Types of Christmas Cactus Colors and Pictures

Christmas cacti are favorite houseplants among indoor plant enthusiasts due to their vibrant blooms in the winter. The flowers come in various colors, from traditional pink and red to white, yellow, and orange. This makes it a great holiday plant for Christmas color and gifting.

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a tropical plant native to the rainforests of Brazil. This plant is not a true cactus but an epiphytic plant that grows on trees and rocks in the wild. Its flat, segmented stems are composed of leaf-like structures called phylloclades.

Christmas cactus is often confused with a Thanksgiving cactus which blooms a few weeks earlier but around the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States. Its blooms also range from red to pink but can be white or orange.

The main difference between The Christmas cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter cactus is their leaves’ shape. Easter cactus typically blooms in early spring around the Easter holiday, but it shares many similarities with the other two Schlumbergeras, particularly regarding care.

Types of Christmas cactus colors

With so many colors, Christmas cacti suit every taste and style. The blooms come in a range of colors, including the following:

1. Pink

Pink is one of the most common colors of the Christmas cactus. Depending on the plant variety, the blooms may come in bright or pale pink. Pink Christmas cacti are widely available and are often less expensive than other rare colors, such as yellow or orange.

Pink is a classic color that is often associated with love and romance.  The cactus can be a perfect gift for a loved one during the season. Further, pink can add a touch of elegance to any room, be it in the office or at home.

2. Red

Traditionally, red is a popular color for Christmas decorations, including the famous Christmas tree. Red Christmas cacti have bold, eye-catching flowers that are perfect for adding a festive touch to your home during the holiday season. The blooms may range from deep, rich hues to lighter, more vibrant shades.

3. White

White Christmas cacti are also quite popular. These blooms are typically larger than other colors and might have a slight pink or yellow tinge. White Christmas cactus can add a touch of elegance to any décor and be a great gift to anyone during the holiday season.

4. Yellow

Yellow Christmas cacti are less common but are just as beautiful. This color can range from pale, creamy yellow to bright. Yellow color is often associated with joy, happiness, and friendship, making a yellow Christmas cactus a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one during the holiday season.

5. Orange

Orange blooms are common in Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncate), but a few varieties of Christmas cacti also bear the color. The color is striking and a great addition to any décor during the festive seasons. However, choosing an orange Christmas cactus over other colors depends on personal preference.

6. Blue

While blue Christmas cacti do not exist in nature, some varieties of Schlumbergera produce blooms with a bluish tint. These blooms are not a true blue color but a purple or lavender hue that appears blue under certain lighting conditions.

Can Christmas cactus change color?

Yes, Christmas cacti can change color, although it may not change dramatically. Color change usually happens in response to environmental changes, such as temperature, light conditions in your home, moisture, and the amount of sunlight the plant receives.

For example, Christmas cactus leaves turn red if the plant is exposed to intense sunlight. On the other hand, the leaves may turn into a lighter shade of green if the plant is exposed to cooler temperatures and less sunlight.

However, it’s worth noting that not all Christmas cacti change color, and the intensity of the color change can vary from plant to plant. Additionally, different varieties of Christmas cacti naturally have different colors, such as pink, red, or white, and they may not change color.

Final Thought

Christmas cacti are a beautiful addition to any home. From classic pink and red to unique variegated blooms, the Christmas cactus offers a wide range of colors. To encourage your Christmas cactus to bloom, it’s important to provide it with the right care.

The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. It’s important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Fertilization during growth also encourages more blooms in the future.

References:

• “THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS CACTI,” Clemson Cooperative Extension
• “Is it a Thanksgiving, Christmas or Easter Cactus?” Iowa State University
• “Holiday Cactus,” Wisconsin Horticultural Extension