The Christmas cactus is one of those plants that surprises people.
By the time June arrives, your Christmas cactus has shifted into a quieter phase. It is not blooming and it is not preparing to bloom just yet.
This is a month of steady care. What you do now affects how well your plant grows, how healthy it stays, and whether or not it blooms beautifully when winter rolls around.
June is about building strength, supporting healthy stems, and setting the stage for future buds. With the right care, you will help your cactus reach its full potential later in the year.
Move It to a Spot with Bright, Indirect Light
Christmas cacti need light, but not just any kind.
Direct sun in June can be too harsh, especially if your plant sits on a sunny windowsill all day. The leaves may turn red or even get sunburned if exposed for too long.
Instead, choose a spot with bright, filtered light. An east-facing window is often best. It gets gentle morning sun and protects the plant during the intense afternoon hours.
If you only have west- or south-facing windows, pull the plant a few feet back from the glass or use a sheer curtain to soften the light.
Some people like to move their Christmas cactus outdoors in early summer. That can work well, but you must choose a shaded porch or a spot that gets only dappled sunlight.
If you decide to move your plant outside, let it adjust slowly. Start by placing it in the shade for just a few hours each day, then increase the time over a week or so.
Good lighting in June helps your plant grow strong new segments and keep its bright green color.
Adjust Your Watering Routine for Summer Conditions
One of the biggest mistakes people make with Christmas cactus is watering it too often.
This plant is not a desert cactus, but it still dislikes soggy soil. In June, you need to pay close attention to how quickly the soil is drying out.
As temperatures rise, your plant may dry out faster, especially if the air in your home is warm and dry.
Check the soil with your finger every few days. If the top inch feels dry, it is time to water. If it still feels slightly moist, wait another day or two.
When you water, give it a deep drink. Water until liquid runs out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Then allow it to drain fully. Never let the pot sit in water.
Make sure the potting mix is well-draining. A mix made for succulents or one with added perlite works best. This allows water to flow through easily and prevents the roots from staying too wet.
Overwatering can lead to soft stems, root rot, and dropped segments. Keeping the soil lightly moist but never soaked helps your cactus stay happy all summer.
Encourage Stronger Growth with Light Fertilizer
Even though your Christmas cactus is not in bloom in June, it is still growing.
This is when it puts out new leaf segments, strengthens existing stems, and builds up energy for later.
Feeding it with a light, balanced fertilizer supports that growth and helps prepare the plant for future flowering.
Choose a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer and dilute it to half strength. Apply it once a month during the growing season, which includes June.
You can also use a liquid cactus fertilizer or one made for blooming plants. Just make sure it is gentle and not too high in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can cause soft, floppy growth.
Apply the fertilizer to damp soil and always water lightly afterward to help distribute the nutrients.
Watch how your plant responds. If you notice new segments forming at the tips of the stems, you know it is growing well.
Healthy growth now helps support more buds when fall comes around.
Repot Only If You Notice Signs of Trouble
June is not usually the time to repot your Christmas cactus unless you see a clear need.
These plants like to be slightly rootbound, and moving them into larger pots too soon can delay blooming.
But if the soil is compacted, if roots are growing through the bottom of the pot, or if water runs right through without soaking in, it may be time for a change.
Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Make sure it has plenty of drainage holes.
Use a fresh, well-draining potting mix made for succulents or add perlite to regular potting soil to increase drainage.
Be gentle when removing the plant from its old pot. The roots can be delicate, and the segmented stems may snap if handled roughly.
After repotting, water lightly and place the plant in a shaded area for a few days to help it adjust.
Avoid feeding for at least two weeks after repotting. Give the plant time to settle before you start fertilizing again.
Only repot in June if the plant clearly needs it. Otherwise, wait until after the blooming season is over.
Remove Weak or Damaged Segments
Christmas cactus is known for its unique, jointed stems that look a bit like chains of green paddle shapes.
Each segment can grow new ones, creating long, draping branches over time.
But sometimes a few segments turn yellow, dry out, or get damaged. In June, while the plant is actively growing, it is a good time to clean up those trouble spots.
Use clean scissors or your fingers to remove damaged segments. Always pinch or cut at the joint where two segments meet. Do not cut across the middle of a healthy segment.
If you remove a branch, you can even save the healthy part and root it in a new pot to grow another plant.
Removing weak or old growth encourages the plant to put more energy into its healthy parts.
It also improves airflow around the stems and helps prevent rot or mold from starting in damaged tissue.
Your plant will look cleaner, grow stronger, and stay healthier through the summer.
Watch for Common Summer Pests
Christmas cacti are not prone to pests, but they can attract a few if the environment is dry or if other infested plants are nearby.
Mealybugs, spider mites, and fungus gnats are the most common issues.
Check your plant regularly for signs of trouble. Look for cotton-like patches near the joints, tiny webs between the segments, or small bugs crawling in the soil.
If you see pests, act quickly. Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove mealybugs or spider mites.
You can also spray the plant gently with a mix of water and insecticidal soap. Repeat every few days until the pests are gone.
Fungus gnats are often a sign of too much moisture in the soil. Let the top layer of soil dry out completely between waterings to help reduce their numbers.
Keeping your plant clean, dry, and well-spaced helps prevent most pest problems before they start.
Support the Plant with Proper Humidity
Christmas cacti are native to tropical forests, where the air is more humid than most homes in summer.
Even though they handle dry air better than many plants, they still appreciate a little extra moisture around them.
In June, as fans or air conditioning begin to run more often, the air inside can dry out quickly.
To help your cactus stay hydrated, place a shallow dish of water near the plant or group it with other plants to create a small pocket of moisture.
You can also mist the plant lightly with water every few days, but avoid letting water pool in the crevices between segments.
If you have a humidifier, running it on low near your plant can be helpful too.
Avoid placing the cactus near vents or in direct paths of airflow. Constant wind dries out the leaves and may cause the plant to drop segments.
A stable environment with gentle air and moderate humidity keeps your cactus comfortable and growing well in summer.
Final Thoughts
Caring for your Christmas cactus in June may not seem exciting, but it is one of the most important times of the year.
This is when your plant gathers strength, pushes out new growth, and quietly prepares for future blooms.
By giving it the right light, careful watering, balanced feeding, and gentle grooming, you help set the stage for a beautiful display later in the year. The best blooms begin with strong summer care.
If you watch your plant closely and respond to its needs in June, you will be rewarded with bright, healthy stems and the promise of colorful flowers just a few months down the road.