Schlumbergera
Christmas cactus, Orchid cactus
Also known as Zygocactus
- Height × spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m × 0.6m – 0.6m
- Position
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
A popular flowering houseplant, valued for its festive display of coloured blooms in winter. The foliage is dark green and fleshy. As it grows the stems become segmented, arching over the sides of the pot like a fountain. At the end of each stem, waxy blooms appear in bright red, pink or white. It grows to a height/spread of 30cm x 60cm. Easy to grow and a great gift idea for Christmas.
- Flower colour
- Pink, White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Weeping
- Height
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Spread
- 0.6m – 0.6m
- Season of interest
- Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Tolerates full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- Acid (ericaceous), Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil
- Hardiness
- Frost free greenhouse 1C & above (RHS H2)
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- bright spot, no direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- 13C minimum temperature
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with high potash feed twice
Use a houseplant fertiliser that is high in potassium several times while the plant is in flower.
Where fertiliser values are listed on a packet they are in order - nitrogen, phosphate, potassium with percentage values of each. For high potassium choose a fertiliser where potash is higher.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water regularly during growth
Water regularly while in growth.
Adopt a regime that means the plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Indoor temperature · Planting
13C minimum temperature
This plant requires a minimum temperature of 13 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 a bright spot, no direct sun
Give this a bright position away from the direct sun, especially direct sun at the height of the day. (Direct sunshine is too hot and can burn the leaves.) Move the plant to a brighter position in the room during winter and early spring.