The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. … 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.
In this way, how do you take care of an Easter cactus?
Care and Feeding: Easter cactus will thrive in bright, indirect light (sun or shade) and to get it to bloom on cue, put it in a spot where daytime and night temperatures fluctuate by as much as 20 degrees. Water it when the soil feels dry to the touch and give it a balanced fertilizer twice a month.
Hereof, how do you identify an Easter cactus?
“Spring cactus”
- 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.
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.
What does an overwatered Christmas cactus look like?
In case you didn’t remember to do this, one of the first overwatering symptoms on Christmas cactus will be limp leaves, which will start to drop off. Then the stems and branches will soften and get mushy. Severe cases will manifest with a foul odor and the stem will rot completely off.
How often does an Easter cactus flower?
Best bud set occurs when temperatures are 50 F, (10 C.). Water sparingly from October to November. By December, you can move the plant somewhere warmer with a 60 to 65 degree range (16-18 C.). The plant will flower in February to March.
Is Easter cactus poisonous to cats?
Fortunately, the Christmas Cactus (or its relative, the Easter Cactus) plant is not toxic to dogs in either its parts or flowers. The same applies for cats. However, fibrous plant material can cause irritation to the stomach and intestine, leading to vomiting or diarrhea.
How often should I water my spring cactus?
Water them anywhere from every 3-6 weeks depending on the temps, the mix it’s in & the size & type of pot it’s planted in. You want to keep the temps between 50 & 65 degrees F. 50-55 degrees is best at night. If your temps are warmer, they’ll require a longer period of darkness.
Will an Easter cactus bloom at Christmas?
This weeks stumper was “Why is my Christmas Cactus blooming in March?” This actually has a very simple answer: Because it’s not a Christmas Cactus – it’s an Easter Cactus. Most people see this plant and think Christmas Cactus.
Can a Christmas cactus bloom in spring?
Christmas Cactus segments are smooth sided and have no pointy edges. … These eye candy blooms start as early as November and can continue well into the New Year, often blooming again in the spring.
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.
When should I water my Easter cactus?
6-8 weeks before you want your Spring Cactus to bloom make sure it gets equal amounts of light & total darkness each day. Keep them drier at this time; this helps force them into dormancy. Water them anywhere from every 3-6 weeks depending on the temps, the mix it’s in & the size & type of pot it’s planted in.
What’s wrong with my Easter cactus?
Water the plant carefully, as overwatering is the primary cause of problems for Easter cactus. Water the plant thoroughly, and then don’t water again until the top half of the soil feels dry. Always let the pot drain after watering, and then discard the excess water. Never allow the pot to stand in water.
