Plant Info: How to Take Care of Easter Cactus Year-round
The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) is a beautiful plant that blooms in the spring near the Easter holiday. The prolific star-shaped flowers can last for weeks giving plenty of spring color. Flower colors range from white to red, orange, peach, lavender, and pink.
Like its cousins, the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus, this tropical cactus is easy to grow and maintain as a houseplant. It prefers well-drained soil, bright indirect light, and humid conditions. In the wild, they grow on rocks and tree branches as epiphytic plants.
In most cases, the Easter cactus will do very well on a porch or covered patio. You can also place it in a bright room with plenty of natural light. However, you should keep it away from windows that receive direct sunlight, as too much can scorch its leaves.
| Common name | Easter cactus |
| Botanical name | Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri |
| Plant type | Holiday cactus |
| Mature Size | 6-12 in. tall, 1-2 ft. wide |
| Bloom Time | Spring near Easter Holiday |
| Flower color | Hot pink, red, orange, lavender, white |
| Soil type | Well-drained, acidic pH |
| Sun exposure | Bright indirect sunlight |
| Hardiness zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Toxicity | Not toxic to pets and humans |
Easter cactus care
The Easter cactus is fairly easy to grow and take care of as a houseplant. Here are the key requirements for maintaining this plant.
How to water
The Easter cactus likes it when the soil is consistently moist but is prone to root rot when overwatered. It’s important to let the soil dry completely between waterings. Always use a moisture meter or insert your finger in the soil to check the moisture level.
When the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, thoroughly water it until the water drains from the bottom of the pot. However, do not let your cactus sit in any standing water. Remove any excess water that collects on the saucer before it gets reabsorbed into the soil.
Light requirement
The Easter cactus is an epiphytic plant that grows on rocks and branches of trees in the jungle. They are conditioned to partial shade and will do well in bright indirect sunlight. When growing it as a houseplant, please place it in a room that receives dappled sunlight.
Exposure to direct sunlight can cause sunburn on its leaves and generally poor growth. Easter cactus leaves shrivelling or getting wrinkled is a sign of distress from too much sunlight. On the other hand, leaves turning yellowing and spindly growth indicated insufficient sunlight.
Soil and fertilizer needs
When planting the Easter cactus in pots, use well-draining soil such as cactus or succulent potting mix. You may use standard potting soil but combine it with sand, pumice, or perlite. Add some rocks at the bottom of your container before you pot the plant.
Fertilizing your Easter cactus during the growing season is highly recommended. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength at least once per month throughout spring and summer. Avoid overfertilizing or nitrogen-laden formulas as it can result in poor flowering.
Like the Christmas cactus, this plant has a higher affinity for magnesium. So, it’s important to apply Epsom salt (1 teaspoon per gallon of water) two weeks before you apply the standard fertilizer. This will keep your succulent looking lush and beautiful year-round.
Temperature and humidity
The easter cactus prefers cooler temperatures even during the day. It needs nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees F to set flowers. Although this succulent loves humid conditions, standard household humidity levels ( 30-50%) are usually sufficient.
If your home is located in places that get extremely dry, try placing a pebble tray half-filled with water near the plant to boost humidity. Avoid placing the plant near air vents, fireplaces, and places with direct sunlight.
Potting and repotting
Easter cactus usually do well when they are slightly pot-bound but it’s best when they are repotted every three to four years. This not only gives more room for the growth of the roots but also provides fresh soil and nutrients to the plant.
The best time to repot an Easter cactus is in the spring after it has finished flowering. Choose a pot with drainage holes and about 2–3 inches wider than the previous one. Make sure to use a well-drained potting mix to avoid problems of root rot.
Pruning requirements
You can prune your Easter cactus after flowering to encourage bushier growth and more flowering in the future. Make sure to clean and sterilize your pruning shears before and after use. You can use some of the healthy cuttings to propagate your Easter cactus for more plants.
Common Problems
The Easter cactus is generally a hardy plant but it is prone to root rot when overwatered. These plants never like when there is excess moisture around their roots. In fact, in their native habitat, they grow in soil-less media formed in rock crevices by decomposing tree leaves.
Root rot is a serious condition that can kill the plant. Typically, when the roots rot the plant stops receiving essential supplies such as water, air, and nutrients. If discovered early, root rot can be treated by cutting off the damaged roots and repotting the plant in fresh potting soil.
Pests such as mealybugs, scale, and aphids can also infest your succulent. This can damage the plant and cause poor growth because pests heavily feed on the sap. Inspect your plants regularly to detect and treat pests early enough. You can use neem oil or insecticidal soap.
How to get Easter cactus to bloom
To encourage your Easter cactus to bloom, you must consistently keep the temperatures cool (between 55 to 60 degrees F), and provide darkness 12 to 14 hours daily. During this period, cut back on watering and don’t fertilize. Once the flower-buds set, resume the normal caring routine.
In addition, your plant must be in good health. During the growing season, you must provide all the key requirements including proper watering, fertilizing, and lighting. This will help the plant store enough resources in readiness for blooming during the spring.
Final thought
The Easter cactus is a beautiful plant to grow for spring color. It flowers around the Easter holiday. Under proper care, these hot pink blooms keep coming year after year. Grow it in well-draining soil, provide bright indirect sunlight, fertilize during the growing season, and water sparingly.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
