How Much Water Does a Christmas Cactus Really Need? Experts Break...

How Much Water Does a Christmas Cactus Really Need? Experts Break It Down

Help your favorite festive houseplant bloom by giving it exactly what it needs.

Published on October 22, 2025

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Bmanzurova / Getty Images

Key Takeaways

Christmas cactus plants are also referred to as holiday cacti and include Thanksgiving and Easter cactus plants.
Christmas cacti need different watering schedules depending on the season to stay healthy and bloom reliably.
Always check soil moisture before watering; overwatering is a common cause of limp leaves and root rot.

There's some confusion around how often to water a Christmas cactus because of its name. Though it sounds like it might be a desert-dweller, it's actually native to humid tropical forests in Brazil where water is prevalent (and very unlike the dry environments where desert cacti thrive). Plus, how often to water Christmas cactus plants varies depending on the time of year. This seasonal watering guide will help you provide the right amount of water for your Christmas cactus so it will give you plenty of flowers for many years to come.

How to Water Christmas Cactus Plants

Christmas cactus plants, which are sometimes referred to as holiday cacti, include Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus. These related species thrive under similar growing conditions. All holiday cacti are epiphytes, meaning these plants naturally grow on trees or rocks instead of soil. They're not parasitic; they don't extract water or nutrients from the host plant. Instead, they absorb moisture from rainfall and humidity, as well as nutrients from decaying organic matter around their roots. When watering these beautiful plants at home, aim to replicate their natural habitat to help them thrive.

During Flowering

During flowering, holiday cacti thrive with evenly moist soil. This moisture is essential for both forming and maintaining their blooms throughout the season. It's common for a Christmas cactus to bloom for four weeks or more at a time. Make sure to check the soil moisture every three to four days, and water when the soil's surface feels slightly dry to the touch.

In winter seasons, indoor heating can dry out soil faster and lower relative humidity. Regularly monitor the soil in your pots to ensure the plant doesn't get too dry while your cactus is still in bloom. Watch for warning signs like dropping buds and dull-looking foliage, which indicate the soil is too dry for this plant.

Late Winter

After your holiday cactus stops flowering for the year, typically in late winter for Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti and early spring for Easter cacti, reduce the amount of watering. Allow the top 3-4 inches of soil to dry before the next watering. The pot should feel lighter when it's lifted up.

Only water your holiday cactus every two weeks after flowering. Although this might appear insufficient, these plants favor extended dry periods until they resume growth in the spring months.

Spring and Summer

During spring and summer months, holiday cacti enter a phase of active growth. Their expanding stems and new leaves require more frequent watering than other months. However, you should ensure the soil is slightly dry between waterings to prevent overwatering.

Check soil moisture on a weekly basis. If the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, it's time to water your plant. If moisture is still present, you should wait a few more days and check again. Once the soil is completely dry, water the plant thoroughly. Using a moisture meter can also help determine when it's time to water.

Fall

In the fall months, increase watering frequency to prepare your holiday cactus for bloom season. Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Depending on your plant's specific environment, this could mean watering weekly or every 10 days. Base your watering schedule on soil moisture, not just time that has passed. Consistent watering is crucial for flower development; too much or too little can cause buds to drop from the plant.

While holiday cacti can handle some neglect, they often still bloom. However, once buds start to form, begin watering regularly to support healthy growth.

Best Method for Watering Christmas Cactus

To ensure your holiday cactus is fully hydrated at all times, follow these simple steps:

Water the plant from the top, letting excess water drain through the pot's drainage holes at the bottom.
After draining stops, place the pot in a saucer or shallow dish filled with water for 30 minutes. This allows the soil to soak up additional moisture.
After 30 minutes passes, remove the plant from the water to prevent waterlogging.
Let any extra water drain away over a sink in the kitchen or bathroom.
Return the plant to its regular growing spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Christmas cactus is likely overwatered. Limp growth is often a sign of too much water that has caused root rot. Always allow the soil to dry completely before watering to avoid rotting the roots.
There are several reasons for bud drop, one being irregular watering. Water a flowering holiday cactus when the top of the soil is dry to the touch, and allow excess water to freely drain away from the root zone—don’t let it stand in water in a saucer or pot cover. Sudden changes in temperature or light level can also cause bud drop.
Overwatering is more harmful than under-watering. In late winter, spring, and summer, allow the soil around your holiday cactus to dry slightly before watering. The potted plant should feel lightweight when you pick it up, and the plant itself might have a dull appearance.