They may seem like different versions of the same plant, but the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri) are completely different plants.
Regarding this, what are the three types of Christmas cactus?
As I later learned from my good friend George Hochmuth, professor emeritus, University of Florida, there are actually three different holiday cacti: the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri).
- Besides the later flowering time, you’ll also notice the shape of the Easter Cactus flowers is quite different from Schlumbergeras.
- Look for flat, rectangular leaves with slightly scalloped edges, and round, upward-facing flowers.
Thereof, why is my Christmas cactus flowering in April?
Blooms requires two things: cooler temperatures and long nights. These cacti are short-day plants, which means that blooms are triggered by long dark cool nights. They need between 14-16 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 8 hours of daylight for between 3 – 6 weeks to set flower buds.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
Whatever type of plant it is, the Thanksgiving holiday cactus is a proven winner, with blooms that last for 2 to 4 months and an easy-going nature. The only real problem with the plant is its need to be fooled in order to bloom again the next year.
How can you tell if its a Christmas cactus?
The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) has very pointed and claw shaped projections on the edges of the leaf. The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped.
Why is my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. … Continue to water sparingly every few days until the soil is lightly moist. Soil that is too wet causes Christmas cactus problems too.
How do you take care of a Christmas cactus year round?
Avoiding Problems With Christmas Cactus Health
- Maintain the correct light/dark schedule. …
- Don’t water too much. …
- Don’t water too little. …
- Make sure the plant gets enough indirect sunlight but keep it out of direct sunlight. …
- Keep the plant away from direct heat sources, like a fireplace or heating vent.
How do I make my Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas cacti produce flowers in a cool, environment-short day cycle. To initiate the production of flower buds, there needs to be at least eight days of 16 hours of dark and eight hours of light each day. Wherever the plant is placed, do not turn on the lights at night, even for a short period of time.
How many colors of Christmas cactus are there?
The Christmas cactus (Zygocactus) is native to the South American jungles. The flowers bloom once a year and come in shades of fuchsia, yellow, salmon, pink, white, orange, red and sometimes will even have a combination of the colors. The Christmas cacti are tropical plants.
Can you change the color of a Christmas cactus?
Hybrid plants often mutate back to the dominant color of the species. Fortunately the flowers are still pretty just not the color you purchased. Continue to grow it in a sunny location. Starting October 1st cut back on water, move to a cooler dark location at night and wait to be rewarded with flowers.
Why does my Easter cactus not flower?
If the plant doesn’t form flowers it mean that the Easter cactus was kept in too little light and/or the night temperatures were too high. Don’t expose the plant to sudden changes in temperature or move it around too much. Doing this will cause the buds to drop before opening.
How do you prune an Easter cactus?
Prune only after the plant flowers, otherwise you may trim off the developing flower buds.
- Lift the Easter cactus out of the pot in summer after it finishes flowering. …
- Put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the spines along the leaf margins of the plant.
What does a Easter cactus look like?
Flat succulent leaf segments are characteristic of Easter Cactus. They branch freely creating a full plant specimen with shiny, leathery leaves. The flowering cycle starts in spring (right around Easter) and flower bud set is induced by dry soil and cool temperatures in early winter.
