Pruning helps the plant conserve energy. Instead of using it to grow new segments each year, the cactus can focus on producing more flowers. Over time, the stems at the base become stiff and woody—this is beneficial because it strengthens the plant. But with age, these woody stems can crack or split, making the cactus more susceptible to diseases like root rot.
Christmas cacti are particularly susceptible to root rot because they are epiphytes – in nature, they grow on other plants rather than directly in soil.
2. Use cuttings for propagation
Tricks for a bushier Christmas cactus 3
Start by taking cuttings from a healthy Christmas cactus. Instead of scissors, carefully break off a stem with your fingers at the base of a Y-shaped segment. Each cutting should have 3–4 segments. Leave the cuttings in a warm, dry place, out of direct sunlight, for about a day to dry out the ends. Then plant them in well-draining soil. Keep the soil slightly moist and warm until they root.
You can plant them in the same pot for extra density or in separate pots for a gift.
3. Choose a suitable pot
Christmas cactus in the interior
Christmas cacti prefer slightly cramped pots. A pot that is too large will hold moisture for too long and can damage the roots. A smaller pot will force the plant to direct its energy into healthy roots and thicker stems.
4. Choose the right soil mix
Christmas cactus in interior 2
This cactus can grow in a variety of soils, but it does best in mixtures for cacti and succulents – they drain well and retain the necessary amount of moisture.
Some gardeners prefer homemade mixes with compost, sand, fine gravel, moss, and perlite or vermiculite.
For an easy mix:
3 parts all-purpose soil + 2 parts perlite or vermiculite.
For a richer mixture:
equal parts compost, perlite/vermiculite and peat.
5. Provide bright but indirect light
Christmas cactus in interior 3
Place the plant in a bright room, but away from direct sunlight, which can burn the leaves. An east-facing window is ideal. The right amount of light helps promote strong, dense growth.
6. Water properly
Watering a Christmas cactus
Overwatering is a common mistake. Water only when the top layer of soil (about 2–3 cm) dries out. The pot should have drainage holes. In spring and summer, the cactus needs more water, and in autumn and winter, less.
