Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera spp.
Holiday Cactus, Mayflower
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1 of 14
The genus Schlumbergera consists of 6 species of bushy, perennial cacti. They produce showy, colourful flowers with different lengths of petals from the tips of the stems, these may be red, pink, orange, yellow, white or some shade in-between. Provides a wonderful Christmas display and are an ideal Christmas gift. Best used as a houseplant in a well-lit spot out of direct sunlight, ideally with some humidity as these epiphytic species grow without the need for soil substrate on coastal rocks and trees around Mexico. Improve humidity by placing plants on stone or pebble trays filled with water.
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Planning
Difficulty
Easy
Flowering time
Winter
Harvesting
Take cuttings well after flowering.
Propagation
Cuttings
Take stem segments in spring and place upright in moist compost, sand and perlite mix. Push the bottom of the cutting into the soil about 1cm or just deep enough to keep them upright.
Special features
Indoor plant
Pot plant
Drought resistant
Special features
Origin
Central and South America.
Natural climate
Temperate to Subtropical
Environment
Light
Partial Sun, Full Shade
Soil moisture
Moist
Soil type
Loam, Air, Sand
Frost hardiness
Tender
Personality
Family
Cactaceae
Flower colour
Red, Pink, White, Yellow, Orange
Scent
None
Problems
Pest and disease free with only mealybug being a common pest. Flower bud dropping is usually cause by fluctuating temperatures. Too hot by day too cold by night. However, overwatering can also cause flower buds to drop.
Related Problems
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Knowledge and advice
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