As the holiday season unfolds, the Christmas cactus emerges as a captivating centerpiece, boasting vibrant flowers and a touch of exotic charm.
With an impressive selection of nearly 200 cultivars, these festive plants offer a delightful departure from the ordinary.
Let gardening expert Katherine Rowe guide you through a selection of extraordinary varieties that will add warmth to your winter festivities.
A Closer Look at Holiday Cacti
The Christmas cactus, scientifically recognized as Schlumbergera x buckleyi, steals the show during the colder months.
Its stunning display of fluffy, colorful blossoms and unique, cascading branches brings joy just when we need it most.
Typically, these plants burst into bloom from December through January, showcasing a vibrant palette of colors—everything from red and white to pink, purple, and coral—contrasting beautifully with their lush green leaves.
Many families treasure these resilient succulents as heirlooms, making an appearance just in time for joyful holiday gatherings.
Originating from Brazil’s coastal mountain rainforests, Christmas cacti thrive as epiphytes, finding their home in the branches of trees or nestled among rocks.
Their tropical nature makes them perfect for indoor living, bringing cheer to those chilly winter months.
When searching for a new Christmas cactus this December, look for plants adorned with abundant, plump buds, signaling a spectacular bloom just in time for the festive celebrations.
Featured Christmas Cactus Varieties
- ‘Christmas Flame’: This eye-catching variety features creamy yellow petals with vibrant orange-red edges, beginning to bloom by mid to late November.
- ‘Thor Britta’: Elegant pale pink flowers with ruffled edges adorn a robust green plant, making it a standout during mid-fall.
- ‘Christmas Charm’: Known for its bright pink blooms with white gradients at the center, this variety boasts sturdy stems and an abundance of buds, set against lush dark green leaves.
- ‘Lavender Doll II’: This striking variety bursts forth with captivating magenta flowers, their curling petals coming into bloom in late November.
- ‘Christmas Fantasy’: Soft peach-pink flowers create a delicate, ethereal look among its large, deep green segments.
- ‘Cristen’: Renowned for its bold fuchsia blooms, ‘Cristen’ dazzles during late November and early December, draping the plant in color.
- ‘Kris Kringle II’: Radiating vibrant crimson and deep orange, this cactus showcases long, flared petals that bloom in early December.
- ‘Limelight Dancer’: With elegant creamy yellow petals and pointed edges, this variety looks deliciously like vanilla buttercream, accented with lovely pink pistils.
- ‘Christmas Variegated’: This striking variant features uniquely variegated segments and beautiful blooms, adding a one-of-a-kind touch to any plant collection.
These remarkable varieties of Christmas cacti elevate holiday decor, offering something special for both plant lovers and collectors alike.
Happy gardening, and may your season be filled with joy and beauty!
Source: Epicgardening