![]() The cultivars of the Christmas cactus fall into two main groups: ![]() The Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus, placed in the genus Rhipsalidopsis, is also called a holiday cactus and has flowers in red, orange, pink and white. Most of the popular houseplants are cultivars of Schlumbergera, rather than species, with flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. Two species have cylindrical stems more similar to other cacti.Ĭommon names for these cacti generally refer to their flowering season. Most species of Schlumbergera have stems which resemble leaf-like pads joined one to the other and flowers which appear from areoles at the joints and tips of the stems. These plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats that are generally shady with high humidity, and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins. Schlumbergera is a small genus of cacti with six to nine species found in the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil. Note: Christmas cactus is not meant for human or animal consumption.Cultivar belonging to the Schlumbergera Truncata Group While it tolerates low humidity, you may find Christmas cactus does better and flowers more with good humidity levels.Ĭhristmas cactus grows best in average temperatures, but cooler temperatures in late fall - around 55F (13C) - can help it to produce blooms. Follow the directions on the product packaging for tips on how much fertilizer to use and how often to apply it.īecause Christmas cactus comes from tropical rainforests, it prefers average to high humidity. It prefers a little more water in spring and summer than it does in autumn and winter.įertilize Christmas cactus in spring and early summer with a fertilizer made for houseplants. Water Christmas cactus when the top inch or two of the potting mix dries out. Indoors, Christmas cactus can take direct sun on their foliage. It will grow in medium or low light, too - but this flowering houseplant has fewer flowers the darker it gets. Grow Christmas cactus in bright light for the most blooms. One of our experts will be happy to try to help! If you have questions about your Christmas cactus, just drop us an email. Note: Christmas cactus is sometimes also called Thanksgiving cactus or zygo cactus. ![]() When not in bloom the rest of the year, Christmas cactus show off jagged foliage that gives insight to one of its other common names: crab cactus. In bloom, Christmas cactus are spectacular holiday plants, showing off their colorful blossoms like jewels at the end of their stems. In fact, a beautiful Christmas cactus has become something of an heirloom for many families, with the plant being passed down through the ages. This flowering houseplant is a cinch to grow, which has made it a popular holiday plant for generations. You can find Christmas cactus in a wide variety of colors, including pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and white - as well as bicolors where an individual flower shows multiple shades at the same time. This easy-care grower bursts into bloom when the days get short, putting on a fabulous show during the holiday season. Christmas cactus is one of the most colorful flowering houseplants.
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