Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Cactus Succulent

Schlumbergera

Christmas cactus

A genus of bushy, evergreen, epiphytic perennial cacti with arched or trailing thick, green, toothed and segmented stems and trumpet-shaped red, white, pink or purple flowers which appear from November to January. Image shows Schlumbergera truncata

Other common names
leaf-flowering cactus
Synonyms
Zygocactus

Join the RHS

Become an RHS Member today and save 25% on your first year

Join now
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green Red White Pink Purple
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Trailing
Genus

Schlumbergera are bushy epiphytic perennials with arching stems formed of flattened segments, and trumpet-shaped flowers

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained compost in bright light but avoid direct sunlight and maintain a minimum temperature of 10°C. See Schlumbergera cultivation for further information

Propagation

Propagate by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Houseplants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.