Is Christmas Cactus A Succulent? [What’s The Difference?]

determine the type of flora you have in your landscape painting can sometimes be confusing . For example , do you have a Christmas cactus but do n’t bang whether it characterize as a succulent or not ? Is there a dispute between having a succulent and a cactus ? Are they the same ?

Luckily , we ’ve done plenty of enquiry and have the answers to these doubtfulness !

Yes , a Christmas cactus is considered a succulent . Since it can hold water in its leaf , your Christmas cactus does come down into a succulent classification . what is more , your cactus is lush because it gathers water system in its stem , roots , and leave .

Again , this is still a cactus but also fall into the broader succulent family .

As we go this clause , we will cover all things Christmas cacti and discuss whether you’re able to also call one a succulent . If you of late plant a Christmas cactus , want to grow one , or have other dubiousness , we ’re here to attend to . With that said , let ’s dive right into this topic !

Is A Christmas Cactus Considered A Succulent?

Yes , the Christmas cactus is reckon a succulent . An interesting detail about these plants is that they are n’t technically dead on target cactus . Since the Christmas cactus can store a well amount of body of water in its folio , that makes it more of a succulent .

by and large , a cactus will have needle - like acantha hold piddle in its fleshy stems . Cacti do n’t usually have leaves , although some varieties , like the Christmas cactus , do .

Therefore , you could consider this coinage a bit of a loanblend , falling into the cactus and succulent category . agree to theUniversity of Georgia , Christmas cactus are a popular guinea pig of controversy and debate among gardeners because of their hybrid position .

Not all succulents will be cacti , so it can be slick for some to understand when this occur . Regardless Christmas cactus should grow in similar conditions to steady cacti , so they ’re very similar .

What Kind Of Plant Is A Christmas Cactus?

For anyone marvel what the exact " type " of industrial plant , their Christmas cactus is , this species ( intercrossed Schlumbergera ×buckleyi ) falls into the popularCactaceaefamily .

As we covered above , Christmas cacti can be crafty to set , but they are succulent and cactus metal money by definition . Even though these gay plant do n’t have the distinctive needles of a cactus , you could still safely call one that name .

Moreover , these flora store piss for extended periods in their leaves , similar to how cacti do this in their sarcoid stems . fit in toPlanet Natural , you also want to factor in that Christmas cacti are n’t 100 % drouth - broad .

Since they are n’t the same as a traditional cactus species , you must water them routinely . Since they ’re unremarkably houseplant , this wo n’t be an issue , but it is something to deal .

Are Succulents The Same Thing As Cactuses?

Although the two plowshare many similarities and growing patterns , succulents and cactuses are unlike . As we covered above , a succulent tend to stash away water in its leaves , while a cactus does this in its heavy stems .

In accession , cacti are a subcategory within a group of plants knowncollectivelyas succulent . So , by that logic , all cacti are succulents , but not every succulent is a cactus .

By definition , a succulent can stash away water system in its leaves / halt . Succulents hold moisture inside of themselves , while regular plants calculate on their roots and the soil .

Again , this can feel like overkill to some , but it ’s always good to translate the differences and subcategories of cacti and lush species .

On top of that , experts claim that cacti are essentially more developed succulent , capable to hold out drought for retentive periods . So think of a cactus as a more drought - friendly succulent to simplify thing .

Can A Christmas Cactus Survive Drought?

Although they have cactus in their name , your Christmas cacti wo n’t be able to go more than two hebdomad without piddle . As we mentioned , this succulent specie need lachrymation and ca n’t survive without wet as a traditional cactus will .

That ’s because your Christmas cactus is n’t equipped to go months without wet . Therefore , leaving one to stand for itself in dry conditions can prove to be deadly .

Purdue Universitysaysa Christmas cactus is n’t nearly as drouth - friendly as its other desert relatives . Again , it should do better than a distinctive non - lush specie but is n’t quite drouth - tolerant yet .

If you forget to water a Christmas cactus for extended periods , you will note its leaves cast and wilt under stress , so that ’s a tell - fib mansion .

to boot , you want to finger the top inch of dirt surrounding your Christmas cactus , add piss if it feel dry .

Where Do You Grow Christmas Cactus?

