Like always, the tradition of writing an article on the Christmas cactus in winter continues.
This is a very special plant for me because my grandma gave me one right before she passed away 4 years ago, and ever since then, I’ve made it my duty to put out something related to Christmas cacti whenever winters arrive.
This time around, we’ll be discussing the right way to water a Christmas cactus without drawing in unwanted root rot. Let’s jump straight into it!
Yes, There’s A Right Way To Water Your Christmas Cactus!
Before we go into deeper details, let’s first discuss the fact that there is a “right way” to water your Christmas cactus, and poor watering habits are perhaps the number one reason why Christmas cacti suffer.
Due to them being tropical epiphytes, Christmas cacti dislike both soggy soil and bone-dry conditions, meaning you can’t just underwater or overwater your way out of it. You’ll need to be deliberate to properly care for them.
For a full month-by-month outline of what your cactus needs, check out christmas cactus care calendar: the routine for on-time blooms.
So, First You Need To Understand What This Plant Really Needs
Despite having cactus in the name, the Christmas cactus is nothing like a typical desert cactus.
The Christmas cactus is actually native to rainforests, where it often grows attached to tree trunks where the mix is loose, airy, and fast-draining, more like orchid soil than desert sand.
Christmas cacti are big on moisture, but it’s moisture and not sogginess. Avoid overwatering the plant and creating a wet, sloppy mess because it will likely ruin the plant’s root system.
The Right Way To Water A Christmas Cactus
Although caring for a long-lived succulent is a very complex subject, we can break down their needs and the procedure of fulfilling them to make things relatively simpler.
If the surface of the soil feels wet to the touch, hold your horses!
DO NOT blast your Christmas cactus with a harsh jet fire water hose! Pour water slowly or even sprinkle for better distribution.
Always empty saucers or decorative sleeves after watering! Standing water under the pot is the quickest path to root rot.
Many gardeners (me included) opt for bottom watering for houseplants like Christmas cacti since it essentially allows the roots to absorb moisture from the bottom basin and not get wet near the surface.
My Favorite Seasonal Watering Routine
And if your buds start to drop before blooming, check out why are my christmas cactus dropping buds? Causes and solutions.
Should You Water Christmas Cacti From The Top Or Bottom?
This is one question that has no definite “right answer” because both methods work well for different gardeners in different conditions.
For bottom watering to work effectively, place your Christmas cactus pot in a shallow tray of water for 15-20 minutes. Then, take it out and let it drain properly.
How Would You Know If You’re Overwatering Your Christmas Cactus?
Well, like any other plant that’s stressed and in discomfort, your Christmas cactus will likely begin to show signs pretty quickly.
Yellowing leaves, soft and dark stems, a sharp musty odor, and stunted growth are some pretty clear signs that root rot is setting in from excess moisture and poor drainage.
The soil might start to smell sour or musty, a clear sign of anaerobic, waterlogged conditions.
If your cactus looks limp or unhealthy, it might not just be overwatering, take a look at why is your christmas cactus wilting? Causes and simple fixes.
Let’s Conclude
If your cactus has finished blooming and you’re thinking about giving it a trim, here’s a helpful guide on signs it’s time to prune your christmas cactus.
In my years growing Christmas cacti in different places and ways, I found them to be quite a misunderstood houseplant, especially when it comes to watering.
And remember, it’s always better to slightly underwater a Christmas cactus than to overwater it.
New gardeners aren’t experienced enough to pick up on signs of trouble, and wise gardeners aren’t talking about the basics, such as proper watering. You’re lucky you came across this article in time! Now put your newfound Christmas cactus watering knowledge to use and make me proud!
and if you ever want to multiply your plant, here’s how to propagate a christmas cactus: a step-by-step guide. It’s actually super easy and fun!
Is it true that truely Christmas cactus have red flowers only?
Hi Linda! 😊 Not quite, true Christmas cacti usually have red or pink blooms, but hybrids can come in white, peach, or even purple now. The shape of the leaf segments is a better clue than flower color.
I have a yellow one.
Hi Linda, should l mist my catus?
Thank you for your knowledge in helping me better care of my Thanksgiving cactus! 😄🌵
Hi! 😊 You’re so welcome, I’m really glad it helped! These little guys are so rewarding once you learn their quirks.
Rita … I have my dads Christmas cactus .. a few big branch’s broke a few years ago… and there are now new pieces growing from that broken piece .. the pot is old .. should I change out the pot and soil in the spring? And what mix would that be ? I would appreciate any advice! Loved your articles on this ! Saved all of them!
Hi Ann! 😊 That’s so special to have your dad’s plant. Yes, spring is the perfect time to repot it. I’d move it to a pot just one size bigger and use a light mix: regular potting soil with a bit of cactus mix or perlite. That keeps the roots airy and happy.
Sometimes they can become root bound and need to be repotted.
