Thanksgiving Cactus Care Guide: Light, Watering, Soil and Blooms
Quick answer: Give Thanksgiving cactus bright filtered light, a well-drained mix and water when the growing medium begins to dry. Unlike desert cacti, holiday cacti come from humid rainforest habitats.
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Helpful care tools
- SANSI 36W grow light (paid link)
- XLUX T10 moisture meter (paid link)
- Long-spout watering can (paid link)
- Miracle-Gro Tropical Potting Mix (paid link)
- Espoma Organic Perlite (paid link)
Light
Bright filtered light works well. Harsh full sun can stress the plant, while very weak light can reduce growth and flowering.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the mix has begun to dry, then let excess drain. Avoid leaving the roots in waterlogged soil.
Soil
Use a loose, well-draining mix rather than dense heavy soil. Adding perlite can improve air space around roots.
Getting it to bloom
Holiday cacti form buds in response to shorter days and cool nights. Long, uninterrupted nights in fall help trigger flowering.
FAQ
Is Thanksgiving cactus a desert cactus?
No. Schlumbergera comes from rainforest habitats and prefers different conditions from desert cacti.