Thanksgiving Cactus 6”

Also called a Zygo Cactus or Christmas Cactus. 

Lighting

• Thanksgiving cacti prefer bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing window is ideal.

• Too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so avoid placing it in a south-facing window unless filtered by a sheer curtain.

Temperature

• Keep temperatures between 60–70°F during the day.

• At night, slightly cooler temperatures (50–55°F) help encourage blooming.

• Avoid drafts and sudden temperature changes, which can stress the plant.

Watering

• Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain out, as they don’t like standing water.

• Reduce watering after the plant blooms, giving it a short resting period before the new growth phase in spring.

 Humidity

• Thanksgiving cacti thrive in humidity. If your indoor air is dry, especially during winter, place a tray of water with pebbles under the pot or mist the plant occasionally.

Soil

• Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. Cactus or succulent soil mixes work well, or you can mix regular potting soil with perlite for extra drainage.

Fertilizing

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month from spring through early fall. Stop fertilizing once buds start forming in the fall.

Encouraging Blooms

• In late September to October, reduce light to about 8–10 hours a day and lower the temperature slightly. This mimics shorter days and cooler nights, encouraging bud formation.

• Avoid moving the plant once buds form, as this can cause them to drop.

Repotting

• Repot every 2-3 years in the spring after flowering. Thanksgiving cacti bloom better when they’re slightly root-bound, so choose a pot only slightly larger than the current one.

Pruning

• Prune after blooming by twisting off a few segments. This encourages bushier growth and can help with shape.