Hatiora
Easter cactus
Also known as Rhipsalidopsis
- Height × spread
- 0.5m – 0.5m × 0.5m – 0.5m
- Position
- Part shade
- Hardiness
- Heated greenhouse 10C & above (RHS H1b)
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are five species in this genus and they come from Brazil and other South American countries. It is hard to visually distinguish between them as they all have flattened leaf segments and showy flowers in a range of colours. In some cases the flowers are followed by noticeable fruits. Hatiora herminiae is a plant that grows in cloud forests at altitude, the other forms are happier in dryer conditions. Two species are popularly called the Easter cactus - Hatiora rosea, Hatiora gaertneri and a hybrid between them called Hatiora x graeseri - the name indicates the period when they are likely to flower. These are very similar to Schlumbergera forms that flower at Christmas.
- Flower colour
- Pink, Red, Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Weeping
- Height
- 0.5m – 0.5m
- Spread
- 0.5m – 0.5m
- Season of interest
- 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)
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- 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.