Everyone loves a houseplant that blooms in the dead of winter, right? The Christmas Cactus is one of these beloved holiday plants that burst into vibrant blooms in the festive season. Known for its high-maintenance needs, many novice plant parents wonder how often to water a Christmas Cactus to ensure it thrives and showcases its gorgeous flowers. 

These beauties are not true cacti and have more specific watering requirements. Depending on the environment and season, you may have to adjust your watering schedule to meet your plant’s needs. 

Does Christmas Cactus watering seem a bit tricky? Don’t worry! With this detailed watering guide, you can ensure that the plant graces your home with its beautiful flowers year after year.  

About Christmas Cactus 

Christmas Cactus is a captivating succulent and a popular houseplant known for its segmented stems and stunning winter blooms. These tropical plants come in many color varieties. Some of the most coveted ones are the fiery Red Christmas Cactus and the delicate Pink Christmas Cactus.  

Despite its name, this succulent doesn’t belong to the cacti family. It’s an epiphyte, naturally growing on other plants in tropical rainforests. It is also called Schlumbergera, derived from its scientific name, Schlumbergera bridgessii.  

Beyond its ornamental value, the Christmas cactus also offers air-purifying benefits, making it a healthy addition to any home. It symbolizes resilience, hope, and renewal. After all, it blooms in harsh winters and spreads holiday cheer. Hence, this gorgeous plant is also a popular gift. 

While generally pet-friendly, its sap can cause mild irritation if ingested. Therefore, keep it out of your pet’s reach. 

These beauties require bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity. Their watering needs depend on the environmental conditions. Less frequent watering in cold and dry seasons encourages blooming.     

How Often to Water Christmas Cactus 

How often should you water a Christmas Cactus? New plant owners often wonder about the factors that play a role in its watering schedule. Your Christmas Cactus doesn’t like waterlogged soil. Consider the conditions and seasonal changes before adjusting the watering frequency. Water it every 3 days outdoors in a hot, dry climate or once a week to 10 days if grown indoors in a controlled environment. Reduce watering in the winter in cool and humid conditions. 

When to Water Christmas Cactus

So, how do you know when my Christmas Cactus needs water? The general rule of thumb is that the topsoil should feel dry to the touch between watering sessions. Test with your finger, and if the top 2” inches of the soil are completely dry, water your holiday succulent. 

Besides checking the soil moisture to avoid overwatering, monitor your plant’s appearance. Look for signs like wilting stems or leaves becoming less firm than usual. These are indicators that your Christmas Cactus is thirsty.

Should I Water My Christmas Cactus When It Is Blooming?

Watering your Christmas Cactus when it's blooming is essential. It is vital for supporting the plant's energy needs during this period. Once it flowers, you can reduce the watering frequency to allow the plant to rest. Watch your holiday plant’s appearance, as it will show clear signs if it’s happy or thirsty.

How Much Water Does a Christmas Cactus Need? 

Water your Christmas Cactus thoroughly and allow the water to drain from the drainage holes. This will ensure that the entire root system is moist. Do not allow it to sit in standing water to prevent root and stem rot. 

Mist it regularly or place the pot in a saucer with pebbles and water to increase the moisture in the air around the plant. In short, maintaining the right humidity levels affects how much water you give to your Christmas Cactus.

How to Water Christmas Cactus Correctly 

A proper watering technique is as essential as the schedule for your Christmas Cactus’ health. It helps prevent overwatering and ensures your flowering plant thrives. In addition, use filtered or ‘overnight’ water, as the chemicals in tap water can harm the plant.

Do You Water Christmas Cactus From the Top or Bottom?

Watering Christmas Cactus from the top and bottom are both effective methods. However, bottom watering is better for even hydration of the root system. It also reduces the risk of overwatering or flower breakage. It ensures the roots are properly hydrated without making the upper soil soggy. 

Place the planter in a sink or container with a few inches of water. Allow the plant to absorb moisture through the drainage holes for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the pot and let the excess water drain completely. Now, you can move your Christmas Cactus into its decorative pot.

Can You Water Christmas Cactus With Ice Cubes?

