Should You Have a Christmas Cactus Instead of a Tree?

Regardless of which variety you seek, the Christmas cactus is a good addition to any home. It is relatively easy to care for, and with a little knowledge and planning, you can help it bloom year after year. Some people have decided to opt for this plant rather than the traditional Christmas tree. Here are a few reasons why:

While there is a lot of misinformation about Christmas trees being non-environment friendly (though in some places, it is a genuine problem), there are other reasons why some families might like to opt out of the traditional decoration. 

• Space

  In smaller homes or apartments, Christmas trees can take up a lot of space. While a family may want to celebrate their favorite holiday together, working your way around a tree throughout the month of December may not be ideal. 

• Fire HAzard

  Christmas trees can be a fire hazard. Though this is rare, if you and your family want to keep a Christmas tree, you would do well to take steps to keep it safe. 

• Clean-up

  Christmas trees require a lot of clean-up; from pine needles constantly falling on the floor and being drug through the house to tree disposal after Christmas.

On the other hand, a Christmas cactus doesn’t take up a lot of space, they won’t accidentally light on fire (probably), and you will only need to clean up the flowers after they have fallen.

• Adds Color to The Season

  You can find Christmas Cactus plants that come in red, pink, orange, or white. The flowers are bright and will capture the attention of both your family and those who visit your home. If the conditions in your home are perfect, the blooms may last up to 8 weeks, long into the new year. 

  While you might not be able to decorate your plant as you would a traditional tree, you could create an arrangement of ornaments and twinkle lights around the pot to add to your holiday spirit. Smaller ornaments could hang easily from the cactus as well. Setting the pot on a small pedestal would also allow you to place gifts and presents underneath the Christmas cactus.

• Christmas Cactus Can Live For Decades

  Unlike a cut Christmas tree, a Christmas cactus can live for decades. Many people show off beautiful plants that are over 50 years old. In one amazing story, Lynette Miller and Jacquie Biloff realized that they were in the presence of a Christmas cactus that was over a century old. 

  As the plant is easy to propagate, you can create a “little” Christmas cactus from your plant for each of your children when they move out and start their own Christmas traditions. In this way, your Christmas cactus could essentially live on for generations (and in many different places).

• Christmas Cactus Are Non-Toxic Plants

  If you have pets or little humans who haven’t learned that it isn’t wise to stick unknown plants in their mouths, a Christmas cactus is a safer bet than alternative Christmas plants. They are non-toxic to humans, cats, dogs, and horses, 

  While some Christmas trees are mildly toxic, the needles are the real cause for concern as they are difficult/impossible to digest and could potentially damage the intestines. 

  Poinsettias, while beautiful, can cause rashes or stomachaches that are very un-Christmas-like to your littles. As your children grow, we recommend including them as your decor, but the Christmas cactus is your safest bet.

• Christmas Cactus Are Easy-Care Plants

  Relatively speaking, a Christmas Cactus is easy to care for. They can adapt to lower light levels and are not as finicky as many other houseplants. There are a few things you should bear in mind:

  • Christmas cactus love humidity. If you live in a dry home, place your plant on a plate with pebbles and water. As the water evaporates, it will create a humid environment around your plant. You can also frequently mist it. 
  • Don’t overwater your Christmas Cactus. One of the biggest downfalls to these beautiful succulents is root rot. If you overwater or the container doesn’t drain properly, you could cause irreparable damage to the plant. 
  • Christmas cactus need to go dormant to bloom. In order to get those beautiful flowers year after year, you will need to help the plant go dormant in October or early November. This generally means moving it to a cooler, darker place and reducing the amount of water you give it. 
• Propagate Your Christmas Cactus for Easy Future Christmas Gifts

  While you will want to propagate your Christmas cactus in early summer, you can start off with many delightful plants which you can give as gifts during the holiday season. All you will need is the following items:

  • A cactus/succulent potting mix (or mix ⅔ regular potting mix and ⅓ sand)
  • An appropriately sized container (start out small, Christmas cactus like snug roots)
  • Trimmings from your Christmas cactus
  • An organic fertilizer
  • Water

  (Optional) Ribbon and this print-out basic care tag to decorate your gifts

• A Christmas Cactus Keeps the Holiday Alive All Year Long

  While you will need to toss out your tree (or put your synthetic one in storage), your Christmas cactus can remain with you year-long, reminding you to keep the holiday season in your heart and spirit. Many people successfully help their plant bloom 2-3 times per year. You can learn to do the same.