Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi or sometimes mistakenly known as Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of the 6-9 cacti in the genus Schlumbergera (Zygocactus, Epiphyllum, Opuntiopsis or Zygocereus) in the cacti family, Cactaceae.
The other famous one is the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). While the Whitsun cactus or Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) was also in this genus, they were moved to Hatiora.
The names Thanksgiving, Easter, or Christmas refer to the time they bloom, while holiday cactus only implies, they bloom during holidays. Additionally, due to their appearance, you may find people calling them crab cacti.
Finally, all the Schlumberger species arenative to native to South-eastern Brazil’s coastal region.
Are Christmas cacti toxic?
Christmas cactus make fantastic houseplants, thanks to their yellow, red, orange, pink, salmon, fuchsia, or a combination of these colors. Who doesn’t want a houseplant that blooms at about Christmas?
If your worry is their safety to your pets, you should be glad to know that Christmas cactus is not toxic or poisonous to your cats as well as your horses and dogs. All parts of this plant, including their flowers, are ok for kitties or other animals, notes ASPCA.
However, you need to know that what is marketed as “Christmas cactus” and sometimes “Easter cactus” is the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), synonymous known as Zygocactus truncata and not Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Nevertheless, it is not harmful or dangerous for your cat, dog, or horse.
However, there have been reports of type I allergy in people working at a cactus nursery, notes a sturdy. While not considered a serious threat, they may cause ataxia in cats if ingested that will be short-lived. Therefore, discourage eating with repellents and so on.
Growing
If you intend to have Christmas cactus or received one as a present, you need to know how to care for this winter-blooming plant properly. While you can quickly propagate them, caring for them is not so easy.
Some of the critical care tips include the following:
- Lighting: While they can quickly adapt to lower indirect lighting conditions, they thrive and readily bloom under indirect bright light. However, you need to avoid putting them in direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Watering: Needs regular watering in the growing months (spring and summer), ensuring the soil is moist but allowing it to slightly dry in-between watering periods. However, don’t overwater it as sogginess will cause root and stem root.
- Temperature: Ideal temperature should be between 60- and 70-degrees Fahrenheit. (15-21 degrees Celsius). They can withstand much lower temperatures during winter, of about 50°F (10°C) degrees Fahrenheit.
- Humidity: They require high humidity. Therefore, if you are not running a humidifier, consider having a tray with pebbles and water to keep humidity high.
- Soil – Good quality, well-drained soil rich humus and other essential nutrients
- Fertilizer: Feed them with a well-balanced houseplant fertilizer once after every week during their growing season.
Additionally, pruning will encourage them to grow and flower more and watch for blossom drop, which is a sign something is missing, including enough light or sudden temperature fluctuations.
Other safe plants
As you have seen, despite being very charming, and cat-safe caring for your Christmas cactus isn’t a walk in the park. If you find it too challenging, consider alternative cat-friendly houseplants like:
- Bromeliad plant
- Echeveria glauca
- Staghorn fern
- Ghost plants
- Goldfish plant
- Peperomia
- Prayer plant
- Spider plant
- Maidenhair fern
- Aluminum plant