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).
What is the difference between Christmas cactus Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus?
The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has leaf projections that are more scalloped or teardrop-shaped. The Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri, formerly known as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) has very rounded edges centralized on the leaf. All of these three cacti are known as short-day plants.
What are the different types of Christmas cactus?
Schlumbergera truncata
Schlumbergera opuntioides
Schlumbergera ×buckleyi
Schlumbergera kautskyi
Schlumbergera microsphaerica
What is a true Christmas cactus?
Schlumbergera/Lower classifications
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
“The true “Christmas Cactus” is Schlumbergera x buckleyi, a hybrid between S. russelliana and S. truncata produced in the late 1840s by William Buckley at the Rollisson Nurseries in England. x russelliana and S. truncata to become the first true Christmas cactus.
What does the Christmas cactus symbolize?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.