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What is special about Christmas cacti?
The Christmas cactus is a very popular houseplant—and for good reason! When they bloom, they produce colorful, tubular flowers in pink or lilac colors. Their beautiful flowers, long bloom time, and easy care requirements make them a wonderful plant.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
100 yearsThe Christmas cactus is everywhere during the holiday season, with good reason. It's a blooming succulent that is easy to care for, has gorgeous blooms, and when properly tended can live up to 100 years! That's right! This plant can survive for decades, adding color to your holidays for generations.
Why is a Christmas cactus called a Christmas cactus?
Schlumbergera Plant History 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.
Is Christmas cactus an actual 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.
Is Epsom salt good for Christmas cactus?
Holiday cacti have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Fertilize monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water, but do not apply the same week as the regular fertilizer.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Yes, coffee grounds are good for your Christmas cactus. Just like many other plants that reap benefits from them, the Christmas cactus can get lots of nutrients from coffee grounds when they are added directly to the soil.
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
They prefer bright, indirect light. Full sun can cause the leaf segments to turn dark red as the plants begin to burn. The “trick” to getting Christmas cactus to bloom in the following years after purchase comes down to two things: light and temperature. These two are the keys to the flower kingdom.
How much does a Christmas cactus grow in a year?
Christmas cactuses add new segments to their branches every year. How many new segments are produced depends on growing conditions. They can easily reach a spread of 2 feet within a few years. The older the cactus, the larger it can become.
What pollinates Christmas cactus?
Popular during the holidays, the Christmas cactus has trumpet-shaped flowers with white, orange, pink or red petals that are pollinated in nature by birds, but can also be pollinated by hand. Though some varieties of Christmas cacti are self-fertile, cross-pollination by hand will result in more varied offspring.
What are the 3 types of Christmas cactus?
Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus. The three common holiday cacti, named for the time of year the blooms appear, include Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus. All three are easy to grow and have similar growth habits and care requirements.
Is Christmas cactus toxic?
Is the Christmas cactus poisonous? The Christmas cactus is not poisonous to humans or cats and dogs. That is not to say you should go feeding your dog Christmas cactus leaves, however. The fibrous plant material of the cactus can cause vomiting and diarrhea in mass quantities.
What is the real name for a Christmas cactus?
Christmas 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.
How long does a cactus plant live?
In the wild cacti can live for hundreds of years. Indoors they may survive for 10 years or more. The trouble with old ones is that every single knock, scratch or blemish they get stays with them, so they tend to look less appealing as they get older.
What is the oldest Christmas cactus?
145-year-old Christmas cactus passed down through family | News | bozemandailychronicle.com.
How long do potted cactus live?
ten yearsIn general, an indoor cactus plant should last for ten years, but some delicate species might only last a few months. Conversely, certain species can live up to 300 years outdoors in their natural habitat.
Does Christmas cactus like sun or shade?
Holiday cacti grow best when they are placed in a location with partial shade, such as an east or west facing window, with a temperature between 70° and 80℉.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
Christmas cacti (and related Thanksgiving and Easter cacti) grow in rock crevices and on tree trunks and branches. Leaf litter and other organic matter accumulate in these spaces providing the growing media. This environment also has filtered sunlight and high humidity.
What are the names of the cactus?
All these cacti are related and named for Belgian horticulturist, Frederick Schlumberger. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii, synonym Schlumbergera x buckleyi), and Easter cactus ( Schlumbergera gaertneri, synonym Rhipsalidopsis gaert neri) and hybrids of these species are collectively called Holiday Cactus. Flower colors include red, pink, purple, orange and cream. The stems are segmented, flattened to round in cross-section, and feature weak or no spines. The stems gracefully arch making them excellent for hanging baskets.
What is the difference between a Christmas cactus and a Thanksgiving cactus?
An easy way to distinguish among the three species is the shape of the segments or cladophylls (translated to “flattened stems”). Thanksgiving cactus has the sharpest teeth or claws along the edges with the Easter cactus having rounded edges. The Christmas cactus segments have smaller teeth but are not nearly so rounded. There are no true leaves on these plants. The pollen-bearing anthers on the Thanksgiving cactus are yellow, whereas the anthers on the Christmas cactus are purplish brown.
Why do my Christmas cactus flowers drop off?
Flowers drop off Christmas cactus for many reasons: excessive flower set (too many buds), sudden changes in temperature (drafts from heating vents), amount of light, or moisture level in the growing mix (too dry or too wet). To reduce the chances of bud drop, make sure you water properly, especially during blooming. The numerous petals increase the surface area from which water will evaporate. If possible, do not move your Christmas cactus to another location when buds are present or flowers are open.
How do I care for a Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus thrives in a well-drained mix rich in organic material. Don’t use the sand-based mixes intended for desert cacti. Use a combination of a peat-based houseplant mix blended in equal parts with a bark-based orchid mix. Pine bark fines, or pine bark soil conditioner may also be used in lieu of the orchid mix. This will provide good water retention and great drainage at the same time. Make sure the pot has drainage hole (s), then water thoroughly allowing excess water to drain thoroughly, before returning the pot to its saucer or outer decorative container. During the active growing season of spring through summer, keep the mix evenly moist. To set flower buds in the fall, allow it to go quite dry between watering.
