Christmas cacti prefer bright light and moist soil to thrive. They also need fertilizer to grow properly. A good mix of houseplant fertilizer with a high phosphorus ratio should be used once a month. Water your cactus thoroughly until water runs out of the drainage holes, but do not let it sit in water. When the soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water again. Do not overwater or underwater your Christmas cactus, as either can cause problems.