Christmas Cactus Care - A Simple Guide For Beginners

How to care for a Christmas cactus -- Here's what you need to know about basic Christmas cactus care, from how often to water your Christmas cactus and light to pest and disease control, fertilizing, and FINALLY, what everyone wants to know: what triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom bloom year after year. No fluff, just real stuff.
- RESOURCES -
💚 Marion's short list of trusted tools and resources: gardenerscoach.com/resources/
📕 21 FREE GUIDES to support you on the garden path: gardenerscoach.com/guides/lib...
- LINKS -
(When available, I use affiliate links and may earn a commission!)
► Faicuk Yellow Sticky Traps - geni.us/stickytrap [AMAZON]
► Learn how to 1) use human urine to feed your plants and 2) how to deal with fungus gnats, go to this video -- • How to Plant and Care ...
TIMESTAMPS:
1) How to use human urine to water your plants [Go to minute 05:00]
2) More tips on fungus gnats [Go to minute 08:05]
► How to Make and Use Compost [Here's the link to the full playlist] - • How to Make and Use Co...
► Repotting a 200 Year Old Christmas Cactus! 😱🌵😍 // Garden Answer
• Repotting a 200 Year O...
► TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Essential care tips for Christmas cactus
00:22 - Exploring Christmas cactus origins
00:58 - Ideal conditions for healthy Christmas cacti
02:29 - How light influences the flowering cycle
03:23 - Custom care for Christmas cactus
04:05 - Temperature and light: Keys to Christmas cactus blooms
05:04 - Selecting the ideal pot for Christmas cactus
06:10 - How to use a magnifying loupe to spot pests
07:33 - Combatting root rot in Christmas cactus
08:48 - How to deal with fungus gnats
11:25 - How to use urine to feed your Christmas cactus
► Music by: Xmas Wonder by Avocado Junkie
DISCLOSURE: I often review or link to products & services I regularly use and think you might find helpful. Wherever possible I use referral links, which means if you click one of the links in this video or description and make a purchase I may receive a small commission.
I'm a big fan of Amazon, and many of my links to products/gear are links to those products on Amazon. I participate in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and related sites.

[@user-mq5fy6iv4g]

My Nephew recently visited me in Wisconsin, and brought with him a generous cutting from my mothers Christmas Cactus. I think it must be 50 years old. ;He took a cutting from his pot, repotted it and brought it to me. He lives in Cincinatti where the climate is different than Southern Wisconsin. Shortly after my cactus came to me, it was starting to bud. Well, I learned from you now that I have it in the wrong place in my home, no close light, sitting away from any close light. This morning the bud fell off that was in color, so now I'm moving it closer to some light. I also haven't been watering it correctly, thinking it was a desert cacti. I will change my habits, and the placement of her, then begin to watch her flourish. Thank you so much for your presentation!!!!!!!!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Good luck and I hope your cactus thrives. Cheers from Kodiak, Alaska!

[@cbow831]

That's a Thanksgiving cactus. There's a Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter cactus. What you're showing is a Thanksgiving cactus. All three plant have different shaped leaf segments.

[@susanlindadalton1287]

Here in England most of the ones sold are Thanksgiving cactus, I had heard that Christmas cactus are more sensitive and so are not sold as much. Also I think if your cactus is already flowering in November then it is a good chance it is the Thanksgiving one. As someone has also said, the leaves are different on a Christmas cactus. They are however all lovely. I have quite a few in various colours.

[@Ottermamapoeia]

I was about to say the same thing! Those are pointy, pointy Thanksgiving cactus leaves 😂 Christmas sells better, so big stores are just like, "What's Thanksgiving?." So they'll intentionally mislabel these plants. It's a good thing they don't need different care 🤦🏼‍♀️ Great video! I learned a lot!

[@evapaula-re7rp]

I love the way you explain 🙏

[@pattivermeersch7348]

What a beautiful Christmas cactus…thanks for all the good info!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

You are most welcome Patti... Merry Christmas to you!

[@Manifestodestiny444]

So helpful, thank you so much!❤

[@yolyrom7233]

That one looks like a Thanksgiving plant. I have an actual Christmas one and the flowers and leaves are different. Thank you for your info!

[@amyexner]

It’s meant “ Christmas cactus “ in a generic way.

[@stuntdoll]

Mine is also a thanksgiving cactus, but home depot labeled it as Christmas lol. I like the shape of the thanksgiving cactus better.

