How Often Do You Water a Christmas Cactus So It Thrives
Native to Brazil’s tropical rainforests, holiday cacti grow as epiphytes, clinging to the shady branches of trees. Unlike plants rooted in soil, epiphytes absorb moisture and nutrients from the air and rain, and that explains why Christmas cacti are not equipped to handle prolonged drought like other cacti. So, how often to water Christmas cactus? The answer is quite simple - check the soil!
Christmas Cactus should be watered when the potting soil feels dry to the touch at least halfway down, ensuring excess water drains completely from the bottom of the pot. Avoid waterlogging the soil, as standing water can lead to root rot, particularly during the winter months. Interested in a more detailed Christmas cactus watering guide? Check the best arrangements below.
During the Growing Season (Spring and Summer)
Spring and summer mark active growth for holiday cacti, with new stems and leaves requiring more frequent watering. You might consider watering the Christmas cactus every 7–10 days during this fast-growing period. However, too much direct sunlight, especially during summer, can scorch their foliage, while insufficient light can slow growth and delay soil drying. When unsure, it’s better to under-water than to over-water.
During the Blooming Season (Fall and Winter)
As the plant focuses its energy on producing flowers, Christmas cacti thrive best when their soil remains evenly moist, as water is essential for both the formation and maintenance of blooms. Christmas cacti can bloom for four weeks or more, so it’s important to check soil moisture every three to four days and water when the top layer feels slightly dry. The estimated watering frequency should be every 3 weeks or longer.
During Dormancy (Late Winter to Early Spring)
After the flowering season ends, usually late winter for Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti and early spring for Easter cacti, the plant enters a rest phase and it’s time to stop watering then for about 30 days.
Once you notice any new growth, water the plant about every two weeks. Let the top 3-4 inches of soil dry out before watering again. Christmas cacti prefer longer dry periods during their dormant phase until new growth begins in spring.
Top Watering or Bottom Watering Christmas Cactus
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom? While both approaches make sense, it’s generally better to water a Christmas cactus from the top. Top watering provides even moisture throughout the soil and helps flush out any accumulated salts or minerals from fertilizers that can build up over time. Bottom watering, however, is likely to build up salt and encourage the spread of pest infection.
The Bottom Line
The frequency of watering Christmas cacti depends on factors such as the type of potting mix, the size of the container, the amount of sunlight the plant receives, and the surrounding temperature. Fortunately, the key is to water the plant only when the soil has dried out at least halfway down. Remember this rule, you can master how to properly Christmas cactus.
