From overwatering to temperature fluctuations. The Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant that comes to life in December, filling homes with holiday cheer thanks to its beautiful blooms. But if ...

Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Christmas cacti are surprisingly easy to kill despite being low-maintenance plants, and overwatering is the most common culprit.

Identifying a True Christmas Cactus Many plants sold as "Christmas cacti" are actually varieties of the more common Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), which blooms several weeks earlier.

Latin name: Schlumbergera bridgesii. Planting months: Year-round in containers; protect from frost and freeze. Light requirements: Filtered light, shade; avoid direct sunlight. Soil requirements: Well ...