Schlumbergera truncata or False Christmas cactus

Care of the cactus Schlumbergera truncata or False Christmas cactus

The genus Schlumbergera, family Cactaceae, comprises 8 species of epiphytic cacti originating in Brazil. Some species are: Schlumbergera truncata, Schlumbergera kautskyi, Schlumbergera russelliana, Schlumbergera opuntioides.

Common names: False Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus, Zygocactus, Lobster cactus, Claw Cactus, Holiday Cactus, Linkleaf, Yoke Cactus, Crab's claw cactus, Easter Cactus.

They are epiphytic cacti with hanging stems formed by flat segments with teeth on the edge. These segments are deep green in color that turn reddish in direct sunlight. The showy flowers are tubular in shape with red, pink, white or orange petals. They bloom during the winter.

They are used as indoor plants in hanging pots or in regular pots to place on furniture or windows.

Schlumbergera truncata needs an outdoor shade exposure (mid-spring to mid-fall). Indoors it needs a bright exposure but without direct sun. The temperature should not be lower than 8 ºC (46.4 ºF); for them to flourish well, the temperature should be 12-23 ºC (53-73 ºF).

The soil can be a commercial cactus substrate with 1/3 of leaf mulch. The transplant is done in the first half of spring but they do not support it very well.

Irrigate with lime-free water by sprinkling in spring and summer frequently (every 4 days); When the first flower buds appear, water the soil, preventing the flowers from getting wet (water once a week). During the resting period (the plant adopts a matte tone after flowering) reduce watering a lot and lower the room temperature a little.

Fertilize every 15 days with a mineral cactus fertilizer from the second half of spring to the middle of fall.

They are very resistant plants to the most common pests and diseases.

They are easily propagated from stem cuttings during the second half of spring.