[@loismaddux4800]

Your cactus is stunning!!❤

[@WhatsYourWhy]

Helpful video, TY so much for taking the time! 🙏🏻

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Oh, hey... thank you kindly. My goal is to be of service to gardeners of all thumb colors. Have a great rest of your week!

[@user-xn1vd3yn3f]

Now THAT was interesting, educational and beautiful ❤

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Oh, thank you! Glad you joined me in my kitchen. (Note the bananas in the background!).

[@gayefanner731]

What’s the significance of the bananas please? Ethylene gas perchance?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi @@gayefanner731 ... hmmmm, I don't recall talking about bananas in this video. Correct me if I'm wrong! Could it be in my composting food scraps video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qILJladphthrhcU

[@gayefanner731]

I’m correcting you! You put a note about bananas in your reply to ‘user…..’ 3 weeks ago, the first reply in this section ( I just checked in case I’M going bananas !!)

[@user-gc2jy5dh9j]

Its time viewer here and I gotta say I really enjoyed the video😊 I like your presentation style..simple, direct, and informational👍👍 I have a few Christmas/Easter/Thanksgiving cactuses myself. All but one are happy and healthy. You addressed the actual issue I have w one--root rot---it's in several larger segments atm w no roots at all😞😞😞 I hope I can save it! I'm sure gonna try so wish me luck! I must say, I wasn't expecting your fave fertilizer would be urine! Lol. Who knew?? But hey, whatever works👌😊👌 Thank you for a most educational and helpful video😊 I'm subscribing!

[@gayefanner731]

I thoroughly enjoyed your video, thank you, and you’re the only plant person I’ve come across on KZbin who talks about urine, although all good gardeners use it ! I live in Devon, England and don’t have your special challenges, but I don’t put my precious plants outside for the summer as the slugs n snails love them even more than me! I’m so glad I found you, I’ll subscribe n visit you regularly, God bless you 🙏✝️. ✌️🇷🇺☮️🇺🇦✌️. ✌️🇮🇱🤍✝️✌️

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

In addition to "unusual" ways to feed our plants, I'm also working with slugs differently. Rather than try to kill them in any way, shape or form, I'm trying to work WITH them. More to be revealed!

[@gayefanner731]

Great ! I don’t kill mine, sharp grit helps a bit (ish!) copper tape definitely does around pots n copper pipes bent to fit around veg. Their beautiful trails are beneficial in many ways too! ✌️

[@carolcoleman7107]

Thankyou...great info❤

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

You are most welcome Carol. ❤️

[@carolcoleman7107]

I'll try and find that

[@kimhumiston2686]

I absolutely love that color! I will be on the hunt for a yellow one next fall!

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I could mail you some clippings...

[@Ottermamapoeia]

I was thinking the same!! Absolutely gorgeous!!!

[@karzee358]

I'm in Kenai and have a dark orangy-pinkish-red Christmas cactus...that blooms in late January, through about the 3rd week of February, then again in April. I'd LOVE to swap cuttings with you! I've had it for over 30 years.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

@@karzee358 Let's try to swap in April or so when there is no chance of freezing. Sound good?

[@karzee358]

@@TheUpBeetGardener ABSOLUTELY!

[@spiceystonefemme]

Thank You for all your great info. I am building my house plant collection. I mostly want air purifier plants but must have a pretty Christmas cactus. Cheers from Ontario,Canada ☮️💖🏳️‍🌈🇨🇦

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Greetings from your "cousin" state of Alaska. I've always loved the Canadian flag, BTW. Good idea... indoor plants recycle air and brighten our lives. I especially appreciate amaryllis flowers in the winter. You might give them a try. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGXdo6ljqKiSntE I'm keeping my bulbs for next year...

[@mnguyetnguyen-xf2vq]

So gorgeous ❤❤❤❤

[@amandasshadow9605]

You popped up in my feed because I was gifted a Christmas Cactus and need to know how to take care of her. I subscribed because you talk to your plants! I became a gardener in April of 2023 after my Dad passed away. Even before then, I would talk to the trees and any flowers that popped up in my yard. My neighbors probably think I'm crazy! haha! I read scientific articles about plants and was amazed when I found out they "talk" to each other. And I have noticed that, for example, when I mow the yard, the grass and flowers will wiggle. Not on breezy days, but even on days where there is practically zero wind. They are still before mowing, but as soon as I start, everything wiggles. Like they're telling each other to prepare for a threat. I feel bad mowing my yard...haha! Now that I've gotten into gardening and the science behind everything, I'm making my yard into more of a native garden with way less grass to mow and water. So, I'm helping the environment and the creatures as well as not causing everything to wiggle from me mowing. I can just focus on talking to my plants and caring for them instead of making them feel threatened.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Ah, you are on to something, for sure. Here is a book I think you'd love: Kinship With All Life. Written almost 70 years ago. Sweet book. Also on audible.

