Schlumbergera sp.

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They are epiphytic cactus, with flattened, leaf looking stems. Many hybrids are available around Christmas, sold as Christmas cactus. The original hybrids had cherry red flowers. Nowadays, many colors are available. They bloom when the day starts shortening. In order to get blossoms around Christmas, put them in a cool place where they will get at least 12 to 14 hours of darkness a day. Schlumbergera are epiphytic cacti and should be grown in containers. The soil should stay always moist, although they will need less water when not in bloom. Use a soil mix that is light and drains easily. They need bright indirect light. Species: buckleyi, exotica, kautskyi, microsphaerica, microsphaerica, opuntioides, orssichiana, reginae, russelliana, truncata and many cultivars.

See Article about Schlumbergera.

Similar plants:

• Hatiora gaertneri, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, Schlumbergera gaertneri (Easter Cactus )