Schlumbergera × buckleyi 'Orange' (Christmas Cactus)

Schlumbergera x buckleyi is the true Christmas cactus, the hybrid that gave all holiday cacti their common name. It blooms a little later than the Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata), typically in December, and the stem segments are distinguished by their gently scalloped, rounded margins rather than the pointed claw-like teeth of truncata types. This orange form produces pendulous, arching blooms in warm apricot-orange tones that hang gracefully downward from stem tips, a growth habit that makes it especially beautiful in a hanging basket or on a high shelf where stems can cascade.

Like all schlumbergeras, this plant comes from the cloud forests of coastal Brazil, where it grows in tree crevices with roots exposed to humid air and filtered light. It prefers indirect bright light, consistent moderate moisture (never bone dry, never waterlogged), and appreciates a little extra humidity in centrally heated homes during winter.

Christmas cactus typically holds buds more stubbornly than truncata types.