Thanksgiving, Easter, and Christmas Cactus In the coastal mountains of southeast Brazil, there is a small genus of cactus called Schlumbergera that has 6–9 species of cacti.
In settings that are often dark and humid, plants grow on trees or rocks and might look very different from their desert-dwelling relatives.
Charles Lemaire founded the current genus Schlumbergera in 1858. The name honors Frdric Schlumberger, a Normandy chateau owner who amassed a collection of cacti.
Only one species, a plant identified in Brazil in 1837 and given the name Epiphyllum russellianum by William J. Hooker, was included in Lemaire’s new genus. Schlumbergera epiphylloides is the name Lemaire gave it (under the current rules of botanical nomenclature it should have been called Schlumbergera russelliana, which is its current name).
Lemaire recognized that his Schlumbergera epiphylloides was similar to a species that Adrian Hardy Haworth initially described as Epiphyllum truncatum in 1819, but he did not agree that the two species were in the same genus.
By incorporating Epiphyllum truncatum into Zygocactus truncatus, Karl Moritz Schumann established the new genus Zygocactus in 1890.
Zygocactus was later abandoned by him, and he later moved it back into Epiphyllum, but the generic name remained popular.
Lemaire’s practice of retaining Schlumbergera russelliana and Zygocactus truncatus in different genera was followed in 1913 by Nathaniel Britton and Joseph Rose.
Additionally, they added the Easter cactus as S. gaertneri to Schlumbergera, causing a long-lasting misunderstanding between these two genera.
Schlumbergera russelliana and Zygocactus truncatus were both included in the genus Schlumbergera by Reid Venable Moran in 1953. David Hunt later added more species, including those originally included in Epiphyllanthus, to create the current total of six distinct species plus a few hybrids.
The majority of Schlumbergera species have areoles at the joints and tips of their stems, which produce flowers that resemble leaf-like pads united together.
Two species resemble other cacti more with their cylindrical stems. Three species of the allied genus Hatiora were placed into Schlumbergera as a result of recent phylogenetic analyses utilizing DNA, albeit this modification has not yet been widely accepted.
Hatiora and Schlumbergera have long been confused. Species in the first genus often have zygomorphic tubular flowers, whereas those in the second genus have actinomorphic blooms with discrete tubes.
The three species of the Hatiora subgenus Rhipsalidopsis have been placed into Schlumbergera, according to DNA evidence, albeit this shift has not yet been widely accepted. The two genera are not monophyletic.
These cacti’s common names typically allude to when they bloom. They go by the names Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus, and holiday cactus in the Northern Hemisphere. Because they bloom throughout May in the Southern Hemisphere, the genus is known as Flor de Maio (Mayflower) in Brazil.
Growing Schlumbergera
The Schlumbergera species can develop substantial shrubs with woody bases in the wild, growing either on trees (epiphytic) or on rocks (epilithic); a height of up to 4 ft has been documented for one species (S. opuntioides). They lack leaves, and their green stems serve as their photosynthesis organs. The segments that make up the stems can be classified into one of two types.
The segments in the majority of species are highly flattened (cladodes), consisting of a central core with two or, less frequently, three side segments “wings.
special cacti-specific features known as “Areoles then appear at the tips of the stem segments. Two species have stems that are less flattened, more cylinder-shaped, and have areoles that are distributed across the segments in a roughly helical pattern.
The flower buds develop in both situations in the areoles, which may include wool and tiny bristles.
Blooming Schlumbergera
The blooms are hung more or less horizontally, with the top side of the flower being different from the lower side, which is radially asymmetrical or zygomorphic, or they hang downward and are almost radially symmetrical, as in most species.
In addition, they are cyclical and only bloom in the fall, winter, or spring, hence the moniker “holiday cactus.”
Easter Cactus blooms in the spring, Thanksgiving Cactus blooms in the fall, and Christmas Cactus blooms around Christmas.
The angle of the flowers with the horizontal in species where the flowers are held up is typically quite constant. There are 2030 flowers. The outer tepals, which are shorter and disconnected, are those found closest to the flower’s base. Tepals may spread wide or may curl backward.
