Light: While the Christmas cactus can adapt to low light, more abundant blooms are produced on plants that have been exposed to high light intensity. Keep your plants in a sunny location indoors.

Soil: Well-drained soil is a must for Christmas cactus. Use a commercially packaged potting mix for succulent plants or mix your own.

Water: The plant is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as the name infers. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable quantity of water in the leaves. Water thoroughly when the top half of the soil in the pot feels dry to the touch. The length of time between waterings will vary with the air temperature, amount of light, rate of growth and relative humidity.

Temperature: The Christmas cactus prefers warm temperatures, although evening temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees F should be used to initiate flower bud formation (which normally is responsive to day length.) If the temperature in your home gets above that required range, the plant will need 13 uninterrupted darkness each night to flower. Keep away from drafts from heat vents, fireplaces or other sources of hot air.