Christmas cactus, or hybrid Schlumbergera buckleyi, is a well-known cactus in the Cactaceae family that is grown for its eye-catching cerise flowers, which bloom inside around the time of Christmas in the Northern Hemisphere. The majority of Christmas cacti that are currently grown are thought to be hybrids between S. russelliana and the Thanksgiving, or crab, cactus (Schlumbergera truncata, originally Epiphyllum truncatum). It is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in rainforests, primarily on trees or bushes but also in shaded areas among rocks. It is a member of the Schlumbergera genus. Zygocactus, the alternate name for the genus, is commonly used.
The Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus are sometimes confused, although the former has crenated (rounded) stem joint margins, and the latter has strongly saw-toothed stem joint margins. Thanksgiving cacti are frequently mistakenly marketed as Christmas cacti since they bloom in the late fall.
Do Christmas cacti naturally occur?
In Brazil’s rain forests, the Christmas cactus and other holiday cacti (Schlumbergera spp.) grow naturally. This epiphytea plant, a type of tropical cactus, gets its water and nutrients from the air rather than the soil. It takes root in rock cracks or on tree detritus in its natural habitat. Like any true cactus, it is a succulent and retains moisture in its limbs that resemble leaves. The proper ratio of soil moisture, humidity, and air is necessary for healthy roots.
Where did Christmas cactus come from?
The origin of the Christmas cactus is entrenched in hot, tropical climates in Brazil, which heightens the mystery. Christmas cacti are a member of the Schlumbergera family and get their name from the season in which they bloom in the Northern Hemisphere. They bloom in their native area from April to May, hence the popular name is meaningless. Because of their clawed limbs, they are known as crab cactus in Europe.
The primary Schlumbergera species number six. Several of these have the label “holiday cacti in commercial manufacture.” These are forced to bloom between September and February and are then sold as gift plants during Thanksgiving and Christmas, hence earning the names Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus. The name of the genus is a tribute to French botanist and exotic plant collector Frederic Schlumberger. Allen Cunningham found the group of holiday cacti in the early 1800s, and by the 1900s, there were a number of hybrids.
These were included in Christian holiday customs since Thanksgiving and Christmas fell during their blossoming seasons.
What makes Christmas cactus unique?
A Christmas cactus is a truly one-of-a-kind gift, despite the fact that you might get many other things this holiday season. Although it is a fairly typical indoor plant that usually blooms at the end of December, it is lovely all year round. There are many things to like about it, and it comes in many different hues. These ten Christmas cacti facts will make you adore this gift even more, as part of that gratitude.
1. Despite being dubbed a cactus, it thrives in frigid climates.
The Purdue University Extension Service advises keeping Christmas cacti away from heat sources. When exposed to only cool temperatures, the cactus is said to bloom for a longer period of time. For optimal results, keep the cactus away from heaters and stoves and set it in a cool location. You ought to refrain from making many drafts. The blossoms could wither before they open if the temperature changes too quickly. The temperature need to be 68F at its ideal level.
2. The Christmas cacti require light to blossom.
To preserve the flowers for as long as possible, the Purdue University Extension advises placing the plant in a sunny area of the house. If you must transfer the plant outside in the summer, do it in a somewhat shaded area to prevent sunburning the leaves.
3. Brazil is where the Christmas cacti are from.
This particular plant is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on top of other plants. According to Clemson University Cooperative Extension, you can locate them in the Brazilian rain forest, snuggled amid the tree limbs. Since they are tropical plants, they prefer humid conditions.
4. According to horticulture experts, Christmas cacti should be placed in a room that is kept dark at night in the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. If the plants receive 14 hours or more of daily uninterrupted darkness, the flower buds will open. Once the flowers are in bloom, you can have nighttime lighting.
5. Unlike the poinsettia, which most people are aware is hazardous to pets, Christmas cacti are not toxic to animals. But your pet shouldn’t experience any harm from ingesting a Christmas cactus, according to the ASPCA.
6. A Christmas cactus has a 30-year lifespan.
The Christmas cacti may survive anywhere between 20 and 30 years if you take good care of it, according to the ancient Farmer’s Almanac. Long evenings beginning at the start of October cause the cactus to bloom every year. Additionally, it would profit from colder nighttime temperatures.
7. Daily mist the cacti, but don’t overwater them.
Before watering a Christmas cactus, a horticulture from the Oregon State University Extension Service advises waiting until the soil is dry to the touch. According to Walter Reeves, the Georgia Gardener, a horticulture expert and radio personality, you should water the cactus leaves every day to maintain the ideal humidity level.
8. Other issues with Christmas cacti include fungus gnats, flower thrips, and root mealybugs. Overwatering is just one of these issues. Additionally, you should think about preventative measures, such as getting rid of contaminated plants to handle any potential issues. Pesticides may also be available from commercial growers, but it can be difficult for home gardeners to obtain them.
9. A Christmas Cactus Can Be Affected by 5 Diseases
There is a fact sheet about the most prevalent ailments that affect Christmas cacti that is available from Penn State University Extension. Their list includes phytophthora root rot, pythium root rot, impatiens necrotic spot virus, basal stem rot, and botrytis blight.
10. Watch out for phony Christmas cacti, according to the U-Mass Extension Service: “Most commercial cultivars of holiday cacti are actually Schlumbergera truncata, also referred to as Zygocactus or Thanksgiving cactus. Schlumbergera truncata and Schlumbergera russelliana interspecifically hybridized to produce the true Christmas cactus, which first appeared in England about 150 years ago. Although it is a typical houseplant, commercial cultivation is uncommon. The unknown