Hi Mattie 😊 Yep, being a little root bound is actually when they’re happiest. I only repot when roots are circling hard or it’s drying out crazy fast, and even then just go 1 size up 🙂
Thank you for the information
Regards viv hughes
Hi Viv! 😊 You’re very welcome, happy it helped!
I’ve seen several pictures of cacti being watered with ice cubes, but there is never any mention of it, good or bad. Why is this?
Hi Gerry! 😊 You’ve probably been seeing those pictures because they get attention, but it’s not a normal or healthy way to water! Ice cubes aren’t mentioned because they’re not really recommended, the cold shock can stress the roots. Room-temperature water is much safer. 😊
How do I know when my plant has gotten too big for its pot?
Hi Nancy! 😊 I usually check the drainage holes, if roots are poking out or circling the bottom, it’s ready for a bigger pot. You’ll also notice it drying out much faster than usual or looking cramped on top.
I bought one 4 years ago. It’s lovely, shiny and getting bigger. But never has it blossomed. I also have my mums 27 yr ant too. It’s got beautiful pink blooms. What’s up with the one that’s not blooming. Thanks in advance x
Hi Katie! 😊 If it’s healthy and growing but not blooming after 4 years, it probably needs the right light conditions to trigger flowering. Christmas cactus need about 12-14 hours of darkness each night starting in fall to set buds. Try putting it in a room that stays dark at night (no artificial light) from September through October, keep watering consistent, and it should bloom for you. Sometimes they just need that dark period signal!
So true
I just bought one so I’m new to this beautiful plant. When I bought it was the last one and I felt bad leaving it behind. It did have some flowers but they have fallen off. I need some tips on how to care for my ugly duckling. Will it get new flowers soon? Do I repot it?
Hi Nancy! 😊 Welcome to the Christmas cactus club! Don’t worry, those flowers naturally fall off when they’re done blooming. Once it finishes flowering, just keep caring for it normally with bright indirect light and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. It’ll bloom again next year! No need to repot right away unless it’s really root-bound or the soil looks bad. Just let it settle in and enjoy being rescued!
Hi Rita, my two Christmas cactuses are outside in the cold. I’d like to bring them in but don’t want to shock them. How should I handle this?
Hi Laura! 😊 Good instinct wanting to bring them in! If they’re already outside in the cold, bring them in gradually if you can. Maybe to a garage or enclosed porch for a day first, then into the house. But honestly, if it’s getting really cold (below 50°F), just bring them straight in. A little temperature shock is better than frost damage. They’ll adjust pretty quickly once inside!
Hello, I am hoping you can help me finding a real Christmas Cactus. Everyone has the Thanksgiving Cactus but they just name it Christmas. I have been looking for one for a long tome with no luck!! Thank you and Happy Holidays!!
Hi Maria 😊 You’re not imagining it, true Christmas cactus is harder to find in stores. Look for a plant labeled Schlumbergera buckleyi, or check local plant swaps and older gardeners, that’s how my aunt found hers 🙂
Can you rinse or shake off old soil when reporting? Soil is smelling musty, idk if it needs a bigger pot or just new soil
Hi Julie 😊 If it smells musty, I’d definitely refresh the soil. I usually shake off the loose old mix, trim any mushy roots, and repot in fresh, well draining soil. Rinsing is okay if you suspect rot, just let roots dry a bit before potting 🙂
How much water for a 5″ pot?
And how often? It’s Christmas time.
Hi Norma 😊 For a 5 inch pot, I’d recommend water slowly until a little drains out the bottom, then let it dry slightly before the next watering. Around Christmas indoors, that’s often every 10 to 14 days, but I always check the top inch first 🙂
My two Christmas cactus have become very thick and woody stalks in the center. They haven’t bloomed in a couple of years. Should I cut them back and how much?
Hi Maureen 😊 A woody center is pretty normal with age. I wouldn’t cut it way back. After blooming, I’d pinch or trim a few long sections back by 1 to 3 segments to encourage branching, then do the fall dark cool period again for buds.
Hi, I have my mother‘s Christmas Cactus that she’s had when I was in high school. I’m now 81 years old and it’s still growing and still beautiful.
Hi Margie 😊 That is so special. These plants really do get passed down like family heirlooms. My mom has one that’s been in the family for ages too, they’re tougher than people think 🙂
My Christmas cactus bloomed at Christmas time. I was thinking maybe I should transplant it into a bigger pot because the dirt is 3 inches down from the top. A friend gave me the plant in March 2024.
Hi Josephine 🙂 Since it bloomed at Christmas, I’d wait until after blooming season to repot. If the soil has settled 3 inches down, you may be able to refresh the top with a little light, well-draining mix instead of moving it to a much bigger pot. If it’s truly rootbound, go up just one pot size and make sure the pot has drainage.