Houseplant
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera
Varieties We Carry
StandardSchlumbergera
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$6.95
8 inFrom$29.95
1 galFrom$16.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
LightPart Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size1-2 feet × 1-2 feet
About Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.) is an epiphytic cactus native to coastal Brazilian mountains, grown for its showy tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, white, and purple that appear in fall and winter. In NE Florida it is best kept as a container plant in bright indirect light, brought indoors or under cover during any frost, and given reduced light in fall to trigger blooming. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter. May need protection below 25°F.
Care essentials
Light
Grow in bright indirect light or filtered shade. In NE Florida, protect from harsh afternoon sun whether kept outdoors or near a window; 4–6 hours of morning light is ideal for healthy growth and bud set.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry; never allow the plant to sit in water. In Florida's warm, humid climate, good drainage is critical — use a well-draining potting mix and containers with drainage holes.
Soil & Fertilizer
Use a fast-draining epiphytic or cactus/orchid mix. Fertilize every 4–6 weeks from spring through summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer; withhold fertilizer in fall to encourage flower bud formation for holiday blooms.
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Common questions
Is Christmas Cactus a good plant for St. Augustine?
Christmas Cactus is a houseplant for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-2 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.