[@amandasshadow9605]

@TheUpBeetGardener Oh, thank you! That is definitely something I wanna check out!

[@logaponnappanaiken9334]

Very helpful, Mine has not bloom until now. Will it bloom should Iwait for next year.

[@Ottermamapoeia]

If you manipulate the light and temperature surrounding your plant, you can trick it into thinking it is time to bloom! Definitely look into it! My mom recently got her Thanksgiving cactus to bloom a second time this season by making it think that winter was starting again

[@nancycaves5367]

Thank you. Just watched. How often do you fertilize with urine water?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I feed them August-ish through blooming. About once every 10 days or so. I also dilute water from steaming veggies and add coffee grounds or spent tea to the soil every now and then. No hard and fast rules. Just when it feels right.

[@sapphire22011]

I also use water from cooked rice, veg or hard boiled eggs good natural fertilizer

[@carolcoleman7107]

What potting soil would you recommend?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I use a good quality potting soil as a base. No chemical additives, microbial fungus good. I mix in some compost, about one part compost to three or four parts potting soil. And then I also feed my plants with liquid comfrey, and other liquid organic fertilizers that I make.

[@lindawatson1372]

I left my cacti for a neigbor to care for fir 5 months. 😢 They look so sick, most og the roots are gone, should i throw them out and start sgain

[@tanobrincau7697]

My Christmas cactus is very bushy but it does grow flowers. Do I have to prune it and how please? 0:41

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I usually prune branches when I want to start new plants or when the tips shrivel. Just remember, they are tropical plants not cactus 😄

[@stuntdoll]

Is it best to use an unglazed terracotta planter? Would it be okay in a glazed as long as it has good drainage holes?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I think both options would be fine. I recently transplanted a Christmas cactus into a terra-cotta pot. You just need to remember that terra-cotta tends to suck moisture out of the soil more readily than plastic or coated ceramic pots. Does that help?

[@stuntdoll]

@@TheUpBeetGardener Yes it helps thank you so much!

[@dianefontaine8918]

Thank you for sharing how to take care of a Christmas or Thanksgiving plant. I just bought my 1st over the weekend from an estate sale. I’m in Montreal Canada 🇨🇦 and the lady had it outside in a glazed pot no holes at the bottom. It’s end of May now and the leaves are mainly purple. It’s under cover outdoor so no direct sun and of course I can bring it indoor . Should I repot it? In a terracotta pot? I can put it in my bedroom where it will get morning sun but I do have air conditioning which would not directly affect it. Any advice is appreciated. It’s not a big plant I believe the lady got a cutting from a friend as I see some brown not roots but like branches in the middle of the plant so I can say it’s a baby now. Let me know what s best for my baby. Thanks a bunch

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

If it were me, I'd bring it indoors, and watch it for a week or so. Keep it slightly watered. The purpling is sometimes caused by too cold conditions, especially for a tropical plant! Does not need direct sun; partial is good. Transplant into a new pot, terra cotta is good, in fresh potting soil with some compost added for good measure. Does that help?

[@dianefontaine8918]

Thank you 🙏 SO much I brought it in today and it’s my kitchen with day light but not direct sun. So far so good. I’ll repot over the weekend . Much appreciated. Thanks again 👏👍🙋‍♀️🇨🇦🤗

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

@@dianefontaine8918 Diane, if you'd like to send a photo of your cactus, email it to: [e-mail] and I'd be happy to take a look.

[@dianefontaine8918]

Perfect. I will in about a week. I think I see a flower coming out. Wow 🤩 thanks 🙏 I’ll be in touch via email 🥳🇨🇦😘🤩🤗❤️

[@maxwell2go1]

All my cactus looked great. 12 of them. I reported them in cactus soil. Not sure if it's the soil or doovdry..wet? Cactus soil drys out so fast. The are withering and some segments have fallen off. Any suggestions on soil...watering...the urine sounds great!

[@brendagullett1834]

I bought 2 plants .1 pink and 1 purple. How would I go about putting them together making it as one plants?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi Brenda, a friend of mine did that very same thing. She planted three different colors of Christmas cactus in one pot. I believe it was a white one, an orangey, one, and a red one. Sometimes they bloom at different times, but overall it’s a beautiful effect. I say, go for it!

