more rounded and smooth edges. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Schlumbergera bridgessii, commonly referred to as Christmas cactus, is a type of succulent that originates from the tropical rainforest of Brazil. Flowers are zygomorphic (meaning if you cut them in half, you get 2 equal parts), showy, colorful, tube-like, perfect (have stamen and pistil), composed of tepals (since it is hard to tell what is a petal or sepal, people tend to say tepals) that form a corolla (just meaning that all the tepals look like one single part instead of separate parts), have pericarpel (the part below the pistil and above the stem), and tend to bloom in early winter (hence, it's name Christmas cactus as it generally blooms around Christmas time). Give your Christmas cactus 6 weeks of extra darkness and lower temps to encourage blooming. And rest assured that when it bursts into bloom in the holiday season, it’s not thinking of how brown its stems are, and neither should you. The Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. Today I will show you how to propagate your Christmas Cactus!! Its leaves are more bristled. Christmas cactus, (hybrid Schlumbergera ×buckleyi), popular cactus of the family Cactaceae that has flattened stems and is grown for its striking cerise flowers, blooming indoors about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere. Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp? If you are lucky it will bloom a second time as the days lengthen in February. Do a deep pruning if necessary, cutting affected stems right back to where the brown woody part begins. Additional Information on Types of Christmas Cactus. Look closely at the stem sections of the cactuses. Christmas Cactus – Begins growing upright but as it matures the stems are pendent arching down. Christmas Cactus are popular blooming houseplants. You can identify it by the pointy “teeth” on the sides of each stem segment. Infestations on your beloved Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) are a horrible thought and if you think you may have them, you’ll want to work on eliminating the pests immediately.Although you may be panicked at first, try to stay calm as there is always a solution! Flowers anthocyanin hued, apex strongly oblique. It turns out all three in my home are the Thanksgiving kind. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. If the cutting is under the right conditions, where there is little heat and humidity, they could start to root in 48 hours. While Thanksgiving cactus will bloom from fall through late winter. However, you don’t need to do this every month. So, cater to your cactus in its dotage by refreshing it. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. With proper care, a plant may become a family heirloom, often living for 20 years or more. In addition, if you see signs of malnutrition from poor nutrient uptake, like discoloration and wilting, you may want to give the plant a lift by trimming each stem by one-third before repotting. The "leaves" of a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are technically not leaves: they are cladodes, a type of stem. Plant it in a good draining succulent potting mix and place it in a warm room (57-72 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives bright light in the winter and high humidity. The blooms on this cactus are erect and do not hang down like the flowers on Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Both Gardeners typically grow Christmas cacti indoors, but you can grow them outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. If the damage is extensive, don’t worry, because Schlumbergera are easy to propagate from soft cuttings. Periodically, they may bloom at other times of the year too. Some people love to call it the crab cactus thanks to its leaf-shaped stem segments that feature curved pointed teeth along the edges. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Growing a Christmas Cactus Christmas cacti are native to humid, jungle-type woodlands, and often grow attached to a tree. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. Unlike typical desert cactus, Christmas cactus is a tropical plant that grows in the Brazilian rainforest.The cactus is easy to grow and a cinch to propagate, but Christmas cactus has some unusual attributes that may cause you to wonder what’s going on with your plant. A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte and keeping it indoors alive requires very different conditions as compared to a desert cactus or other houseplants. Technically, this plant does not have true leaves. With proper care, this cactus can also bloom in the fall and spring. However, seasons are changing at the two sides of the globe. This is a very simple and easy propagation and takes very little effort! This means that they do best in a semi-shade position, out of direct light. Informational table showing disease name, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of Christmas cactus diseases. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Leaves: The leaves of the Christmas cactus have a more rounded, scalloped edge.The tip of each segment is slightly curved but they can look almost straight across. On the stem are areoles where hair and flowers emerge. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Reduced flowering or dropping of flower buds can be from inadequate dark hours (at least 13 uninterrupted hours), sudden temperature, moisture, or light changes. Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage, and others for food (particularly their fruit). The nice thing about it: It is not only easy to care for and frugal, but is also super easy to … x buckleyi. There are about 6-9 species of Christmas cactus that belong to the family Cactaceae. It is also known by many other common names and is sometimes confused with the true Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) Schlumbergera truncata and S. × buckleyi are the two species of epiphytic cacti that are both commonly known as Christmas cactus.So called because they flower from late November to late January, they give a wonderful Christmas display or are an ideal Christmas gift. Daytime temperatures should average around 70°F. The whole stem makes a bit of a Y shape. Similarly, the plant may develop aerial roots because it is reaching out to find more water or nutrients. Five diseases commonly infect Christmas Cactus. However, the scientific name (Genus) of the Christmas cactus, which is Schlumbergera, never changes: Even though both thanksgiving and Christmas cactus belongs to the family of Schlumbergera. form a strategic partnership called N.C. The hybrid type determines when it will bloom. The Christmas Cactus that you seeing me propagating here and in the video is actually a Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. The stems are often smaller, and a dull light green, and sometimes have a thick purplish vein running through the segmented stems. Two issues that may arise are: a rootbound pot and splitting stems. RE-BLOOMING Christmas cactus will bloom if given long, uninterrupted dark periods (12 hours each night). Buds form on the terminal end of the stem. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at … Schlumbergera plants favor tight living quarters, so roots that are somewhat snug in the pot are not usually a problem. Root rot can be a problem with overwatered plants. The Christmas cactus’s scientific name is Schlumbergera. Each section must consist of two or three joined segments. In the case of an older cactus, while there may be a proliferation of green growth cascading over the side of the pot, a peek into the center of the plant is likely to reveal a forest of thick, hard brown stems. Genus Schlumbergera. Though the word "cactus" is in the name, these plants do not do well in hot arid environments like other cactuses preferring the higher humidity climate of its native Brazilan rainforests. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking closely at the leaves. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and have the same environmental needs and diseases. Root rot is a common issue, partially solved by reducing watering. The answer is no. Cactus plants are desert plants, meaning they grow in arid conditions. Don’t let it become severely rootbound or collapse beneath its own weight. As a houseplant, it’s easy to maintain in a container of well-draining, organically-rich potting medium in a location with indirect sunlight. The Christmas Cactus that you seeing me propagating here and in the video is actually a Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. Let us know in the comments section below and share your tips! This also works for Thanksgiving and Easter holiday cactus plants. Hanging from a basket and well cared for, these stems may reach up to 3 feet in length. It’s a snap! If you are like me and need more of a visual guide to identify what type of cactus you have, check out the video by Calla Edwards, a North Dakota State University Extension … This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height. This is a very simple and easy propagation and takes very little effort! It was labeled as a CC when I bought it and that’s how it’s commonly sold in the trade. These types bloom in a span of between three and four years after they sprout. The stems (leaf-like pads) of the Christmas cactus are smaller with more rounded and smooth edges. This plant is also called the Christmas cactus. Mr. Brunelle, a highly respected cacti and succulent horticulturist, states: In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. The Christmas Cactus: A Quick Overview of the Plant. Remove a few sections of each stem by pinching them off with your fingers or cutting with a sharp knife. Easter cactus is a different genus altogether (Schlumbergera gaertneri) and has even smoother, scalloped stem edges than Christmas cacti. Have you noticed woody stems on your Christmas cactus? Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. Growing Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) from cuttings is one of the easiest propagation methods. When a stem splits, it creates an open wound that is vulnerable to diseases such as bacterial soft rot, caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum, particularly in hot, humid environments. This article zeroes in on one particular characteristic: woody stems. Schlumbergera plants are indigenous to … Water the plant deeply whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of potting soil feels dry to the touch. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and its relatives don’t live in hot, arid environments such as deserts or plains. Bathrooms are a popular spot. In the event that your plant breaks or splits, and especially if the foliage and roots have become mushy or malodorous, there may still be time to act. The Thanksgiving Cactus has little spine-like notches coming off its leaves (just like a crab claw hence that common name) whereas the leaves of the Christmas Cactus are smoother. The Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. It can be up to 30 centimeters tall and 45 centimeters in diameter. Propagating Christmas cactus in water the right way. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of three holiday cacti grown in homes. Buy this stunning Christmas Cactus from The Stem, London's top rated plant store, sensible prices, free scheduled deliveries in electric vans and 30-day returns Their stems are typically flattened, almost leaf-like in appearance, with fewer or even no spines, such as the well-known Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus (in the genus Schlumbergera). About Christmas Cacti. Sessile green leaves of Schlumbergera truncata, Schlumbergera truncata as a houseplant (small height), Schlumbergera truncata's dark green, sessile stem, Schlumbergera truncata ornamented with yellow blooms, Schlumbergera truncata's thick, Y-shaped stem, Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). They have elongated segments with rounded ends or very small tips on each stem segment end. Pamper it in its golden years. To propagate Christmas Cactus by stem cuttings with 1 easy twist, and plant them too. These sections can be rooted to propagate new plants. The common Christmas cactus ( S. × buckleyi ), blooming about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere, is a hybrid of these two species. A Christmas cactus has flat-shaped, glossy-green segments that make up its hanging branches. Instead, they have fleshy green segments called cladodes that join together to form stems. They grow in zones 10-12 and outside of that work best as houseplants. Try not to remove more than one-third of the entire plant, as it will be shocked and recovery will likely be slower. Pinch or cut off a few segments on each stem. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she’s always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. Flowers: The flowers of the Christmas cactus are usually white or pink and bloom in December.But don’t be surprised if you also see blooms between March and May on these plants. The categories of Christmas cactus may be known under different names such as Thanksgiving or Easter cactus. They have such similar characteristics it is obvious that they are closely related. You can also pinch a stem from a Christmas cactus plant. They are sessile (attached to each other, flattened, lobed and truncate, feel smooth, are a bit serrated in their margins, glossy but not glaucous, segmented (those segments are called phylloclades), thick, have hairs coming off of them on the end. The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. Root rot is a common issue, partially solved by reducing watering. Like most plants, the Christmas Cactus does best with a little help in the nutritional department in the form of cactus fertilizers. Easter cactus, which has buds in February and blooms around Easter. Pruning your cactus after blooming will encourage it to branch out. There are over 200 cultivars of these plants which give a variety of flower colors. In the summer it will need some shade or the leaves will yellow out. The Christmas Cactus is named so because it blooms near the Christmas season when the days are much shorter. Differences in the general shape of the Holiday Cactus. Rots, including basal stem rot and root rot, are the most common problems affecting Christmas cactus. The blooms can be orange, pink, red, or white, depending on the plant. Just like a person, when Schlumbergera grows old, there are physical changes. This list will for sure help you the perfect planter or pot and provide you further help about taking care, repot and finding the ideal soil for … Easter Cactus – When comparing mature ‘Holiday Cacti’ the Easter Cactus will be the smaller of the plants. For a indoor growing guide, … Hardiness zone: 8-10. This type of cactus is also known as lobster cactus. To do this, use clean pruning shears to cut between the cladode segments. Celebrate your Christmas cactus. This plant comes from the mountains of Brazil, and, unlike the typical desert cactus, it grows in a cascading shape. Take note that the Fairy Castle Cactus rarely produces flowers—they're often sold with artificial blooms attached. Prune after blooming for the best shape. If desired, root the stem sections you pruned off the plant to create more Christmas cacti. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii) is a must-have with its flat roundish segmented stems that produce tubular flower blooms of white, purple, red, yellow, orange, and pink. Stem rot – Basal stem rot, which generally develops in cool, damp soil, is easily recognized by the formation of a brown, water-soaked spot at the base of the stem. Christmas cactus is relatively easy to grow, so if you notice Christmas cactus leaves dropping off, you’re justifiably mystified and concerned about the health of your plant. Christmas cactus is a striking plant with bright pink or red blooms that add some festive color around the winter holidays. They are sessile (attached to each other, flattened, lobed and truncate, feel smooth, are a bit serrated in their margins, glossy but not glaucous, segmented (those segments are called phylloclades), thick, have hairs coming off of them … While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has … Use clean pruning shears to cut off all mushy foliage and rotten roots, and repot what’s left in fresh potting mix. Here is more about what we do. Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix and water when the soil is completely dry. A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte and keeping it indoors alive requires very different conditions as compared to a desert cactus or other houseplants. 2. Today I will show you how to propagate your Christmas Cactus!! It easily propagates through stem cuttings. A plant in this genus would commonly be called Christmas cactus and, occasionally, Thanksgiving cactus. See how to take a section of leaf stem and grow new plants. There are relatively few natural species of Schlumbergera and the vast array of colors in the many cultivars and hybrids on the market today result primarily from the parentage of a true species, S. truncata and an early hybrid known as S . The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. The roots growing from Christmas cactus are actually aerial roots that help the plant cling to its host. The genus of Schlumbergera is commonly called as Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Holiday cactus or Crab cactus. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Bridgesii) Christmas cactus plants are very similar to Thanksgiving cactus; in fact, they are often mistaken for them, but there are differences that appear mainly with the stems, leaves, and the blooming period. The stems will take root after a few weeks. The Mammillaria is an example of a round cactus. It’s a snap! The Christmas cactus (scientific name Schlumbergera) is a succulent houseplant native to Brazil that produces bell-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, or white.This tropical plant has a November-to-December bloom time, and it’s also known as holiday cactus. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The "leaves" of a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are technically not leaves: they are cladodes, a type of stem. When new growth starts in the spring fertilize lighly monthly, reducing fertilizer in the fall and early winter. What Does a Christmas Cactus Look Like? Whether you’re a person or a plant, getting older is just what happens when you’re in good health. It is commonly called Christmas cactus because it blooms during the holidays. Aphids, red spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common insect pests. Christmas Cactus is a rare type of succulent which is not a desert plant. Propagate a Christmas Cactus by cutting off short, Y-shaped sections of the stem. In our Christmas cactus growing guide we discuss how to cultivate this colorful houseplant in your home. Shop Fairy Castle Cactus. For example, this plant is named as Flor de Maio, that means May Flower in Brazil. See stem section. Unlike Thanksgiving cactus with serrated edges, Christmas cactus flaunts flattened stem segments with rounded margins. Unearth the cactus and rinse it thoroughly, roots and all. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Flowering season is the main reason for it is known with these names. No matter the type of cactus plant you have, be it Christmas or Thanksgiving, they will most likely brighten your home. Their list includes Basal stem rot, botrytis blight, impatiens necrotic spot virus, phytophthora root rot, … You can tell them apart because the Thanksgiving Cactus has claw-like appendages on its flat stems (or cladophylls) that resemble crab claws, hence of of its other common names Crab Cactus. All three cacti are epiphytes, growing naturally in trees in the rainforests of Brazil. Christmas cactus (scientifically known as Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a hybrid succulent plant that resulted from crossing Schlumbergera truncata (Thanksgiving cactus) and Schlumbergera russelliana by William Buckley in England, in the 1840s. Just like other types of cacti, Christmas cactus propagation requires cutting its stem. Many of these grow on trees or rocks, resulting in their trailing and long-stemmed nature. Or you can force it into blooming by exposure to night temperatures of 40 degrees for several successive nights. There are three main types of holiday cactus; Easter (Hatiora gaertneri), Thanksgiving (Schlunbergera truncata), and Christmas (Schlumbergera x buckleyi).Now a lot of folks believe that Schlumbergera bridgesii is the original Christmas cactus but after a ton of research, I must agree with Paul Brunelle. Does old age spell trouble for your Christmas cactus? Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera bridgesii (synonym buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus is Schlumbergera truncata. Even if you don’t need to repot, you may still want to trim each stem by one-third to relieve the plant of excessive weight. You'll want to share the love & give a piece or 2 of your Christmas Cactus away. In a nutshell, the appearance of large woody stems is just that – a sign that yours has achieved old age. Learn more about the physical characteristics and species of the genus. They don't really have leaves, but rather flattened pad-like stems joined in segments. The entire plant's blooming for the year (not individual flowers) only stays about 5 weeks. N.C. If you purchase a plant that is labeled Christmas Cactus it is very likely not S. x buckleyi. Star Cactus with white-yellow to pinkish flowers can be used as a beautiful desktop decoration. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus. How to propagate Christmas cactus The procedure of planting a Christmas cactus You begin the process by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. They have elongated segments with rounded ends or very small tips on each stem segment end. Remember that it is missing the humid air and moist soil of the tropical forests. The Christmas cacti have scalloped stem edges and the Easter cacti have rounded, smooth stems. Another way to root a Christmas cactus is by getting a Y-shaped stem segment and letting it sit in a cool and dry place for about three to four days. What kind of cactus live in the desert? Immediately after repotting, apply a dose of all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer per package instructions to jump-start recovery. Penn State University Extension experts provide a handy fact sheet that outlines the plant diseases that most often affect Christmas Cacti. The Thanksgiving Cactus is timed to flower in November/December whereas it’s December/January for the Christmas Cactus. See our TOS for more details. Several species are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red…. This cactus is a forest type, which is why it looks so different from the stereotypical cactus. The Christmas cactus (scientific name: Schlumbergera bridgesii) is not really a cactus but a succulent. Mature size: 1-6 inches. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is not a cactus of the type typically associated with sometimes-cold desert climates. The above mentioned cactus pots have been compiled in a list of best pots for christmas cactus after much contemplation and research of christmas cactus pot reviews. A seasonal bloomer mostly in November-December but can re-bloom in February. Propagating Christmas Cactus. How to Spot Southern Blight Disease in Amaryllis Plants, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme: A Love Story, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Have Changed: What You Need to Know, How to Collect Hellebore Seeds for Plant Propagation, Growing Plants 101: The Complete Guide to Getting Started, How to Grow Asian Persimmon Trees (Diospyros kaki). Ironic, isn’t it? That means, watering Christmas Cactus can be … Each cut segment will soon sprout new growth for a rejuvenated appearance, and better nutrient uptake. Christmas Cactus or Crab Cactus (Schlumbergera sp.) Christmas cacti don’t have leaves. These gorgeous cacti offer up white-yellow flowers with a red center when they hit their blooming season.Since they don’t grow too large, they are an ideal choice for desktop gardening. To do this, simply find a few healthy green sections at least two segments long, and snip them off with clean pruning shears. Do not overwater this plant. Most of the plants sold in stores today are hybrids of S. russelliana and S. truncata. Fertilizer for Christmas Cactus plants only need applied at a rate of once monthly and only from Spring through Summer so just a few months out of the year. Christmas cactus always blooms around late winter to early spring. This article aims to guide you through the common types of Christmas cactus bugs and how to be rid of them forever. There is an interesting variety of different cacti that thrive in drier areas. Going back to cutting, first, you have to choose a healthy stem where the cutting would be taken. The Easter cactus has … Some types of cactus also grow in Mexico, Southwestern United States and the Caribbean. Do Christmas cactus grow from bulbs like the Amaryllis? It’s hard to ignore the beauty of this petite flowering cactus type. With fewer than 10 species in the genus, Schlumbergera is a genus of tropical cacti from Brazil. The whole stem makes a bit of a Y shape. A broken stem roots best if it has at least three to five jointed segments. With proper care, a plant may become … Each “leaf” is comprised of segmented sections. How to Prune a Christmas Cactus. To propagate Christmas Cactus by stem cuttings with 1 easy twist, and plant them too. There is nothing inherently wrong with being an old plant, and woody tissue does not detract from its beauty. Instead, they have fleshy green segments called cladodes that join together to form stems. It isn’t always easy to determine what causes leaves dropping from Christmas cactus, but there are a … 101 Facts, Cactus Types. However, if yours has grown to huge proportions, there could be problems. S. kautskyi, S. opuntioïdes, S. orssichiana, and S. microsphaerica have rounded stem segments but bear similar flowers. Roots that are tightly tangled can’t take up nutrients efficiently. This succulent kind needs a regular watering, because it does not like the soil to get completely dry. How to propagate Christmas cactus The procedure of planting a Christmas cactus You begin the process by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Some of the best varieties to buy that bloom easily are Spiny cactus, Christmas cactus, Easter cactus, Bolivian cactus, and Dwarf cactus. If you found this article informative and would like to learn more about Christmas cactus cultivation, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. Although the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) may initially look the same as its parent plant, the Thanksgiving cactus, the shapes of their stem segments tell the main difference. The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. Common names for these cacti generally refer to their flowering season. All are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and have the same environmental needs and diseases. Christmas cacti don’t have leaves. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of three holiday cacti grown in homes. Once they have healed, place them in a well-draining container of moist, organically-rich potting medium, where they will soon grow roots and establish themselves. Let’s find out. This variation of holiday cactus has very flat stems and broad leaves that have rounded indentations. Just remove two or three stem segments with a sharp knife and let it callous over for a few days. In fact, these epiphytic succulents are native to the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil, where they grow on tree branches and soak up the high humidity, dappled sunlight, and warm temperatures. And if you haven’t repotted in many years, the potting medium is likely to be depleted of essential nutrients. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment available to cure this condition. Lay them on a paper towel for a few days to heal and form a callus at the point where they were cut. It also goes by zygocactus. How to WaTER CHRISTMAS CACTUS, THANKSGIVING CACTUS, and Easter cactus Watering your holiday cactus will be a little different from what you may be used to with your other plants and succulents.