Schlumbergera

Schlumbergera, more commonly referred to as holiday cactus, is a perennial succulent native to South America, with many species originating from the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil.  Flat, segmented, green succulent pads comprise the holiday cactus's stems and foliage, with mild serrations lining their edges and a darkened central vein along their core.  In time for the winter holidays, vibrantly colored magnificent works of natural symmetry bloom at the ends of the plant's stems in red, white, pink, or purple.  There are also some uncommon holiday cacti cultivars that produce unique, exquisite flowers in orange, peach, and salmon as well.  Holiday cactus are excellent hanging basket plants, often producing even more stems when grown this way and consequently providing more blooms as well.  These naturally draping cacti do not bare spines or thorns, and can safely be kept around children and pets.  

A delicate balance of sunlight and shade must be maintained to keep holiday cacti in pristine condition.  Bright, indirect light or partly shaded areas are ideal, though they can endure greater sun exposure during the winter months.  Though acidic soil is ideal, holiday cacti are very flexible in terms of their growth media as long as it is well-draining.  Being a tropical cactus, holiday cacti prefer deep watering where excess water is drained off and the soil is allowed to dry completely before the next.  Additional watering should be provided during prolonged periods of heat exposure but at a lower frequency during the winter.  Provide holiday cactus with considerable humidity through daily misting or with a humidifier to promote healthy growth.  During the summer and early spring, feed holiday cactus monthly with a half-dilution, water-soluble application of a balanced fertilizer until flower buds begin to form.  Fertilizing can then be resumed after the buds begin to bloom. Learn more in the Plant Story community!

Water sparingly, allowing the mix to nearly dry out between watering.

Schlumbergera

Schlumbergera

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