Sharon Christmas Cactus

Sharon Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata 'Sharon') has flowers in an intense, electric shocking pink on a fountain of arching, jointed stems about 40cm high and wide. The curled, ribbon-like blooms open at the stem tips in winter, and the colour is stronger in a room than any photo suggests. If you want a plant that cannot be ignored, this is it.

Why you'll love it

• A colour that stops you. Shocking pink brightens a dull winter corner and holds its own against any pot.
• Winter flowers. Shiny buds form at the stem tips and unfurl through the cold months.
• Lives a very long time. An old clump in full bloom is something people remember. It is a plant to hand on.
• Clear about water. Leaves wrinkle when the plant is dry or too hot, which is an easy signal to read.
• Safe for pets. Christmas cactus is not toxic to cats or dogs.

Where it works best

A feature on a side table. The 40cm fountain suits a side table, sideboard or shelf in a bright window without direct sun.

Mixed with calm foliage. Shocking pink looks best beside plain green or white pots, which let the flowers carry the room.

Baskets and tall pots. The stems arch and hang, so a basket or tall pot shows the flowers off. Plant one tube alone, or three together in a 20cm pot for more body.

Growing Sharon Christmas Cactus in Australia

Position and climate. Good light, out of direct sun. It is frost tender and has to be kept over 10°C, so outdoor growing suits only frost-free tropical, subtropical and sheltered warm temperate gardens, under cover. In the cooler south, keep it inside.

Soil. A gritty, free-draining compost mix or very free-draining soil, in a pot that drains well.

Water and feed. Water when the mix is dry, more often in hot weather, and mist the leaves. After flowering let it rest somewhere cooler, below 18°C, with less water. Once the weather warms, water more and begin feeding with a liquid fertiliser to support new growth.

Pruning. There is nothing to prune each year. For a fuller shape, twist off one or two segments after flowering and root them in a pot of their own.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sharon Christmas Cactus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and will not be flowering yet, and it needs a year or two to grow into the full display. Pot it into a gritty mix soon after delivery and water only when the mix has dried.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse indoor flowering plants
• Succulents and cacti
• Plants safe for pets
• A complete guide to succulents in Australia

Common questions

How much light does it need?

Good light, but out of direct sun. A bright spot near a window, shaded by a sheer curtain in the middle of the day, suits it. Too little light means fewer flowers.

How do I get it to flower again?

Give it a rest after flowering in cooler conditions below 18°C with less water, then water and feed as the weather warms. Once buds appear, avoid moving it.

Will it survive a frost?

No. It is frost tender and needs to stay above 10°C, so bring it indoors or under cover well before the cold arrives.