Identifying the type of Christmas cactus you have can be done based on the shape of the leaves and the color of the flowers. The two main types of Christmas cactus are Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera bridgesii.
The Schlumbergera truncata, also known as Thanksgiving cactus or Crab cactus, has pointed leaves that tend to be more narrow than other cacti and is often an orange or red color. The Schlumbergera bridgesii, or Easter cactus, has wider, flatter, scalloped leaves and blooms more often in shades of pink.
Additionally, when these types of cacti are in bloom, the Schlumbergera truncata will have the most densely packed buds, and the Schlumbergera bridgesii will have fewer buds, but bigger blooms. You can also distinguish the two types of cacti when they are not in bloom by their flowers, as the Schlumbergera truncata will have yellow flowers while the Schlumbergera bridgesii will have white or greenish flowers.
What are the 3 types of Christmas cactus?
There are three distinct types of Christmas Cacti: Schlumbergera truncata, Schlumbergera russelliana, and Schlumbergera x buckleyi.
Schlumbergera truncata is the most common type of Christmas cactus and features bright red, white, or yellow flowers with narrow stems that grow in an arching pattern. They typically bloom in late autumn or winter, and have dark green, glossy leaves.
Schlumbergera russelliana has wider stems compared to Schlumbergera truncata, and their flowers have a wider range of colors, including pink, yellow, and orange. They typically bloom in early winter.
The stems of the Schlumbergera russelliana are less arching than its counterpart.
Schlumbergera x buckleyi is a hybrid between Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera russelliana. It has the same color palate as Schlumbergera russelliana, but its stems are more like those of Schlumbergera truncata.
It typically flowers in the late autumn or winter.
What does a true Christmas cactus look like?
A true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a short, fleshy stemmed succulent that can grow up to 2 feet in length. It has long, green, segmented leaves that are serrated along the edges and have a slight reddish color near the tips.
The flowers are bright and usually pink or red in color, with yellow anthers and red stamens. They bloom in late fall and early winter, making them perfect for Christmas displays! The plant requires a little extra effort to keep it looking its best, as it does not respond well to over-watering.
It does however need bright, indirect light to keep its colors vibrant and should be fed with a balanced fertilizer twice a year to promote flowering. When taken care of properly, it can make a stunning addition to your home during the holidays!.
Is there a male and female Christmas cactus?
No, there is not a male and female Christmas cactus. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is classified as a monomorphic species, meaning it has only one gender.
The Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant, revered for its uniquely shaped leaves and its propensity to flower in the month of December. As with most cacti, the Christmas cactus consists of segmented leaves with succulent segments, each of which can form its own flower bud.
It is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, and can be traced back to 19th century European plant explorers.
As with other cactus species, there are certain environmental conditions that the Christmas cactus needs in order to thrive. It needs steady light and cool nighttime temperatures in order to bloom. Additionally, it preferable require high humidity, which is why it is common to keep the plant in the bathroom.
Though the Christmas cactus has one gender, it is still important to have a healthy, diverse population of them in order to preserve genetic diversity and ensure healthy plants. If you are looking for a festive addition to your home for the holidays, a Christmas cactus is an excellent choice.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
When watering a Christmas cactus, it is best to water from the bottom, rather than from the top. This is because the Christmas cactus has a fairly shallow root system, so the soil should not be saturated with water.
Instead, place the pot in a shallow tray of water, and allow the soil to absorb the water from the bottom up. Be sure to remove the pot from the tray after 15 minutes, as excess water can cause root rot.
You can also water from the top, fill the pot with water and allow it to drain out of the drainage hole in the bottom. However, this method may make it easier to over water the plant. Before watering, check the soil to make sure it is dry.
Christmas cacti do not need much water in general, so you can water less frequently during the winter, and only water when the soil is dry.
Is a Christmas cactus a true cactus?
No, a Christmas cactus is actually not a true cactus. It is a hybrid of two tropical cacti species: Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera bridgesii. These two species of cacti are native to Brazil, and they are also commonly referred to as crab cacti or Thanksgiving cacti.
The Christmas cactus has been bred over time in greenhouses, which is why it has become so popular and why it is widely available around the holiday season. It is a tropical, night-blooming plant that is known for its distinct pink, white, and purple flowers.
Additionally, it very rarely needs to be repotted, can tolerate indirect natural light, and is easy to take care of and maintain.