Using ice cubes for your Christmas Cactus watering needs is a good way to control the water quantity given to the plant. The cubes melt slowly over the topmost soil layer and the water hydrates the roots gradually. 

Many people worry that the cold water may shock the roots. However, a study by the Ohio State University shows that using ice water has no adverse effects on plant health. 

Watering Christmas Cactus: How Do I Make My Christmas Cactus Happy? 

Apart from your Christmas Cactus watering schedule or method, there are additional tips and tricks to keep your winter beauty happy.  

Is Sugar Water Good for Christmas Cactus? 

Does sugar water help Christmas Cactus? Despite the trend of using sugar water on plants, it can disrupt your Christmas Cactus’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leaving it deficient and dehydrated. Sugar water for Christmas Cactus can boost harmful microbial growth and attract pests.

Do Christmas Cactus Like Coffee Water?

Giving your Christmas Cactus coffee water is not necessary. If not careful, it can affect the soil’s pH balance. However, occasional coffee-water application, and in moderation, can boost your plant’s vibrance, especially during its blooming period, as used coffee can be a good fertilizer for plants.    

What Does a Christmas Cactus Look Like When It Needs Water? 

While you shouldn’t overwater your Christmas Cactus, you must also not leave it thirsty. Dry soil that looks pale, crumbly, and cracked is a clear sign that your plant needs a drink. In addition, you should look out for the following:

• Shriveled leaves
• Christmas cactus leaves turning red or brown
• Limp or wilted stems
• Stunted growth
• Failure to bloom
• Wrinkled and dry segments

How Do You Rehydrate Christmas Cactus?

How do you perk up a Christmas Cactus that looks dehydrated? First, gently loosen the soil and slowly introduce water using the bottom watering method. Let the plant absorb what it needs and monitor the soil moisture until it becomes saturated but not soggy to avoid overwatering.

How Can You Tell If a Christmas Cactus Is Overwatered? 

In an attempt to meet Christmas Cactus water requirements, plant owners often overwater their green babies. Besides the soil looking dark and soggy, the plants present the following signs:

• Black or red spots on the leaves or stems 
• Yellow leaves
• Overall droopy or wilted appearance 
• Root rot with a foul odor coming from the base of the plant 

Can Christmas Cactus Recover From Overwatering?

It’s possible to help your Christmas Cactus recover from overwatering. Place your plant in a warm location with bright, indirect light. This will make the soil dry out more quickly. If necessary, remove the plant from the pot. Rinse and trim off damaged roots; allow them to dry and repot the Christmas Cactus in fresh, well-draining soil, mixed with orchid bark for added drainage. Water sparingly and consider using a soil meter to prevent future overwatering.

Christmas Cactus Watering & Care: FAQs

Q: Does Christmas Cactus need a lot of sun?

A: Christmas Cactus needs a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct light as it will bleach out the leaves of this gorgeous holiday plant.   

Q: Do Christmas Cactus like to be misted?

A: Christmas Cacti love a humid environment. And misting the plant can boost the humidity.. So, you can spritz it every few days to encourage good health. 

Q: Why are the leaves on my Christmas Cactus limp?

A: Limp leaves on your Christmas Cactus indicate stress and improper care. Common causes include exposure to direct sunlight, overwatering, underwatering, root rot, etc. 

Q: What do I feed a Christmas Cactus with to make it bloom?

A: Feed your Christmas Cactus with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half its strength with water.  

Q: Where is the best place to put a Christmas Cactus?

A: An east-facing window is an excellent spot to put your Christmas Cactus. Irrespective of where you place it, the plant should receive lots of bright, indirect sunlight, away from the direct rays. 

Conclusion

Learning how much to water Christmas Cactus and understanding how to do it will ensure the well-being of your holiday succulent. It may seem tricky initially but you'll get the hang of it soon! These relatively high-maintenance plants are holiday favorites and make the perfect gift for family, friends, and staff. 

It can be a great addition to your indoor green corner, paired with Orchids, Baby Blue Eucalyptus, or other mini succulents as companions. Furthermore, you can complement your festive Christmas Cactus with other holiday plants, such as Red Poinsettia, Mistletoe Cactus, or mini Rosemary Christmas Tree, which will brighten up your space this season.