The Christmas Cactus (botanically known as *Schlumbergera*) originally hails from the lush jungles of Brazil. While the wild versions are cool, the ones we usually find at the garden center are hybrids specially bred for indoor life. For most of the year, they’re pretty low-key, but they really steal the show right around the holidays when they burst into bloom.
What do Christmas Cactus flowers look like?
Even though the plant looks fairly modest most of the year, the blooms are absolutely stunning. The colors of the petals range from crisp white and soft pinks to vibrant reds. You’ll even occasionally spot yellow or orange varieties. The stamens are usually bright yellow and stand out beautifully against the petals.
Each individual flower on this South American native can grow up to four inches long. The petals are arranged in overlapping layers, almost like scales, and curve gracefully outward. While a single flower only lasts a few days, the plant produces so many of them that you’ll hardly notice when one fades and another takes its place.
When does a Christmas Cactus bloom?
Typically, a Christmas Cactus starts setting its first buds in November. It takes a little while to reach peak performance, but it usually hits full bloom right around Christmas—so the name is definitely spot on! If you want to time the blooming differently, you can actually shift the schedule by adjusting its rest period. Just start the “dormancy” phase a little earlier or later.
How long does the blooming season last?
Individual flowers stay open for just a few days—usually five to seven at most. But because these plants are such prolific bloomers, the show can last well into January. You’ll get several weeks of lush, colorful beauty to brighten up those winter days.
Quick Highlights:
- The plant won’t bloom without a proper rest period first.
- Blooming season: Mid-November through January.
- Flower lifespan: About 5 to 7 days per bloom.
- Flower location: Buds form at the very tips of the segments.
- Size: Blooms can reach up to 4 inches long.
- Shape: Elongated, layered petals that curve outward with visible yellow stamens.
- Colors: White, yellow, pink, and red in various shades.
Pro Tip: Once your Christmas Cactus starts setting buds, try not to move it! Changing its location or even rotating the pot can cause the plant to drop its buds prematurely.