Is a Christmas cactus a hybrid?
Holiday cactus as commercial varieties are hybrids. Whether they are Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus, they make a cheery addition to indoor holiday decor. Photo by M. Albrecht, courtesy UTIA.
Where do Christmas cactus live?
Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and its relatives don’t live in hot, arid environments such as deserts or plains. In fact, these epiphytic succulents are native to the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil, where they grow on tree branches and soak up the high humidity, dappled sunlight, and warm temperatures.
Why do Christmas cacti bloom?
The blooms of Christmas cacti and its relatives are triggered by the cooler temperatures and longer nights of fall. The three main types of holiday cacti generally bloom according to this schedule:
What are the different types of cactus?
There are three main types of “holiday” cacti out there: the Easter cactus (S. gaertneri), Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata), and Christmas cactus (S. x buckleyi). Each holiday cactus typically blooms closest to the holiday that it’s named after. However, most of the “Christmas cacti” sold today are actually Thanksgiving cacti, which tend to bloom from November through February and therefore pass unnoticed as Christmas cacti. To learn more, see our article on the different types of holiday cacti and how to tell them apart.
What is the most popular houseplant?
The Christmas cactus is a very popular houseplant—and for good reason! When they bloom, they produce colorful, tubular flowers in pink or lilac colors. Their beautiful flowers, long bloom time, and easy care requirements make them a wonderful plant.
Why do my Christmas cactus' blossoms drop?
Pests/Diseases. Blossom drop: If your Christmas cactus is exposed to any type of stress, the plant will likely drop its blossoms. This could be related to the amount of light, or a sudden change in temperature, as discussed in above plant care section. Also, ensure that your soil doesn’t get too dry while buds are forming.
Why isn't my cactus blooming?
If your cactus is not blooming, it may be receiving too much light or too-high temperatures. Here are some tips to encourage yours to produce flowers!
How should I care for a Christmas cactus?
Where to Put a Christmas Cactus. Plants should be kept in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a bright bathroom is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can bleach the sensitive leaves. A daytime temperature of 70°F (21°C) and an evening temperature of 60-65°F (15-18°C) is preferred. Christmas cacti prefer a more humid environment, which ...
Where did the Christmas cactus originate?
True Christmas cactus is an interspecific hybrid of Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera russelliana that originated about 150 years ago in England. It's a common houseplant but not often grown commercially.”. For expert advice on plant care and selection, consult a qualified landscaper. Updated December 27, 2018.
What is a Christmas cactus?
If you’re lucky, you could receive a Christmas cactus as a gift this holiday season. This common house plant blooms during the Christmas season, but its long green arms are attractive throughout the year. With cultivars in a rainbow of colors, it is a plant worthy of appreciation. These 10 facts about Christmas cacti will help you to care for your plant if you're given one this holiday season.
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.
How much darkness do Christmas cactus need?
The horticulture experts at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens recommend setting your Christmas cactus in a room where you never turn the lights on at night. In order for the flower buds to set, Christmas cacti need 14 hours or more of continuous darkness per day.
Why do you mist Christmas cactus leaves?
Instead, gardening expert and radio host Walter Reeves, the Georgia Gardener, suggests misting the leaves of the Christmas cactus daily, to maintain the desired level of humidity around the plant. 8. 5 diseases commonly infect Christmas cactus.
What temperature should I plant Christmas cactus?
Optimal temperature for Christmas cacti is 68 degrees F. 2. Christmas cacti need light to bloom. According to Purdue University Extension, keeping your Christmas cactus plants in a sunny location indoors is the key to prolonged blooms.
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.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
Unlike the desert-loving cacti many of us are used to, the Christmas cactus is a native of tropical rainforests and needs regular water to remain healthy. The flattened leaves are actually stemmed segments that hang and drape from containers and baskets. Flowers will form at the ends of these stems, so the more stems your plant has, the more flowers it will boast. Traditionally the cactus blooms red, but you can now find Christmas cacti in a myriad of flower colors, including red, pink, purple, and orange
What is the holiday cactus?
Enter: the holiday cactus. While it may seem like an unusual winter holiday plant , the holiday cactus becomes flush with bold blooms, making it a welcome sight in the middle of winter . There are many legends surrounding the holiday cactus—one in particular comes out of Brazil, where the plant is native. As the story goes, a poor little boy out in ...
How much light do cactus need?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Begin to limit the amount of light the plant receives. The plant can remain in indirect light during the day, but it will need at least 12 to 14 hours of total darkness at night in order for flower buds to develop.
How hot should a cactus be?
Keep your holiday cactus cool. Ideally, you want it between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to get a cactus to bloom?
To have your holiday cactus bloom exactly at holiday time, you will probably need to force it by first sending it into dormancy and then coaxing it out. Follow these steps, starting in mid-fall. In mid-October, reduce your watering.
How big is a cactus in inches?
Botanical Name. Schlumbergera buckleyi. Common Name. Holiday cactus, crab cactus. Plant Type. Cactus. Mature Size. 6–12 in. tall, 12–24 in. wide.
