The Christmas cactus — also known as Schlumbergera bridgessii or sometimes called the Easter cactus — is one of the most admired indoor plants, especially during the winter months. With its cascading stems and vivid, colorful blooms, this plant has the power to brighten up any room. What makes it even more remarkable is that, with the right care, it can flower more than once a year, turning into a year-round source of beauty and color.
Propagation Made Simple
One of the joys of owning a Christmas cactus is how easy it is to propagate. If you want to grow new plants or share them with friends, start by cutting a small Y-shaped segment from the tip of a healthy stem. Make sure the cutting comes from a vigorous part of the plant — weak or damaged stems won’t root properly.
Once you have your cutting, plant about one-fourth of it into slightly sandy, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid soaking it. Place the pot in a bright location that receives plenty of indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the fleshy leaves, so filtered light is best.
Within a few weeks, roots will begin to develop. At this stage, you can transplant your new cactus into a slightly larger pot filled with a mix of regular potting soil, compost, and coarse sand. This combination provides the aeration and nutrients the plant needs to grow strong and healthy.
