Want to decorate your home with a Christmas cactus? Here, we’ve listed the best spots to place them for a neat aesthetic appearance.
The Christmas cactus features bright, flattened, spineless stems and vibrant blooms at its tips, ideal for trailing holiday decoration. It also helps clean indoor air by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen, acting like a natural air freshener.
Best Spots to Keep a Christmas Cactus
What’s even better? It’s non-toxic to pets, so if your cat or dog gets a little too curious, you won’t have to worry about any serious harm. Still, it’s wise to keep it out of reach to avoid unnecessary nibbling.
1. Centerpiece
If you have a long-trailing Christmas cactus with a rich legacy and it’s now in bloom, set it proudly on your center table and let the stems cascade—it will light up your hallway in no time.
The pink, purple, white, and red flowers are a treat in themselves. Choose a spot with bright light to get the best display.
Tip: Avoid placing it too close to heating vents or fireplaces, as the dry air can stress the plant and cause buds to drop.
2. Staircase
Want to dress up the empty space below your staircase? You can place the Christmas cactus at a suitable height, allowing the stems to run downward and cover the area beautifully. You can choose a grown-up plant for this purpose.
They are tropical rainforest plants and need a temperature above 10°C.
Also, remember that Christmas cacti prefer humidity. If your staircase area is a bit dry, placing a humidity tray with water and pebbles nearby can help.
3. Under the Tree
In your garden, if you have a tree that casts shade, create a cluster of dwarf Christmas cacti with flowers in mixed colors beneath it. The setup will invite you to sit on the grass and enjoy the view.
This spot gives them dappled sunlight and suits their needs. Just keep an eye on pests and diseases, and place pebbles around them.
Note: Never leave the pots sitting in water after rainfall—good drainage is key to keeping the roots healthy.
4. At the Tree
Yes, at the tree. Christmas cacti are epiphytes that can grow on larger trees, absorbing nutrients and moisture from their surroundings. Fix some cuttings in the bark joints, and they’ll carve their own path—turning the tree into a showstopper.
5. On the Rocks
Take a bowl-shaped container. Add a little soil, along with many rocks, decorative pebbles, and sand.
They are lithophytes, i.e., they can grow on rocks and don’t need soil. You can place them as a centerpiece or on a side table.
6. Side-window
Place your plant in an east-facing window in a white ceramic pot, which will give your side window sill an appealing look. Morning sunlight is perfect for them, but avoid harsh afternoon rays, as too much direct sun can burn the leaves.
7. Entrance
Plant these in a hanging planter and hang them at your entrance. The bright blooms will roll out a warm welcome mat for your guests on chilly winter days.
8. Basket Gift
You can grow these in a basket if you want to give them as a gift to your guests this holiday season. Alternatively, you can display them as a tabletop centerpiece at your wedding décor.
It’s a long-living plant, so gifting one is like giving years of blooming memories—a truly thoughtful idea.
9. In the Bathroom
Place it next to your basin and prune to keep it clean. Ensure that it receives ample sunlight. In the wild, they naturally grow in the tropical rainforests of Brazil.
Since bathrooms are usually humid, they mimic the plant’s natural habitat pretty well—just don’t forget they still need bright, indirect light.
10. Near Mantel
If you have a fireplace or a decorative mantel, placing your Christmas cactus there can create a cozy holiday vibe. The trailing stems and colorful blooms will beautifully frame the space, especially during winter gatherings.
Just be sure to keep it a little away from direct heat, as too much warmth can dry out the soil quickly.
Have you tried anything else while decorating your Christmas cactus? Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
