Just like its cousin the Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus is a super low-maintenance houseplant that’s a total crowd-pleaser. It’s not a heavy feeder, it puts on a spectacular floral show, and it’s incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. All this little guy really needs to thrive is a spot that’s warm and bright.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Easter Cactus
While the Easter cactus loves warmth and light, there’s one thing it can’t stand: harsh, direct midday sun. Think of it as needing “bright-indirect” light. A west-facing window is usually the sweet spot. If you only have a south-facing windowsill available, just make sure to pull a sheer curtain or close the blinds during the hottest part of the day to protect those segments from scorching.
Here’s a pro tip: during the winter, your cactus needs a “nap” to recharge. Move it to a cooler spot (around 55°F or 12°C) for a few weeks. This dormant period is the secret sauce for getting a ton of vibrant blooms once spring rolls around.
Quick Checklist: The Ideal Location
- Warm and bright
- Protected from direct midday sun
- West-facing windows are ideal
- Use curtains or blinds for south-facing spots
- Don’t move the plant once it starts budding
- Provide a cool, bright spot for winter dormancy
Why Is My Easter Cactus Dropping Its Flowers?
Even though the Easter cactus is easy-going when it comes to fertilizer and pruning, it can be a little sensitive about its environment. These plants are surprisingly delicate! One of the most important things to remember is that they hate being moved around—especially once they start blooming.
If you move your cactus while it’s covered in buds or flowers, it might get stressed and drop them all at once, leaving you with a cactus that won’t bloom for the rest of the season. To keep those flowers intact, pick a spot and stick with it until the blooming season is officially over.
