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

Determining the case of plant you have in your landscape painting can sometimes be confusing . For case , do you have a Christmas cactus but do n’t lie with whether it qualifies as a succulent or not ? Is there a difference between having a succulent and a cactus ? Are they the same ?

Luckily , we ’ve done plenty of enquiry and have the answer to these question !

Yes , a Christmas cactus is considered a succulent . Since it can maintain H2O in its leaves , your Christmas cactus does fall into a succulent compartmentalisation . moreover , your cactus is lush because it gathers water in its stem , root , and leaves .

Again , this is still a cactus but also falls into the broad succulent family .

As we start this article , we will cover all things Christmas cacti and hash out whether you may also call one a succulent . If you recently planted a Christmas cactus , want to turn one , or have other question , we ’re here to wait on . With that said , let ’s dive decent into this topic !

Is A Christmas Cactus Considered A Succulent?

Yes , the Christmas cactus is considered a succulent . An interesting detail about these plants is that they are n’t technically dependable cactus . Since the Christmas cactus can hive away a good amount of water in its leaves , that make it more of a succulent .

mostly , a cactus will have needle - corresponding spines harbor water in its heavy stems . Cacti do n’t ordinarily have leaves , although some potpourri , like the Christmas cactus , do .

Therefore , you may consider this metal money a bit of a hybrid , fall into the cactus and succulent category . According to theUniversity of Georgia , Christmas cacti are a democratic subject of contestation and disputation among gardeners because of their hybrid position .

Not all succulents will be cacti , so it can be sly for some to translate when this happens . Regardless Christmas cactus should farm in similar conditions to regular cacti , so they ’re very similar .

What Kind Of Plant Is A Christmas Cactus?

For anyone wondering what the exact " type " of plant life , their Christmas cactus is , this mintage ( intercrossed Schlumbergera ×buckleyi ) fall into the popularCactaceaefamily .

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

Moreover , these flora lay in piss for extended catamenia in their leaves , exchangeable to how cacti do this in their fleshy base . fit in toPlanet Natural , you also want to factor in that Christmas cacti are n’t 100 % drought - tolerant .

Since they are n’t the same as a traditional cactus metal money , you must water them routinely . Since they ’re usually houseplants , this wo n’t be an issue , but it is something to consider .

Are Succulents The Same Thing As Cactuses?

Although the two contribution many similarities and growing patterns , succulents and cactuses are dissimilar . As we covered above , a succulent incline to stack away piddle in its leave , while a cactus does this in its fleshy stems .

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

By definition , a succulent can stash away water in its leaves / stems . Succulents agree moisture inside of themselves , while regular works look on their roots and the grunge .

Again , this can feel like overkill to some , but it ’s always good to sympathise the difference and subcategories of cacti and succulent coinage .

On top of that , experts exact that cacti are essentially more developed succulents , able to withstand drouth for foresighted period . So think of a cactus as a more drought - friendly succulent to simplify things .

Can A Christmas Cactus Survive Drought?

Although they have cactus in their name , your Christmas cactus wo n’t be able to go more than two calendar week without water . As we mentioned , this succulent species needs watering 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 , leave one to fend for itself in dry condition can prove to be deadly .

Purdue Universitysaysa Christmas cactus is n’t nearly as drought - favorable as its other desert relative . Again , it should fare better than a distinctive non - succulent species but is n’t quite drought - tolerant yet .

If you block to irrigate a Christmas cactus for extended periods , you will notice its leaves send away and wilting under strain , so that ’s a tell - tarradiddle sign .

Additionally , you want to feel the top in of dirt surrounding your Christmas cactus , sum up water if it feel ironic .

Where Do You Grow Christmas Cactus?

You want to grow a Christmas cactus somewhere out of the direct sunshine but with enough day-by-day light exposure . Although this is a desert plant for many , Christmas cacti favor moisture in their air and do n’t wish the sun beating down on them for too long .

According to garden pros , Christmas cacti typically respond best toindirect lightand humid condition . moreover , you’re able to develop your cactus within if you live somewhere moth-eaten , making it a perfect houseplant .

in the main , you ’ll require to dwell in USDA zones nine or higher to keep Christmas cacti outdoors year - round , so check out the chart for your location . Ideally , you will develop this succulent inzones 9 - 11outside .

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

Sometimes , too much sun can damage your plant , so assay and protect it somewhat .

Can I Grow A Christmas Cactus In Full Shade?

Surprisingly enough , a Christmas cactus may be able to adapt to mostly shade . However , you require to verify your succulent is somewhere with bright light , even if this is primarily in the shade .

That ’s because this cactus need vim and food from the sun to originate . Like most plant mintage , your Christmas cactus will need at least some sun to blossom aright and ripe .

So , if you want to plant it in your home or garden , point for at least a couple of hours of light daily . Without this , you could have a leggy or unhealthful cactus , which wo n’t be as beautiful as one in better lite conditions .

According toAlmanac , you may also get away with having a Christmas cactus in the shade until the temperatures drop below 50 degree Fahrenheit .

Once it becomes colder than that , your flora needs to be prompt into a warm location with brighter light .

How Big Do Christmas Cactus Get?

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

These cacti make for excellent ground - covering plants as they fill the blank space around them . Therefore , if you want to implant a few in your landscape painting , you’re able to expect for them to fill the besiege two foot within a few years .

Two feet of width can make a difference if you do n’t plan for it , so try and leave elbow room for your cactus . Gardeners often draw a blank to do this , leading to a misshapen or invasive Christmas cactus .

It ’s also worth noting that these succulents get rather quick , often reaching their full potential in under 4 - 5 years . So , even though a Christmas cactus wo n’t be massive , it will continue a courteous patch of terra firma and produce relatively cursorily .

How Long Does Christmas Cactus Live?

you could usually expect a Christmas cactus to dwell upwards of100 years . Of of course , that can be hard to go after in our life-time , but these succulents are known to inhabit and prosper for decades .

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

With that said , for most Christmas cacti indoors or arise in subpar shape , do n’t expect such a extended lifespan . consort to experts , this species will survive foraround30 or so years for most hoi polloi , which is still incredibly telling .

If you ’ve ever tried growing succulents inside , you may point out them dying after a few years . That ’s because many desert plants ask sure out-of-door element to thrive : the Christmas cactus does not .

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

Are Christmas Cactus Perennials?

Yes ! Most times , a Christmas cactus will come back each year . you’re able to have a bun in the oven a Christmas cactus to come through long - terminus as a perennial if you ensure it does n’t become too dusty .

As we covered above , this species must be maintain in weather condition above 50 degrees Fahrenheit . For deterrent example , it may die if you arise a Christmas cactus outdoors and pass on it in the winter snow and ice .

In that font , you would need to bring your plant indoors until the spring . Many gardeners make the error of leaving their Christmas cacti outside through the cold months , which can be deadly .

So , if you want your cactus to grow as a perennial , take it inside once the weather condition cast off below 50 .

To Finish Up

Whether you have a Christmas cactus or need one , it ’s always good to know how to classify it . From what we find , a Christmas cactus fall into the succulent category , as it can put in water inside its leave of absence .

In summation , these desert plants are not drouth - kind , which can be confusing as they are also cacti . Therefore , you do n’t want to go more than 14 days without giving your Christmas cactus water .

It ’s also essential that these succulent crossbreed get bright collateral Christ Within and do n’t become colder than 50 degrees . We urge bringing your plant indoors during wintertime to keep it salubrious !

While we have your attention , delay out these related garden articles below :

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

11 Types Of Echeveria You Should regard For Your Succulent Garden

15 Low - Growing Border Plants You Should Consider