There are three main holiday-blooming cacti: the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera Ö buckleyi), and the Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri). The care for all three is fairly similar; the main difference is their bloom times.

My granny Miller’s only houseplant was a Christmas cactus that sat on a wood pestle. When she passed, I declined inheritance of the plant as I am houseplant challenged and would have felt terrible if it perished in my care. To this day I have no houseplants; I know my limits.

A tropical plant has special needs to keep it healthy. Water it by soaking the soil until water runs through the pot’s drainage holes. Discard any water left in the drip pan. Remember to water it only when the top inch of soil feels dry.

To increase humidity, set your pot on a tray of pebbles covered with water, making sure the water level stays below the pebbles so the pot is not sitting directly in water.

Fertilize the plant once a month between June and August using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength. In the fall, when flower buds begin to form, switch to a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium, such as a 0-15-10 formulation, to support healthy blooming.

According to University of Minnesota Extension, Christmas cacti initiate flower bud formation as days grow shorter moving into winter, which is why they are referred to as short-day plants. Cool nighttime temperatures are also essential for proper bud development and successful flowering. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti generally require about six weeks of short days to initiate blooming and will flower in late fall through winter. In contrast, Easter cacti need eight to 12 weeks of short-day conditions to form buds and typically bloom in late winter or early spring.

A common problems is bud drop, meaning the temperature is too high, it has insufficient light and it has been under- or overwatered. Pests include mealy bugs, spider mites and fungus.

Propagation is a great way to produce new plants. Start by cutting part of the plant that includes two flat stem segments, then cut further segments at the joints. Ends will start to scab overnight. Place segments upright in a container filled with perlite or coarse sand that has been watered.

To be honest, this is why I don’t “do” houseplants. My holiday cactus would just be wild and blooming whenever they felt like it. That would be an accomplishment as it would mean they were still living! I’ll just admire other people’s holiday cacti instead.