How to get humidity for Christmas cactus?
Either mist the plant or place a tray of pebbles sitting in the water beneath the plant to help boost its humidity levels.
4. You may not need to repot your cactus
While most plants will need to be repotted once every year or two, Schlumbergera actually does better when they’re a bit root-bound. In fact, repotting them too often can cause damage, as the segments can snap off, and the plants are easily stressed by a lot of movement.
5. A Christmas cactus must go dormant to flower
If you want your plant to flower, you have to mimic the environmental triggers that cause it to enter a period of dormancy.
6. You can multiply your Christmas cactus plants for free
Propagating Christmas cacti is simple to do, and it’s a great way to add to your collection, grow gifts for friends and family, or even fill in skimpy plants for free.
7. You can put your Christmas cactus outside
Our attention often turns to these plants during the holidays, but when the weather outside warms up, you can move them outdoors.
8. Christmas cactuses have sensitive skin
Did you know your Christmas cactus can get a sunburn just like you? These plants are native to Brazil, where they grow in the branches of trees shaded by the canopy above. They grow in bright light that filters through the leaves above them.
9. Christmas cactuses are pet friendly
Unlike many popular plants, Christmas cactuses are nontoxic to dogs and cats. When it comes to holiday plants, the list of nontoxic plants is incredibly short.
10. Christmas cactuses can outlive you
Another reason it seems everyone has a holiday cactus is because of how long they live. If properly cared for, it’s not uncommon for these plants to live for decades. The internet is littered with local news stories of massive Christmas cactuses a hundred years old or older.
Where are cactus found?
This range includes North and South America, Central America, and the adjacent Islands such as the Caribbean and Galapagos islands. Rhipsalis baccifera, an epiphytic species is the sole exception that can be found in Madagascar, Tropical Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Reunion, and Sri Lanka as well as Tropical America.
Where can I find cactus plants?
Cactus plants are found at sea-level growing down along the coast of both the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans as well as low-altitude inland areas such as Death Valley California. In North America, cactus can be found growing up to at least 11,000 feet (3350 meters) in the mountains of California; particularly the White Mountains, and possibly even higher in some areas of the Sierra Nevada range. In South America on the Western edge of the Andes mountains, cacti grow even higher at 15,000 feet (4500 meters) elevation. As would be expected, the high altitude plants are also low growing plants similar to those at the far northern and far southern latitudes. Additionally, high-altitude plants are often particularly spiny or wooly to help shield from the high UV due to the thinner atmosphere. Examples of this are Opuntia polyacantha var. erinacea and Austrocylindropuntia floccosa.
Why do cacti grow in rock outcroppings?
Cacti survive in these areas because of their succulent stems and ability to retain water.
What do cacti do in the jungle?
Here cacti take on a thin, long, drooping habit. They put out roots to cling to the tree and take in what ever nutrients they can get out of the crevices where rotting leaves may have accumulated.
Where can I find cacti?
To the North, cacti are found across southern Canada from Ontario to the East to British Columbia in the West.
Where are the barrel shaped plants found?
The larger, barrel-shaped, columnar, and Tree-like plants that are the stereotypical representatives of the family are mostly confined with in the tropics, extending somewhat north of the Tropic of Cancer into the Southwestern United States and pushing south of the Tropic of Capricorn into Northern Argentina. Altitude.
Do cacti live in cold or wet environments?
Readers may find that the native range of cacti is more restricted than they previously thought in terms of world-wide distribution. On the other hand, the occurrence of cacti in very wet and/or very cold environments may also be a surprise to many.
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 the different types of cactus?
Common names for these cacti generally refer to their flowering season. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. Most of the popular houseplants are cultivars of Schlumbergera, rather than species, with flowers in white, pink, yellow, orange, red or purple. The Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus, until recently placed in the genus Hatiora, is also called a holiday cactus and has flowers in red, orange, pink and white.
How high can a Schlumbergera be found?
S. microsphaerica is found at higher altitudes, above 2,200 metres (7,200 ft), in barren rocky habitats, and tolerates higher light levels. The flowers of Schlumbergera have adaptations for pollination by hummingbirds: tubular flowers with abundant nectar, and colours towards the red end of the spectrum.
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.
When was the epiphyllum first discovered?
As more species were discovered this proved too broad, and new genera were set up to subdivide the cacti. The genus Epiphyllum was created in 1812 by Haworth, based on Linnaeus's Cactus phyllanthus. In 1831 Johann Link created the genus Phyllocactus based on the same species. Following Ludwig Pfeiffer in 1837, the European tradition was to use Phyllocactus for epiphytic cacti with large regular flowers and Epiphyllum for the irregular-flowered species now called Schlumbergera truncata. Under modern rules, Phyllocactus is an illegitimate name, as is Epiphyllum in the sense of Pfeiffer; thus Epiphyllum Pfeiff. is a synonym of Schlumbergera. The true genus Epiphyllum Haw. now has around 19 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 the distribution of Schlumbergera discontinuous?
The distribution of most Schlumbergera species is discontinuous within the red area.
