The Christmas cactus is a tropical rainforest native and needs regular water to remain healthy. The flattened leaves are stemmed segments that hang and drape from containers and hanging baskets. Flowers form at the ends of the stems—so the more stems your plant has, the more flowers it will have. 

This one in a 4 inch nursery container. Variety may differ in appearance than pictured. 

The Christmas Cactus has some differences from standard desert cactus care.

Christmas Cactus Plant care: 

Soil: well-draining soil, great drainage. 

Light:  Indirect light. Filtered light. Unlike desert cacti, the Christmas cactus is sensitive to direct sunlight and prefers a location that receives bright to medium indirect light.

Water:  Water when top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.  

Protect from frost. Not cold hardy tolerant.