You need to grow a Christmas cactus somewhere out of the lineal sunlight but with enough casual light exposure . Although this is a desert plant for many , Christmas cacti prefer moisture in their air and do n’t like the sun beating down on them for too long .

agree to garden pros , Christmas cacti typically respond best toindirect lightand humid conditions . what is more , you may grow your cactus inside if you survive somewhere cold , making it a utter houseplant .

more often than not , you ’ll need to survive in USDA zone nine or higher to keep Christmas cacti outdoors year - circular , so check the chart for your location . Ideally , you will mature this succulent inzones 9 - 11outside .

For inside growers , we urge having your Christmas cactus in a north or east - face window , as it wo n’t be too hot or bright throughout the afternoon .

Sometimes , too much Dominicus can damage your plant , so hear and protect it slightly .

Can I Grow A Christmas Cactus In Full Shade?

amazingly enough , a Christmas cactus may be able to conform to mostly shade . However , you require to verify your succulent is somewhere with bright ignitor , even if this is mainly in the shade .

That ’s because this cactus needs Department of Energy and nutrients from the sunlight to produce . Like most plant metal money , your Christmas cactus will need at least some sun to flower aright and mature .

So , if you want to plant it in your habitation or garden , get for at least a couple of minute of light day by day . Without this , you could have a leggy or unhealthful cactus , which wo n’t be as beautiful as one in better scant experimental condition .

grant toAlmanac , you could also get away with having a Christmas cactus in the shade until the temperature drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit .

Once it becomes colder than that , your plant necessitate to be moved into a warmer location with brighter light .

How Big Do Christmas Cactus Get?

In cosmopolitan , a Christmas cactus wo n’t arise very large . you’re able to expect one to become between six and 12 inches marvelous and nearly1 - 2 feetwide upon full maturity .

These cacti make for excellent ground - report plants as they fill the space around them . Therefore , if you want to plant a few in your landscape , you could expect for them to fill the surrounding two feet within a few years .

Two foot of breadth can make a dispute if you do n’t plan for it , so seek and leave alone room for your cactus . Gardeners often forget to do this , leading to a misshapen or invasive Christmas cactus .

It ’s also worth noting that these succulents grow rather apace , often reaching their full potential in under 4 - 5 year . So , even though a Christmas cactus wo n’t be monolithic , it will cover a courteous plot of land of landed estate and grows relatively quickly .

How Long Does Christmas Cactus Live?

you’re able to usually expect a Christmas cactus to live upwards of100 years . Of course , that can be hard to cover in our life , but these succulent are know to last and fly high for decades .

Many people know this plant as a festive wintertime variety , but the Christmas cactus is very popular throughout the four seasons for gardeners .

With that said , for most Christmas cacti indoors or growing in subpar conditions , do n’t expect such a lengthy lifespan . According to experts , this coinage will survive foraround30 or so years for most people , which is still incredibly impressive .

If you ’ve ever tried growing succulents at bottom , you may find them dying after a few long time . That ’s because many desert works require certain outdoor constituent to thrive : the Christmas cactus does not .

This all comes down to how well you handle for your Christmas cactus , but do n’t be surprised if it survive the other plants in your garden .

Are Christmas Cactus Perennials?

Yes ! Most times , a Christmas cactus will come back each year . you could expect a Christmas cactus to survive long - term as a perennial if you check that it does n’t become too cold .

As we cover above , this metal money must be kept in weather condition above 50 degrees Fahrenheit . For example , it may die if you originate a Christmas cactus outside and leave it in the wintertime C. P. Snow and ice .

In that character , you would need to bring your plant indoors until the spring . Many gardeners make the mistake of leaving their Christmas cacti outside through the colder months , which can be virulent .

So , if you require your cactus to grow as a perennial , bring it inwardly once the weather drops below 50 .

To Finish Up

Whether you have a Christmas cactus or want one , it ’s always good to cognise how to classify it . From what we discover , a Christmas cactus flow into the succulent class , as it can store water inside its leave .

In addition , these desert plant life are not drought - large-minded , which can be puzzling as they are also cacti . Therefore , you do n’t desire to go more than 14 days without giving your Christmas cactus water system .

It ’s also essential that these succulent loanblend get bright collateral light and do n’t become cold than 50 degrees . We recommend convey your plant indoors during winter to keep it healthy !

While we have your attention , check out these relate garden articles below :

4 Houseplants That Do n’t necessitate drain [ & How To Grow Any plant life with No drain ]

11 Types Of Echeveria You Should Consider For Your Succulent Garden

15 Low - Growing Border Plants You Should look at