Hatiora gaertneri
Easter cactus
Also known as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, Rhipsalis gaertneri
- Height × spread
- 0.5m × 0.5m
- Position
- Part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
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About this plant
These are appealing plants that have branching stems composed of individual segments that are like oblong fleshy leaves that have been ironed flat. They have bumpy edges coloured brown with small notches that carry tiny brown-yellow bristles. The flowers are held on the final segment and are big, flare-mouthed funnels with jagged petals that open wide, appearing quite joyous. A plant in full flower is carrying a mass of triumphal trumpets! The flowers are in shades of red, yellow, or pink. These are generally grown in a container or basket. They are best kept cool in the winter till the buds begin to form. Then move the plant into a warm room and begin to water and to give it an occasional feed with a cactus fertiliser. These plants are heliotropic (the flowers face towards the light) so are best left in the same place when in growth as the stems can break if moved to a different position where the light comes from a different direction. After flowering continue the watering regime until winter when the plant needs a rest period. This is similar to the Christmas cactus Schlumbergera forms.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Weeping
- Height
- 0.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m
- Season of interest
- Spring
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes part shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
- Borders & containers
- Borders and containers
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 10C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Summer · Indoors
Feed with high nitrogen feed
Give the plant a feed monthly from May until August using a houseplant fertiliser that is high in nitrogen.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a high value.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Mist the plant daily
Plants which enjoy high humidity should be misted daily. Soft or rain water is preferred as it doesn't mark the foliage. Avoid spraying at the height of day or the water can act as a magnifying glass and leaves may be scorched.
Mist the plant daily when in growth, preferably using rain or soft water.
Spring-Winter · Indoors
Watering Hatiora
Water moderately in growth. In winter water lightly until the buds start, when you can increase the watering.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
10C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 10 Centigrade.
Compost · Planting
Cactus epiphyte compost for repotting
If enriched compost or a specialist mix is not available, you can use a standard cactus compost mixed with an equal addition of leaf mould or organic material.
To make your own one 'recipe' suggests a mix made up of 50 percent John Innes no. 2, plus equal quantities of horticultural fine grit and leaf mould, or organic material, or fine chopped bark. Other 'recipes' are available from specialists.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.