The longer inner tepals that are located closer to the flower’s tip gradually become fused together at the base to form a floral tube.
The distinction between the outer and inner tepals in some species gives the illusion of a “a flower inside of another. At the bottom of the floral tube, in a chamber, the flowers create nectar.
Despite being called a cactus, this plant (Schlumbergera bridesii or Schlumbergera truncata) actually has tropical origins and is a succulent. The Christmas cactus must adhere to a relatively rigid schedule in the fall in order to bloom throughout the holiday season, just like the poinsettia. The plant needs extended darkness for at least four weeks before flower buds may grow for Christmas blossoms.
Place the plant in a dark area or keep it covered (under a box or bag works good) for at least 12 hours each day in late September or early October. The light/dark cycle can end once the little buds start to develop, which usually takes three to four weeks.
Move the plant to its new location as the buds expand “avoiding sudden changes in temperature or illumination in the display area. While blossoming and budding, keep watering and feeding the plant.
When the top inch of the soil around your Schlumbergera cactus feels dry, water it. Consider the weather and time of year at all times. You might need to water your cactus every two to three days if it’s outdoors in a hot, dry region, especially if the plant has been exposed to the sun. The cactus may only require watering once each week if you maintain it indoors in a cool, humid environment. In order to encourage blossoming, water less frequently in the fall and winter.
Like other cactus species, the Schlumbergera cactus has a problem with over-watering. In addition to causing leaves to fall, overwatering can result in fungal rot illnesses like white rot. The white patches on the leaves of plants with white rot disease are easily identified.
Schlumbergera cactus cannot tolerate as much under-watering as other cactus species because it is a tropical, not a desert, cactus. A Schlumbergera cactus will wilt and lose its flower buds if it doesn’t get enough water. A Schlumbergera cactus cannot endure completely dry soil, unlike a desert cactus. Avoid overhead irrigation to prevent fungus issues.
Temperature and Humidity
Humidity promotes the Schlumbergera cactus’ greatest growth. For gardeners who live in dry climates or whose homes have dry indoor air, this is especially crucial. Placing a tray of water close to your plant is the simplest approach to provide humidity. The humidity is provided by the water evaporating into the air. Another method is to fill a dish with pebbles and water before putting the potted plant inside. Using a spray bottle to mist your cactus can also add humidity.
Bright, filtered sunshine is preferred for Schlumbergera cacti. Protect them from exposure to the southern or western sun if you’re growing them indoors.
They thrive in warm weather, between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and create buds in the evening when it’s between 50 and 55 degrees.
Try to maintain evening temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees throughout the winter. Schlumbergera cactus should not be placed near drafts or hot air sources, such as fireplaces or heating vents.
When springtime fragile growth first develops, fertilize. Every two to three weeks, up to a month before the first blossoms are anticipated to develop, give your houseplants a liquid fertilizer.
Problems With Schlumbergera
Don’t subject the Schlumbergera cactus to drastic environmental changes because they can cause bud drop. Ensure they are not near drafts or heat sources (vents, fireplaces, or televisions). Don’t let the plants go too long without water.
Use a well-drained potting medium and water only when the potting medium starts to dry out because excessive moisture in the soil can cause the stems and roots to rot.
If you want your Schlumbergera cactus to bloom over the holiday season, make sure to keep it away from artificial light at night from October through December.
Is It Poisonous?
Schlumbergera cactus fruits are not thought to be edible by humans, yet in the wild, birds would consume them and disperse the seeds. They are not classified as poisonous, though, and they are not on the list of poisonous plants.
There have been stories of dogs throwing up after eating a Christmas cactus, although in each instance the canines could have been ill for other reasons.
The majority of explanations include the dog having consumed something else while misbehaving, such as food or liquid. Just to be clear, tortoises have consumed this plant without any problems on our property.
Are Christmas cacti edible to people?
The Christmas cactus is it toxic? Humans, cats, and dogs are not poisoned by the Christmas cactus. That is not to mean, however, that you should go feeding your dog cactus leaves for Christmas. The fibrous plant matter of the cactus can produce large amounts of diarrhoea and vomiting.
