Product Overview
Schlumbergera – The Christmas Cactus.
The Christmas Cactus, originally from the tropical regions of Brazil, is one of the most popular flowering plants in the world for the festive season. Obviously so due to the large, colourful, bell shaped flowers that form in November and December.
Modern varieties are available in a range of colours, are very resilient, and long lived, given a little attention.
This is a genuine plant that you will come to love as a reminder of the Christmas period when you see it coming in to flower.
As a tropical cacti, as opposed to a desert cacti, it requires less light, and a little more water, but is very easy care.
Follow these tips for success:
As mentioned above Schlumbergera are forest cacti, so much prefer bright, indirect light. Morning, evening, or Winter sun is fine, just avoid strong, direct Summer sun.
Tolerates partial shade, but too little light will result in poor growth and failure to flower.
Like many other Succulent / Cacti they can survive long periods of drought, but will not thrive. During the Summer, and when in flower water when the top 1/3rd of the compost is dry. Do not keep constantly wet as this will lead to root rot.
Fertilise occasionally from April to August with a specific Cacti & Succulent feed as per instructions. Stop feeding after August.
Average room temperatures are ideal during growth and flowering, although a cooler dormant period after flowering is necessary to let the plant rest, and to encourage next seasons flowers.
Generally happy in average humidity, although a weekly misting during the hottest times of the year will benefit the plant, and help to keep the leaves clean.
Minimum Temp: 10c
Aftercare:
As mentioned above Schlumbergera need to rest after flowering, between January and March they will need a cooler spot 10-15c, and less water.
From late May to August, or when temperatures are above 10c, they can really benefit from being placed outdoors in a sheltered spot to harden off new growth and boost the potential to flower. If this isn`t possible then keeping them near a window which is regularly open will help.
Leave until the new buds form, or temperatures threaten to drop below 10c, then it`s best put back in to its flowering location in the home, and left alone until after it has flowered.
If kept in the home in the same location all year it will be ok, just less prolific.
Schlumbergera are happier tight in the pot, so only require repotting about once every 3 years. Use only a slightly larger pot, and good quality Cacti & Succulent compost.
Warnings:
Not known to be toxic to pets or humans.
