15 Best Holiday Cactus Plants for Seasonal Blooms

You’ll discover that holiday cacti offer more variety than you might expect, with distinct blooming periods that span from November through April. While the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter varieties are the most well-known, there are actually 15 different species that produce stunning seasonal flowers. Each type requires specific care to achieve those vibrant blooms, and knowing the differences between them can transform your winter windowsill into a colorful display.

1. Thanksgiving Cactus Blooms Brilliantly

The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) produces vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, white, or salmon during late autumn, typically around Thanksgiving. This tropical cactus features distinctive pointed, serrated segments along its stems and develops abundant flowers at the tips of its branches when exposed to proper light and temperature conditions. The blossoms last for several weeks, creating a stunning display that brightens indoor spaces during the holiday season.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight except in winter; requires 12-14 hours of darkness daily for 6 weeks to trigger blooming
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering after flowering
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter; mix equal parts potting soil and perlite
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C); cooler nights (55-60°F) to encourage blooming
• Humidity: 50-60% relative humidity; place on humidity tray if needed
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season; stop during blooming period

2. Christmas Cactus Flowers Bright

Christmas cactus flowers are stunning tubular blooms that appear at the tips of the plant’s segments in vibrant shades of pink, red, white, purple, or salmon. The flowers typically measure 2-3 inches long and consist of multiple layers of delicate petals that curve backward, creating a distinctive appearance. These eye-catching blossoms usually emerge during the holiday season between November and January, lasting for several weeks when properly cared for.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can burn leaves; some morning sun is beneficial
• Water: Keep soil lightly moist during growing season; reduce watering when flower buds form
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix designed for cacti and succulents, or mix regular potting soil with perlite
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C); cooler nights around 55-65°F (13-18°C) to encourage blooming
• Humidity: 50-60% humidity; higher than typical desert cacti
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season; stop when buds form

3. Easter Cactus Blooms Pink

The Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) produces stunning pink star-shaped flowers that typically bloom around the Easter season, hence its common name. These delicate blooms feature pointed petals that open fully during daylight hours and can last for several weeks when properly cared for. The pink flowers emerge from the tips of the segmented stems, creating an eye-catching display against the dark green, scalloped leaf segments.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can burn leaves; morning sun is acceptable
• Water: Allow top inch of soil to dry between waterings; reduce watering after blooming
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter; preferably cactus/succulent mix
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C); cooler nights around 55-60°F (13-16°C) to encourage blooming
• Humidity: Moderate to high (50-60%)
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season; stop during blooming
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes; prefer to be slightly root-bound

4. Schlumbergera Bridgesii Blooms in December

Schlumbergera bridgesii, commonly known as the Christmas cactus, produces vibrant blooms during December, making it a popular holiday houseplant. The flowers appear at the tips of the segmented stems in shades of pink, red, white, or purple, lasting for several weeks when properly maintained. This winter-blooming succulent requires specific environmental conditions, particularly shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, to trigger its flowering cycle, which typically begins in late November and peaks in December.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun which can burn leaves; requires 12-14 hours of darkness daily during blooming period
• Water: Keep soil moderately moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering slightly during dormancy
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix specific for cacti and succulents, or mix regular potting soil with sand and perlite
• Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day; slightly cooler at night
• Humidity: 50-60% humidity; benefits from occasional misting
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season; stop during blooming period
• Container: Use pot with drainage holes to prevent root rot

5. Red Orchid Cactus Blooms

The Red Orchid Cactus (Epiphyllum) produces stunning, large crimson flowers that can reach up to 8 inches in diameter. These spectacular blooms typically appear in late spring to early summer, opening at night and lasting only 24-48 hours. The flowers feature multiple layers of pointed petals that create a star-like appearance, with prominent white stamens emerging from the center, creating a dramatic contrast against the deep red petals.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; protect from intense afternoon sun; some morning sun is beneficial
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during growing season; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining, organic potting mix rich in humus; mix orchid bark or perlite for better drainage
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity (50-70%)
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C); can tolerate brief periods outside this range
• Fertilizer: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Use hanging baskets or containers with good drainage holes
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

6. Desert Holiday Cactus

Desert Holiday Cactus are succulents that naturally grow in arid regions and bloom during winter holidays, making them popular seasonal houseplants. Unlike tropical holiday cacti, these desert varieties have thick, fleshy stems with prominent spines and produce vibrant flowers in shades of red, pink, or yellow. Common examples include the Christmas Cholla and Desert Christmas Cactus, which are well-adapted to survive harsh desert conditions while providing cheerful blooms during the holiday season.

• Light: Full sun to partial sun; minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily
• Water: Minimal watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added sand or perlite
• Temperature: Tolerates hot days (80-100°F) and cool nights (40-50°F)
• Humidity: Low humidity (30-40%)
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with cactus fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Terracotta or clay pots with drainage holes
• Spacing: Single plants need 12-inch diameter pots for mature specimens

7. Silver Torch Cactus Shimmers

The Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii) is a striking columnar cactus known for its distinctive silvery-white appearance created by dense, hair-like spines covering its entire surface. Growing up to 10 feet tall in ideal conditions, this cactus forms multiple stems that grow vertically, creating a torch-like appearance. The silvery coating serves as natural protection against intense sunlight and helps regulate temperature, while bright red tubular flowers emerge from the sides of the stems during the growing season.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense sunlight but can adapt to bright indirect light
• Water: Moderate watering during growing season, reduce considerably in winter; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added inorganic materials like pumice or perlite
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 70-80°F (21-27°C); can tolerate brief periods down to 20°F (-6°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity; does not require additional humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced cactus fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Deep pot with drainage holes to accommodate vertical growth

8. Moon Cactus Glows Yellow

Moon cacti that glow yellow are actually two different cacti grafted together – a colorful Gymnocalycium mihanovichii mutant (the top part) that lacks chlorophyll and displays vibrant yellow coloring, grafted onto a green rootstock cactus (usually Hylocereus) that provides nutrients. This striking combination creates the appearance of a glowing yellow “moon” sitting atop a green stem, though the yellow portion isn’t actually glowing but rather displaying its natural neon-like coloration.