Which cactus fruit cannot be consumed?
Cacti are fleshy and appear to be suitable as vegetables. It’s crucial to understand that there are edible and deadly cacti varieties before you start eating them.
All authentic cactus fruit is safe to consume. After the spines are removed, some varieties of cactus, including cholla, dragon fruit, and prickly pear, can be used as vegetables. Other cactus species, such as peyote, Bolivian, and San Pedro, are poisonous and should not be consumed.
Cacti of many types are frequently planted as indoor and outdoor ornamental plants. Check to see if the cactus variety is poisonous or suitable for people or pets to eat before choosing it for your garden.
Are the fruits of cacti edible?
The fruits of a real cactus are apparently all edible, but many require special preparation or even cooking. The flavors range from bland, fruity, and sweet to harsh and intolerable. Native people who lived in cactus ranges had to learn which plants were edible and which should be left alone.
For thousands of years, food has been produced from the leaves of succulent plants like the agave. In addition to being rich in essential moisture, the leaves can be roasted for a number of uses. These kinds of plant-based food sources were combined by the natives with farming and hunting to form a well-rounded diet.
The Christmas cactus has fruit.
- When the Christmas cactus flower is pollinated, it will develop a blueberry-like fruit that is packed with tiny black seeds that you may plant to create more plants. The berries will remain on the plant for an entire year; you can either pick them off whenever you like or wait for them to fall off. Planting Christmas cactus seeds soon after harvest will maximize germination. When the daytime temperature is consistently between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the fall, plant them in a bright area.
Are Christmas berries edible?
Even though the Christmas berry’s berries are edible, it is more frequently planted for decorative purposes. Toxic chemicals must be released from the berries during cooking.
Are there any cactus fruits that are lethal?
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Contrary to what the majority of people believe, almost all cactus fruits are edible and packed with beneficial minerals. The pads of the plants, for example, are also tasty. This wild fruit is sweet and healthful, just like any other fruit. But if you’ve never tried the fruit, you might be wondering whether it’s actually safe to eat. We’ve got you covered, so don’t worry.
Therefore, is cactus fruit toxic? No. Cactus fruits come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but none of them are poisonous. Eaten cactus fruits are all safe. The sole distinction between the fruits of various cacti species is that some are sourer and more bitter than others. All of them, though, are edible and safe to eat. The Opuntia genus produces a sizable portion of the edible cactus fruits.
Continue reading to learn more about cacti fruits and some of the most popular varieties. So let’s get started straight away.
Can you get sick by eating cactus?
You may have heard that if you ever become stranded and dehydrated in the desert, a cactus may provide you with water. Although it seems like a good survival tip to keep on hand, is it really that simple? It transpires that a cactus is not essentially a freshwater basin covered in spines. In a dry environment full of thirsty creatures, such a plant would not survive for very long. In addition to their frightening spines, most cactus species further guard their spongy flesh with acids and powerful alkaloids since water is a very valuable resource in a desert. Most people find these substances to be too bitter to tolerate, and ingesting them puts a strain on the kidneys. Some cactus species’ meat can also result in temporary paralysis, vomiting, and diarrhea—none of which are helpful for your survival in a crisis. The prickly pear and one species of barrel cactus, the fishhook barrel, stand out as prominent outliers to this norm (Ferocactus wislizeni). While both of these plants are fairly unpleasant to consume raw, they contain fewer harmful compounds and could provide some hydration in an emergency. Better options include cactus fruits, however many are unpleasant to eat raw.
*Of course, all of this assumes that you are stranded in a desert in the New World with real cacti. Members of the Euphorbiaceae family, which resemble cactus plants, are poisonous and can be found in the deserts of Madagascar and southern Africa. If this plant’s milky sap gets in your eyes, it can permanently blind you and burn your skin and mucous membranes. Do not attempt to consume those.
Wag Brigade, a group of therapy dogs, is on hand at San Francisco International Airport to soothe anxious travelers. LiLou, a therapy pig, has joined the group of comfort dogs.