Also known as Christmas Cactus · Claw Cactus · False Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera truncata, or Christmas Cactus, is a non-toxic succulent. It displays vibrant, tubular flowers blooming from late autumn to early winter, thriving indoors wi
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
100% intensity
Moderate, allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce after flowering.
100% intensity
Well-draining, airy, slightly acidic cactus/succulent mix.
50% intensity
Warm days (18-24°C), cool nights (10-16°C) for bud setting.
100% intensity
House Plant, Indoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Monthly during active growth (spring/summer), cease before blooming.
100% intensity
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing excess to drain.
Reduce watering significantly after flowering and during its short dormancy period in late summer/early autumn to encourage bud formation. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
Prune your Christmas Cactus immediately after it finishes flowering, typically in late winter or early spring. This encourages the plant to produce new growth and more flower buds for the following season.
Simply pinch off 2-3 stem segments from the ends of branches to maintain a compact shape and promote bushiness. These removed segments can also be used for propagation.
Propagating Christmas Cactus is straightforward using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem segment with 2-3 cladodes, twist or cut it cleanly from the parent plant.
Allow the cut end to dry and callus for a few days to prevent rot. Then, insert the callused end into a moist, well-draining potting mix.
Keep the soil lightly moist and provide bright, indirect light until roots develop.
Repot your Christmas Cactus every 2-3 years, or when it becomes noticeably root-bound, which is usually indicated by roots growing out of drainage holes.
The best time to repot is after flowering, in late winter or early spring. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one.
Use a fresh, well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix to ensure proper aeration and drainage.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Crab Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Where Crab Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is found
Density
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10 known issues from plant disease data
Fusarium root and stem rot in Holiday Cacti causes water-soaked, reddish-brown stem lesions that dry tan and leave upper segments wilted.
Phytophthora stem rot in Holiday Cacti causes brown lesions at the stem base, followed by fast collapse, wilting, and plant death.
Pythium root and stem rot in Holiday Cacti turns feeder roots brown and soft, weakens stems, and leads to late wilting and collapse.
Bipolaris blight in Holiday Cacti causes yellow to brown spots that turn into black, sunken stem lesions, and infected segments often drop.
Bacterial soft rot in Holiday Cacti causes black, wet, slimy lesions from the soil line upward, with branch drop, wilting, and decay.
Botrytis blight in Holiday Cacti attacks flowers and soft stems with brown blight and a fuzzy gray mold that spreads across damaged tissue.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Genus | Schlumbergera |
| Species | Schlumbergera truncata |
Similar in genus Schlumbergera
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
