Christmas cacti like bright indirect light but cannot handle direct, harsh sun.

Ideal Spot: Place it near an East-facing window (for morning sun) or a South- or West-facing window where the light is filtered (e.g., behind a sheer curtain).

Avoid: Direct midday sun, which can scorch the segments and turn them reddish or yellow.

This plant likes moisture, unlike desert cacti.

Water thoroughly when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry to the touch. The soil should be consistently moist (like a wrung-out sponge) but never waterlogged.

Tip: Overwatering is the most common killer, leading to root rot. Always ensure the pot has drainage holes.

Humidity: Being a tropical plant, it enjoys higher humidity.

Use a well-draining potting mix. A standard houseplant mix mixed with a little perlite or sand, or a commercial cactus/succulent mix, works well. They like to be a little pot-bound (snug) and do not need frequent repotting.

Fertilizing: Feed the plant during its active growing season (Spring and Summer). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month.

Stop feeding entirely in the fall (around October) to help trigger the resting period required for blooming.