How often should you water a false Christmas cactus?
False Christmas cacti should be watered moderately, allowing the top inch or two of soil to become dry between waterings. Generally, they prefer an environment with slightly higher relative humidity than most cacti and need to be watered about once every 7 to 10 days.
During the summer months, water more often as the soil tends to dry out faster. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of watering to about once every two weeks. It is important to note that overwatering can be a problem for false Christmas cacti, causing the roots to rot, so be sure to provide only enough water to keep the soil lightly moist.
You should also avoid getting water on the plant’s leaves as this can lead to fungal diseases. Additionally, false Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so it is best to place the plant in an East or West facing window.
What do you do if your Christmas cactus doesn’t bloom?
If your Christmas cactus doesn’t bloom, there are a few things you can do to attempt to force it to flower. First, make sure you are providing the right environmental conditions. Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light and temperatures between 65-70 degrees —any cooler than that and it’s not likely to bloom.
The plant should be well-watered, but make sure the soil is allowed to dry out between waterings. You also want to ensure it is receiving the right fertilizer. A diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer should be used twice a month from spring to fall.
Additionally, you may want to consider giving the plant at least 12 hours of darkness each night for at least six weeks, as this encourages flowering. If the cactus still does not flower, you may need to move it to a new pot, as a crowded root system can also impact blooming.
What is the difference between false Christmas cactus and Christmas cactus?
The main difference between false Christmas cactus and Christmas cactus is the type of plant. False Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera russelliana) are tropical epiphytes that grow in the rain forests of Brazil and are part of the cactus family.
In contrast, true Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) are succulent cacti that grow in the desert climates of Mexico.
In terms of appearance, false Christmas cacti have more rounded petals whereas true Christmas cacti have more pointed petals. False Christmas cacti have stems that are broader and more “cushion-like” and tend to have more of an arching shape when grown, while true Christmas cacti have more narrow stems that can grow upright or flop over the side of the container.
In terms of care, false Christmas cacti need to be watered more frequently, as they prefer a more humid environment than true Christmas cacti. Additionally, false Christmas cacti need to be fertilized more often since they are a more active growing plant.
True Christmas cacti, on the other hand, need less frequent watering, and only require fertilizing once or twice a year.
Finally, it is possible for false Christmas cacti to flower more often and for more extended periods than true Christmas cacti. As such, false Christmas cacti are the more preferred choice when looking for a delicate, long-lasting show of flowers.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus falling off?
The leaves on a Christmas cactus can fall off for a variety of reasons. Many times, the leaves will drop if the plant is either not receiving enough water, or is receiving too much water. Too much water can cause the roots of the plant to rot, preventing the plant from properly absorbing moisture and nutrients.
In addition, the temperature and location of your Christmas cactus may be to blame. They prefer a warm and humid environment, and if the temperature drops too low or the air is too dry, the leaves will suffer.
Lastly, if the potting mix you are using is not suitable for the type of plant, or if the plant is receiving too much or too little fertilizer, it can cause the leaves to fall off.
Can a Christmas cactus live in a dark room?
Yes, a Christmas cactus can certainly live in a dark room as long as other conditions are met. The most important condition is that the Christmas cactus still needs some sunlight. During the growing season from around May to September, it needs direct sun for part of the day and bright, indirect light the rest of the day.
It also needs regular watering, which should be done about once a week. In addition, it needs to be in well-draining, acidic soil and kept in temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). While a dark room may not seem like an ideal home for a Christmas cactus, with the correct care, it can certainly survive in one.
When can I put Christmas cactus outside?
Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is a popular houseplant that is actually a tropical cactus native to Brazil. This cactus can be enjoyed year-round indoors and can also be moved outside during warmer months.
The ideal time to move Christmas cactus outdoors is in early spring after frost danger has passed. This cactus enjoys temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and will not survive extremely cold temperatures.
Summer heat can be too extreme for Christmas cactus, so it is best to bring the plant indoors when temperatures begin to rise. In addition to the temperature factors, partial shade should also be considered.
Christmas cactus should be kept in a location that receives indirect sunlight throughout the day. To maximize blooming potential, consider placing the plant more exposed to sunlight during the afternoons.
When late summer comes around, you will want to begin the transition process to bring the outdoor Christmas cactus indoors well before the arrival of cold weather.