Schlumbergera 'Purple'

Purple Christmas Cactus brings a vibrant splash of seasonal colour with its beautiful purple-pink flowers and deep green, segmented stems. The blooms appear at the stem tips, creating a colourful display that makes a lovely alternative to traditional red Christmas plants.

Supplied in a 12cm diameter nursery pot at approximately 25cm tall, this Schlumbergera is a lovely size for bright shelves, side tables and windowsills. Its gently arching stems become more trailing as the plant matures, giving it character even between flowering periods.

What Makes This Christmas Cactus Special?

The rich purple-pink colouring brings a fresh twist to a familiar seasonal favourite. Pair it with terracotta for a warm, natural look or a simple glazed pot to let the flowers stand out.

Schlumbergera are rainforest cacti, naturally adapted to filtered light and more moisture than desert cacti. They can be remarkably long-lived houseplants, returning with further seasonal displays when given suitable care.

Light & Position

Choose bright, indirect light. An east-facing windowsill is often suitable. Protect from strong midday sunshine, which can scorch the stems.

Watering

Water when the compost surface begins to dry, then drain thoroughly. During active growth and flowering, keep the root ball lightly moist without leaving it waterlogged.

Reduce watering during cooler rest periods, but do not let the compost dry out completely. Empty any water collected inside the decorative pot.

Humidity & Temperature

This tropical cactus appreciates moderate humidity and temperatures around 18–20°C while growing and flowering.

Keep away from radiators and cold draughts. Sudden temperature changes can cause buds to drop.

Feeding

Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser during spring and summer, following the manufacturer's dilution and frequency instructions. Pause feeding during rest periods.

Encouraging Flowers

In early autumn, provide a cooler spell around 12–15°C, slightly reduced watering and naturally longer, uninterrupted nights. Keep the plant in daylight during the day; it should not remain in a dark room continuously.

Once buds develop, return to regular watering and stable conditions. After flowering, give it another cooler rest with less frequent watering.

Repotting

Repot in spring when the roots fill the container. Choose a slightly larger pot with drainage holes and an airy, free-draining compost suitable for cacti.

Why You'll Love It

• Vibrant purple-pink flowers for seasonal colour
• Attractive green, segmented stems throughout the year
• A lovely Christmas or winter gift
• A manageable size for windowsills, shelves and side tables
• Develops a gently trailing shape as it matures
• Can be enjoyed for many years with suitable care

Pet & Child Safety

Christmas cacti are considered non-toxic to cats and dogs. However, they are ornamental plants rather than food, so discourage chewing and keep out of reach of young children.

Plant Details

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera
Common Name: Christmas Cactus
Family: Cactaceae
Nursery Pot Size: 12cm diameter
Approximate Height: Around 25cm
Fits Decorative Pot Size: Usually 14cm+, depending on the internal dimensions
Stem Colour: Green
Flower Colour: Purple-pink
Growth Habit: Arching / becoming trailing with age
Position: Bright, indirect light

Please note: As this is a living plant, the exact height, shape and number of flowers will naturally vary. Flower colour may appear more pink or purple depending on the bloom and lighting. Plants may arrive with buds, open flowers or a mixture of both. Flowering is seasonal and cannot be guaranteed for Christmas Day. Decorative pots shown in photos are not included. Supplied in a plastic nursery pot.