Houseplantdex
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera russeliana)

Christmas cactus

Schlumbergera russeliana (Hook.) Britton & Rose · Cactaceae

Safe for cats and dogs Also known as Holiday cactus, Easter cactus

Pet safety

Safe for cats and dogs. ASPCA lists this plant as non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Source: ASPCA (matched at species level, via taxonomic synonym).

Care

  • LightMedium / part shade – Bright indirect
  • WaterLet the top inch dry
  • HumidityAverage household
  • Temperature10°C – 24°C · 50°F – 75°F
  • DifficultyEasy
  • SoilCactus / succulent mix
  • FertilizingMonthly, growing season

Size & habit

  • Mature height (indoor) 15–30 cm
  • Habit TrailingShrubby
  • Growth rateModerate

Common problems

  • Root rot
  • Mealybugs
  • Scale

Propagation

  • Stem cutting
  • Water propagation

Sources

  • Taxonomy GBIF #5620092
  • Queried as Schlumbergera bridgesii → resolved to accepted name Schlumbergera russeliana
  • Toxicity ASPCA (matched at species level, via synonym)
  • Care references Cross-checked — see methodology.
  • Image AI illustration from a photograph by Cactus_de_noël.jpg: Empereur Day derivative work: Peter coxhead (talk) , licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikipedia (article lead image) .