Easter Cactus
Schlumbergera gaertneri
Also known as
Holiday Cactus, Whitsun Cactus
Hatiora gaertneri 'Sagitta' 04 by Kor!An (Андрей Корзун) (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Tender
11b
USDA zone
7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
80cm | Max | 50cm |
10cm | Min | 10cm |
2 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter


More images of Easter Cactus
Easter Cactus Overview
Schlumbergera gaertneri is a perennial cactus species in the Cactaceae family, native to Southeastern Brazil, it is found in tropical rainforest habitats. This species and closely related hybrids are known commonly as Easter or Whitsun Cactus, these are regularly grown as ornamental houseplants. This species has undergone extensive reclassification over time, it was considered to be part of a few different genera, including Hatiora and Rhipsalis and has had many name changes. Following modern genetic studies, it has now been restored to the genus it was historically placed in, Schlumbergera. It is frequently found growing on trees and is thus termed epiphytic or lithophytic if found growing on rocks. It has a branching habit, with age maturing into a pendant, leafless and woody-based shrub. The stems are segmented and flattened, coloured green and these sections measure approximately 2.5cm across and up to 7cm long. The edges of the stems are bluntly toothed and they develop red colouring along the edges with strong sunlight. Bright red, showy, funnel-shaped flowers form at the ends of the stems, they are radially-symmetrical and measure up to 5cm in length. This plant has earnt a Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
How to propagate Easter Cactus
Seed
Cuttings
Root or stem cuttings.
Special features of Easter Cactus
Attractive flowers
Pot plant
Indoor plant
Other uses of Easter Cactus
Ornamental, greenhouse, indoors, container