At a glance
| Plant | Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) |
|---|---|
| Cats | Non-toxic |
| Dogs | Non-toxic |
| ASPCA page | Christmas Cactus, checked November 10, 2026 |
What else to know
The risk at Christmas is the plants that sit next to it. Poinsettia and kalanchoe are both on ASPCA’s toxic list for cats and dogs.
Look-alikes
- Kalanchoe: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). A flowering succulent in the stonecrop family, like jade. ASPCA lists vomiting, diarrhea and, rarely, an abnormal heart rhythm. Christmas cactus grows flat, jointed stem segments with notched edges.
- Poinsettia: toxic to cats, toxic to dogs (ASPCA). The other holiday plant. Its sap irritates the mouth and stomach.
Care basics
Light: Bright, indirect light.
Soil and water: Keep the airy, well-drained mix moist, not soggy and not dry, from spring through summer. Water less from mid-September as buds form, and again after it flowers. For blooms, give it 13 hours of unbroken darkness a night from mid-September, with nights at 55 to 65°F.
Source: NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Schlumbergera × buckleyi.
If your pet ate some
If your pet seems unwell after eating it, call your vet, or ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. ASPCA runs the line 24 hours a day, every day of the year, and says a consultation fee may apply.
Call (888) 426-4435 · ASPCA Animal Poison Control
This page is reference information, not veterinary advice. Toxicity facts are summarized in our own words from the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list; Plamp is not affiliated with the ASPCA.
