Thinking of giving your Schlumbergera a little company this holiday season? Here are the best plants to grow with Christmas Cactus for a perfect festive display!
This beautiful holiday favorite already steals the show with its succulent leaves and stunning tubular flowers in shades of pink, lavender, and red. But why let it go solo? Pair it with some charming plant companions to create a nostalgic holiday display that truly decks the halls.
What Grows Well with Christmas Cactus
When choosing plants to grow alongside your Christmas Cactus, look for those with similar needs—it’s like finding roommates who love the same vibe! Christmas Cactus thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and moderate humidity during spring and summer, with temperatures between 60–90°F (15–32°C).
As fall approaches, though, it needs longer nights and shorter days to encourage blooming. This is quite similar to Poinsettias, which also rely on extended darkness to show off their beautiful red bracts.
Note: Apart from Poinsettias, some other plants that bloom after short days in fall are Mums, Kalanchoe, Cyclamen, and Amaryllis.
Pairing plants with such complementary needs confirms they all flourish well together without much extra care from you. It’s a win-win for your plants and your festive decor!
Plants to Grow with Christmas Cactus for a Perfect Festive Display
1. African Violets
Botanical Name: Saintpaulia ionantha
If Christmas Cactus is the headliner, African Violets are the perfect backup singers. Their soft, colorful blooms—think purples, pinks, and whites—harmonize beautifully with the cactus’s bold flowers.
Plus, they’re equally low-maintenance, both prefer bottom watering and despise wet leaves and thrive in bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate temperatures, hence they are perfect companions.
2. Bromeliads
Botanical Name: Bromeliaceae
These tropical beauties also hail from warm, humid regions, echoing the rainforest vibe that the Christmas Cactus loves and since Bromeliads tolerate low light during the cactus’s blackout period, they’re perfect roommates.
Choose red or pink bromeliads to create a harmonious look with Christmas Cactus blooms while creating a texture contrast. You’ll especially enjoy growing varieties like the Neoregelia and Guzmania!
3. Orchids
Botanical Name: Orchidaceae
Orchids are the divas of the plant world—gorgeous and a bit particular. But pair them with Christmas Cactus is like the cherry on top. Both enjoy bright, indirect light and higher humidity levels.
Phalaenopsis orchids, with their stunning, long-lasting blooms, are especially festive. You can display them in various ways near your cactus to create a layered, artistic look. Together, they’ll steal the holiday spotlight!
4. Poinsettia
Botanical Name: Euphorbia pulcherrima
Can you even call it Christmas without Poinsettias? Well, these holiday classics, with their adorable red bracts, pair beautifully with Christmas Cactus blooms. Both enjoy bright, indirect light and moderate watering.
A tip to keep them thriving—Place a pebble tray underneath to maintain consistent humidity. Together, they’ll create a showstopping display on your mantel or dining table—like a holiday power couple.
5. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Spider Plants and Christmas Cactus may seem like an odd pair, but opposites attract! Not only do both plants thrive in similar light conditions, but spider plants are especially known for their air-purifying qualities, too.
When you plant spider plants close to Christmas cacti, the arching leaves add an interesting texture, contrasting the vivid blooms of the latter.
While Christmas Cactus prefers longer nights to bloom, Spider Plants aren’t picky and adapt easily to any seasonal light changes. This makes them a low-maintenance, worry-free companion. You could also grow spider plants in hanging baskets around your Christmas cactus pot.
6. Thanksgiving Cactus
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera truncata
Pairing a Christmas Cactus with its close cousin, the Thanksgiving Cactus, is a no-brainer. They’re practically twins but with different schedules! Schlumbergera truncata blooms slightly earlier, so together, they extend the holiday cheer from fall all the way through winter.
Caring for both is a breeze since they have identical needs. They’re the dynamic duo your festive decor deserves.
7. Cast Iron Plant
Botanical Name: Aspidistra elatior
Yet another plant that goes well with the Christmas Cactus, but why? Not only does it have similar growing needs, but it thrives on neglect and doesn’t need constant attention.
Position your tall cast iron plant as the background for the trailing form of your Christmas Cactus arranged in the front.
8. Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata
Last on the list, planting Boston ferns with your Christmas cactus during the festivities not only adds aesthetic value but grouping it with ferns also helps create a microclimate and humid environment for the Christmas cactus.
Besides the similar care requirements, the feathery fronds of the Boston fern alongside the solid, angular, segmented leaves of the cactus add an eye-catching texture contrast. If your Boston fern is not doing well, learn how to make it bushier!
So, which plant are you choosing to plant with your Christmas Cactus this holiday season? Let us know in the comments below!