[@aspirativemusicproduction2135]

I water my jungle cacti when they look dehydrated. There is no guess work. I don't care to stick my fingers anywhere. I don't care if the soil is dry or wet. Al that matters is the cacti look certain way. I've been doing that for years. I killed few in the beginning with overwatering. Now I wait to see signs of dehydration. Besides I don't do the fertile soil thing. I use fertilizer. It works. And that's how I care or don't care of my jungle cacti.

[@mnguyetnguyen-xf2vq]

Other people said put soils in oven 350degree to kill lava?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

You mean larvae I think. No need to go through that process. Larvae are simply a stage in the life of many insects and other creatures.

[@rosecarlson2215]

Where did you find that lovely color?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

I got clippings from a friend of mine who works at a local dental office. It’s truly gorgeous and it blooms twice a year

[@bertbinion7420]

Ebay. There are more colors than you are probably aware of.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Good to know,@@bertbinion7420 I'm on it! Thanks.

[@sapphire22011]

Lol O bough a bright fuschia pink a few years ago at Christmas time, but over the years the colour changed and the flowers are now almost identical to this one!!

[@PamJudkins]

How much water do you give your Christmas Cactus?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Hi Pam, I keep the soil on the damp side, not soggy, not dry. And I often add goodies to the water 💦 at the first sign of flower buds (or earlier when I l ow it is time for this particular cactus). Goodies include seaweed solution, comfrey, urine or fish fertilizer- all very diluted. Sometimes I place a few rabbit 🐇 or deer 🦌 pellets on top that work like slow release vitamins. Does that help?

[@shwetayadav9756]

My Christmas cactus branches got droopy day by day, I have repotted it 10 days ago because of the droopiness but nothing works tell me the cure for my cactus

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Oh, dear. That happened to one of my cactuses (cacti?). Check to make sure the roots aren't rotting. Do not use Miracle Gro. When my leaves/branches became floppy, I repotted it and also trimmed the leaves way back to healthy parts, toward the base. Keep me posted!

[@shwetayadav9756]

@@TheUpBeetGardener No, I checked the roots earlier while repotting

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

@@shwetayadav9756 Do you use Miracle Gro? What kind of light do they get?

[@shwetayadav9756]

@@TheUpBeetGardener No, I don't use miracle gro. I can provide them only indirect light or sometimes no light. I keep them in the room mostly. Here the weather is little hot because summer is here. Tell me what to do in such hot climate.

[@shwetayadav9756]

The leaves are like little shrinky or can say floppy

[@cbow831]

No....not urine. What a stinky plant. Just use Epsom salt.

[@BeverlyKay-tn6hv]

You said you use Urine to fertilize you Christmas cactus. Do you use Human Urine?

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Yes I do. Actually, the use of urine as a fertilizer dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations such as the Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians recognized its value as a source of nutrients for crops. Whether you garden organically or not, urine holds potential as a natural and sustainable fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content. Here's the thing: communities can conserve fresh water resources, reduce water pollution from sewage, and promote sustainable water management practices. Make sense?

[@kellifresolone4308]

Do you feel that the urine can contribute to the fungus gnats in any way? The urine doesn’t freak me out at all…but the gnats DO freak me out. I hate them. 🫣 Thank you for your video, I really enjoyed it. Also love your view❤

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

@@kellifresolone4308 Hmmm, fungus gnats are attracted to organic environments. So, I guess you could say yes but the soil, roots, etc. are organic. I don't think urine tilts the scale either way... make sense?

[@MiguelMatadotcom]

That's a Thanksgiving cactus.

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Thank you, Miguel. I'm always learning something!

[@mnguyetnguyen-xf2vq]

Urine?😂😂😂😂😂

[@TheUpBeetGardener]

Yup... it's an old style, almost forgotten, home fertilizer. Also an excellent compost activator. Lawrence D. Hills, who founded one of the largest Organic Gardening associations in the world, was a huge advocated for it.

[@gayefanner731]

Good girl ! And great to know you’re a fellow Laurence Hills devotee 👍

[@GramcrackerX2]

Moving your hands while talking is very distracting.

[@cbow831]

Don't be disrespectful. Some people talk with their hands. Don't be a Karen.

[@GramcrackerX2]

I don't know to whom you are referring to with "Karen". But I would like to say that constructive criticism is better than having people give a thumbs down with no explanation. That way maybe she can work at improving.

[@spiceystonefemme]

@cbow831 Please Stop using the "Karen" reference to bad behaviour! This is **disrespectful **

[@Ottermamapoeia]

@GramcrackerX2 It's really a viewer preference issue, not a rule she should follow. For example, I prefer the hand movement!