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. truncata – Zygocactus truncatus – Crab Cactus – Thanksgiving Cactus – This epiphytic cactus from Southeastern Brazil grows to 12″ tall and wide. It produces oblong, bright green segments, up to 2 ½” long, with 4-8 prominent, tooth like notches along the sides. From late autumn to winter it bears deep pink, red, orange, or white flowers, to 3″ long.
Zones 13-15
