Description
Schlumbergera – Christmas Cactus – Holiday Cactus –
There are 6, epiphytic or rock dwelling cacti, in the Cactaceae family, in this genus. They naturally occur in Tropical rainforest in Southeastern Brazil. They are grown for their attractive flowers. Erect then pendent, fleshy stems are divided into flattened, oblong or obovate, narrowly truncate, leaf like segments, usually with prominent indented notches, almost tooth like in some species. The areoles often have a few fine bristles, those near the tips of the upper segments bear open trumpet shaped, narrow petaled flowers, most in late winter and early spring, others in summer or autumn. Grow as a houseplant. Do not move once in bud.
Indoors, grow in epiphytic cactus potting mix in bright indirect light. Water moderately and maintain moderate humidity. Apply a high potash liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks when in growth, keep barely moist after flowering. Repot or pot on every 3 or 4 years in spring.
Prone to mealybugs.
S. ‘Wintermarchen’ – This epiphytic cactus grows 14″ tall and 12″ wide. It produces oblong, glossy, mid green stem segments, to 1 ½” long, with 4-6 tooth like notches along the sides. In late autumn, it bears delicate pale pink, almost white flowers, up to 3″ long, which turn pinkish white in winter.
Zones 13-15
