Every winter, while nature seems to slumber, a small tropical plant invades our living rooms, adorned with a thousand colors. Red, pink, white, or orange, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) transforms our windowsills into veritable hanging gardens. But how does this cactus from Brazil manage to bloom when everything else is dormant? And above all, how do we make it bloom again year after year?
A tropical plant that loves mild temperatures
Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is nothing like a desert cactus! Native to the rainforests of Brazil, it grows wild on tree trunks where the light is dim and the air is humid. Its jointed, spineless green stems cascade gracefully and are covered in tubular flowers between November and February—just in time for the holidays!
It is a plant with a “reverse cycle”: it flowers in winter, when the days are short — a true symbol of renewal .
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The right pot and the right substrate
Choose a pot with a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging—the Christmas cactus’s number one enemy! Use a light mix: half cactus potting soil, half coconut fiber or sphagnum peat moss, with a little perlite for aeration. The goal? To maintain consistent moisture without ever overwatering the roots.
The ideal light
Place your plant near an east- or north-facing window, where it receives natural light but no direct sunlight. In summer, it appreciates being outdoors in partial shade to strengthen itself before flowering.
Controlled watering
This cactus appreciates consistent moisture. Water it as soon as the surface of the soil becomes dry, but avoid overwatering. In autumn, slightly reduce watering to encourage bud formation. In winter, simply maintain a humid atmosphere, especially if your home is heated.
The secret to a spectacular bloom
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