Christmas Cactus: A Houseplant That Will Change Your Life

How does Christmas cactus know the exact perfect moment to burst into bloom? Thermo-photoperiodic bloom cycles, of course. (As days get shorter and darker in winter months, the lack of light triggers Schlumbergera bridgesii to burst into flower.)

How does Ikea know the exact perfect moment to add potted Christmas cactus to the selection in the houseplant department? I think we know the answer to that question. And right now, the canny retailer has three colors of Christmas cactus on offer in Ikea stores around the world: for $4.99 a plant.

Above: Christmas cactus is a succulent plant that hails from tropical climes. Native to Brazil, it enjoys sitting on a windowsill in bright light (but needs cool temperatures and darkness at night to stimulate it to bloom). Read more growing tips in Christmas Cactus: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design. Photograph via Ikea.

“The Christmas cactus is a plant of magic and mystery,” writes Annie, who remembers fondly one from her childhood: “A large sprawling specimen that lived in a terra cotta pot and would drop red blossoms onto the windowsill every winter.”

Above: A white Schlumbergera in a 4-inch pot is $4.99 at Ikea.

Above: The Ikea collection also includes other flower colors, including pink Christmas cactus plants and salmon-colored Christmas cactus plants.

See more growing tips in Christmas Cactus: A Field Guide to Planting, Care & Design in our curated Garden Design 101 guides to Succulents & Cacti. See more:

• Gardening 101: Christmas Cactus
• Read about a cousin of Christmas cactus in Easter Cactus: A Succulent with Springtime Flowers
• Poinsettias: Rethinking a Christmas Cliché