What is the scientific name of Christmas cactus?
Larry Hodgson, the man behind the Laidback Gardener blog, for example, writes that the story comes from Brazil, the cactus' native land. Apparently, a young boy prayed to God, asking for a sign of Christmas as a reprieve from the heat and humidity of the jungle. These flowers became known as the Christmas cactus.
Where does the Christmas cactus story come from?
Aug 11, 2021 · 10 Facts About Christmas Cacti. History and tips for growing a Christmas Cactus. Lemaire renamed it Schlumbergera epiphylloides (under the current rules of botanical nomenclature it should have been called Schlumbergera russelliana, which is its current name). [5]In 1953, Reid Venable Moran placed both Schlumbergera russelliana and Zygocactus …
Why is it called a Thanksgiving cactus?
Dec 25, 2021 · A plant in the Schlumbergera family, Christmas cacti are so named because of their flowering time in the Northern Hemisphere.Their beautiful flowers, long bloom time, and easy care requirements make them a wonderful plant.The crab name refers to the leaf-shaped stem segments that have curved, pointed teeth or claws along the edges.It occurs mainly …
What do you need to know about Christmas cactus?
Nov 10, 2021 · November 10, 2021 Nora Recipe. A plant in the Schlumbergera family, Christmas cacti are so named because of their flowering time in the Northern Hemisphere. In their home region, they flower in April to May and the common name has no meaning. In Europe, they are called crab cactus, a nod to their clawed limbs.
What is special about a Christmas cactus?
Although you could receive many different gifts this Christmas, a Christmas cactus is one that is truly unique. It's a relatively common house plant that tends to bloom at the end of December but it is beautiful all year long. It also comes in a variety of colors, so there is a lot to appreciate about it.
Is a Christmas cactus actually a cactus?
The plant is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as the name infers. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable quantity of water in the leaves. Christmas cacti are not only popular holiday gift plants, but they are also the subject of frequent debate among gardeners.Dec 8, 2015
What's the real name for Christmas cactus?
Schlumbergera ×buckleyiChristmas cactus, (hybrid Schlumbergera ×buckleyi), popular cactus of the family Cactaceae that has flattened stems and is grown for its striking cerise flowers, blooming indoors about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere.
What is the rarest Christmas cactus?
Schlumbergeras Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata 'Rare Yellow')Plant Habit:Cactus/SucculentLife cycle:PerennialSun Requirements:Partial or Dappled ShadeMinimum cold hardiness:Zone 10a -1.1 °C (30 °F) to +1.7 °C (35 °F)Leaves:Other: Leafless8 more rows
How old is the oldest Christmas cactus?
They discovered the cactus was actually 111 years old. Bohnet, Miller's great-grandmother, gifted the plant to Jacquie Biloff's mother-in-law Gladys Biloff in 1952 after the then 50-year-old plant became too large for her home.Dec 19, 2013
Why are the buds falling off my Christmas cactus?
The reasons for Christmas cactus dropping its flower buds are drought stress, fluctuating temperatures, overwatering and too much artificial light at night. Christmas cactus require evenly moist soil, higher humidity and more hours of darkness then light for 6 weeks from September to form buds.
Why is my Christmas cactus turning purple?
Location – Christmas cactus requires bright light during fall and winter, but too much direct light during the summer months may be the reason for Christmas cactus leaves turning purple on edges. Moving the plant to a more appropriate location may prevent sunburn and solve the problem.Mar 22, 2022
What is the difference between Easter cactus and Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped. The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerrii) has very rounded edges which are centralized on the leaf. All of these three cacti are known as short day plants.
What is the name of the Christmas cactus?
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. This article is about the genus Schlumbergera, including the house plants commonly called Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus. For the Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus, see Schlumbergera gaertneri. For the desert Christmas cactus, see Cylindropuntia leptocaulis. Lem.
What are some common names for cactus?
Plants are offered for sale under a variety of common names. The earliest English common name was "Christmas cactus ". In Europe, where plants are largely produced for sale in the period before Christmas, this remains the most widely used common name in many languages for cultivars of all groups (e.g. Weihnachtskaktus in German, cactus de Noël in French, and cacto de Navidad in Spanish ). This is also the name used in Canada. In the United States, where plants are produced for the Thanksgiving holiday in November, the name "Thanksgiving cactus" is used; "Christmas cactus" may then be restricted to cultivars of the Buckleyi Group, particularly the very old cultivars such as 'Buckleyi'. The name "crab cactus" (referring to the clawed ends of the stems) is also used for the Truncata Group. "Link cactus" is another common name, describing the way that the stems of the genus as a whole are made up of linked segments. The name "chain cactus" is common in New Zealand, and may also refer to Hatiora species.
How tall is Schlumbergera?
In the wild, the species of Schlumbergera grow either on trees ( epiphytic) or on rocks ( epilithic) and can form sizeable shrubs with woody bases; a height of up to 1.2 m (4 ft) has been reported for one species ( S. opuntioides ). They are leafless, the green stems acting as photosynthetic organs.
Where is Schlumbergera found?
Schlumbergera occurs only in the coastal mountains of south-east Brazil, in the states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. Sites where it has been found range from close to the Tropic of Capricorn northwards to 20°S, i.e. in the southernmost part of the tropics.
How many species of Schlumbergera are there?
Between six and nine species are currently recognized. In the narrowest circumscription, Schlumbergera sensu stricto, six species are accepted. Only synonyms which have been widely used (and their basionyms) are given in the list below.
Why do plants rot?
Stems and roots can be rotted by diseases caused by fungi and similar organisms; these include infections by species of Fusarium (a fungus ), and Phytophthora and Pythium (both water moulds ). Approved chemical treatments can be used in the case of insect attack or these diseases.
What is the genus of cacti?
The genus is one of a small number belonging to a group of cacti classified as the tribe Rhipsalideae. Species of cacti belonging to this group are quite distinct in appearance and habit from most other cacti since they grow on trees or rocks as epiphytes or lithophytes.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
The Christmas cactus is native to Brazil. These epiphytes (a plant that grows on top of another plant non-parasitically) are at home in the Brazilian rain forest, among tree branches, discloses Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Since they are tropical plants, they thrive in humid conditions. 4.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
The Old Farmer’s Almanac tells us Christmas cacti can live for 20- 30 years when properly cared for. If you provide long nights starting around October 1, you can force the Christmas cactus to bloom year after year. Cool night temperatures also encourage it to bloom.
What are the pests that eat Christmas cacti?
Fungus gnats, flower thrips, and root mealybugs are the pests that most often infest Christmas cacti. Avoid overwatering, the biggest culprit in attracting pests to Christmas cacti. Preventive care, such as discarding infested plants, is another recommended tactic.
Is a Christmas cactus poisonous to dogs?
5. Unlike the other Christmas favorite, Poinsettia, Christmas cactus is not toxic to dogs and cats. Poinsettia is famously poisonous to dogs and cats.