• Light: Bright indirect light but not direct sun, which can fade or damage the yellow color
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; water sparingly in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite or sand
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C); protect from cold drafts
• Humidity: Can tolerate average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer once during growing season
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes; doesn’t require frequent repotting

9. Mammoth Barrel Cactus Towers

• Light: Full sun exposure; minimum 6 hours direct sunlight daily
• Water: Minimal watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added inorganic materials like pumice or perlite
• Temperature: Tolerates high heat; protect from frost below 30°F
• Humidity: Low humidity preferred; excellent ventilation required
• Container: Deep pot with ample drainage holes; terracotta recommended
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with cactus fertilizer during growing season only
• pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0-7.0)

10. Rainbow Barrel Cactus Flowers

The Rainbow Barrel Cactus produces vibrant, crown-like flowers that emerge from the top of the cylindrical plant body in a circular pattern. These flowers typically bloom in late spring to early summer, displaying a spectrum of colors ranging from bright yellow and orange to deep pink and red. Each flower measures approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and features multiple layers of delicate petals that create a stunning display against the cactus’s spiny exterior.

• Light: Full sun to partial shade; minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Water: Minimal watering; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining, sandy or rocky cactus mix
• Temperature: 70-100°F (21-38°C) during growing season; above 40°F (4°C) in winter
• Humidity: Low humidity levels preferred
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with cactus fertilizer during growing season
• Growing Zone: USDA zones 9-11
• Container: Clay or terracotta pot with drainage holes
• pH Level: 6.0-7.0

11. Star Cactus Blooms Gold

The Star Cactus (Astrophytum asterias) produces stunning yellow-gold blooms that emerge from the center of its rounded, spineless body. These flowers can reach up to 2 inches in diameter and typically appear during the warm months, creating a striking contrast against the cactus’s green, star-patterned flesh. The blooms usually last for several days before closing and are known for opening during daylight hours and closing at night.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon rays
• Water: Minimal watering needed; allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added mineral grit like pumice or perlite
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 70-80°F (21-27°C)
• Humidity: Tolerates low humidity levels
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with cactus fertilizer during growing season only

12. Golden Ball Cactus Sparkles

The Golden Ball Cactus (Notocactus leninghausii) is a striking spherical cactus that earns its name from its golden-yellow spines that create a shimmering effect when light hits them. This slow-growing specimen can reach up to 2 feet tall and produces brilliant yellow flowers in spring. Its columnar shape becomes more pronounced as it matures, while maintaining its characteristic golden bristles that give it an almost fuzzy appearance.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon rays
• Water: Moderate watering during growing season; reduce considerably in winter; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added perlite and coarse sand
• Temperature: Prefers 70-80°F (21-27°C) during growing season; can tolerate down to 50°F (10°C) in winter
• Humidity: Low humidity levels; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Feed with diluted cactus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season
• Container: Pot with adequate drainage holes; slightly deeper than wide to accommodate root system

13. Mexican Snowball Cactus Sparkles

The Mexican Snowball Cactus (Mammillaria candidata) is a small, spherical cactus that earns its name from its striking appearance, featuring dense white spines that cover its surface, creating a sparkly, snow-like effect. This attractive succulent typically grows in clusters, forming multiple globe-shaped heads that reach about 6 inches in height. The plant produces small pink or pale yellow flowers in a ring around its crown during spring and early summer, adding a delicate contrast to its woolly white exterior.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; can tolerate some direct morning sun but needs protection from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering considerably during winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix or regular potting soil mixed with sand and perlite
• Temperature: Prefers warm conditions between 70-80°F (21-27°C); can tolerate brief periods down to 50°F (10°C)
• Humidity: Low humidity levels; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with cactus fertilizer during growing season (spring and summer)
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes; clay pots recommended to prevent water retention

14. Velvet Rose Cactus Glows

The Velvet Rose Cactus (Parodia haselbergii) is a small, spherical cactus known for its striking appearance and vibrant pink-red flowers that seem to glow against its dark green body. The plant’s surface is covered in fine, white spines that give it a velvety appearance, hence its common name. When in bloom, typically during spring and summer, it produces multiple flowers around its crown that can last for several days, creating a luminous display that appears to glow in certain lighting conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight with some protection from intense afternoon sun; can tolerate partial shade
• Water: Moderate watering during growing season; reduce considerably during winter dormancy; allow soil to dry between waterings
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added mineral grit or perlite
• Temperature: Prefers 65-80°F (18-27°C); can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates average household humidity
• Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced cactus fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Small pot with drainage holes; prefers being slightly rootbound
• pH: 6.0-7.0

15. Red Bishop’s Cap Blooms

The Red Bishop’s Cap cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma) produces striking crimson blooms that emerge from the plant’s distinctive crown-like shape. These flowers typically appear during spring and summer months, measuring about 2-3 inches in diameter with silky petals that form a cup-like shape. The vibrant red blooms contrast beautifully against the plant’s gray-green, star-shaped stem and can last for several days when conditions are favorable.

• Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; protect from intense afternoon sun
• Water: Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; reduce watering in winter
• Soil: Well-draining cactus mix with added mineral grit
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate; tolerates dry conditions
• Fertilizer: Feed sparingly with low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer during growing season
• Container: Shallow pot with drainage holes
• pH: 6.0-7.0