Pinch or cut off a few segments on each stem. The Christmas cactus (scientific name Schlumbergera) is a succulent houseplant native to Brazil that produces bell-shaped blooms in shades of red, pink, or white.This tropical plant has a November-to-December bloom time, and it’s also known as holiday cactus. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she’s always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. The categories of Christmas cactus may be known under different names such as Thanksgiving or Easter cactus. See how to take a section of leaf stem and grow new plants. Christmas cactus leaves are smooth with scalloped edges. In a nutshell, the appearance of large woody stems is just that – a sign that yours has achieved old age. To do this, simply find a few healthy green sections at least two segments long, and snip them off with clean pruning shears. Plant it in a good draining succulent potting mix and place it in a warm room (57-72 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives bright light in the winter and high humidity. Fertilizer for Christmas Cactus plants only need applied at a rate of once monthly and only from Spring through Summer so just a few months out of the year. Many of these grow on trees or rocks, resulting in their trailing and long-stemmed nature. This type of cactus is also known as lobster cactus. The Christmas Cactus that you seeing me propagating here and in the video is actually a Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. The genus of Schlumbergera is commonly called as Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Holiday cactus or Crab cactus. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. The entire plant's blooming for the year (not individual flowers) only stays about 5 weeks. To do this, use clean pruning shears to cut between the cladode segments. A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte and keeping it indoors alive requires very different conditions as compared to a desert cactus or other houseplants. Christmas cactus, (hybrid Schlumbergera ×buckleyi), popular cactus of the family Cactaceae that has flattened stems and is grown for its striking cerise flowers, blooming indoors about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere. The Thanksgiving cactus has more-pointed teeth along the edges of the leaves. If the cutting is under the right conditions, where there is little heat and humidity, they could start to root in 48 hours. Star Cactus with white-yellow to pinkish flowers can be used as a beautiful desktop decoration. The Christmas Cactus is named so because it blooms near the Christmas season when the days are much shorter. Unlike Thanksgiving cactus with serrated edges, Christmas cactus flaunts flattened stem segments with rounded margins. They grow in zones 10-12 and outside of that work best as houseplants. There are relatively few natural species of Schlumbergera and the vast array of colors in the many cultivars and hybrids on the market today result primarily from the parentage of a true species, S. truncata and an early hybrid known as S . It was labeled as a CC when I bought it and that’s how it’s commonly sold in the trade. Easter Cactus – When comparing mature ‘Holiday Cacti’ the Easter Cactus will be the smaller of the plants. Aphids, red spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common insect pests. This article aims to guide you through the common types of Christmas cactus bugs and how to be rid of them forever. Growing Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) from cuttings is one of the easiest propagation methods. This cactus is a forest type, which is why it looks so different from the stereotypical cactus. Do not overwater this plant. Christmas Cactus are popular blooming houseplants. Just like a person, when Schlumbergera grows old, there are physical changes. And if you haven’t repotted in many years, the potting medium is likely to be depleted of essential nutrients. On the stem are areoles where hair and flowers emerge. Christmas Cactus – Begins growing upright but as it matures the stems are pendent arching down. Buy this stunning Christmas Cactus from The Stem, London's top rated plant store, sensible prices, free scheduled deliveries in electric vans and 30-day returns S. kautskyi, S. opuntioïdes, S. orssichiana, and S. microsphaerica have rounded stem segments but bear similar flowers. The stems will take root after a few weeks. How to Spot Southern Blight Disease in Amaryllis Plants, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme: A Love Story, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Have Changed: What You Need to Know, How to Collect Hellebore Seeds for Plant Propagation, Growing Plants 101: The Complete Guide to Getting Started, How to Grow Asian Persimmon Trees (Diospyros kaki). In fact, these epiphytic succulents are native to the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil, where they grow on tree branches and soak up the high humidity, dappled sunlight, and warm temperatures. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. Prune after blooming for the best shape. Give your Christmas cactus 6 weeks of extra darkness and lower temps to encourage blooming. Although the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) may initially look the same as its parent plant, the Thanksgiving cactus, the shapes of their stem segments tell the main difference. Christmas cactus is a striking plant with bright pink or red blooms that add some festive color around the winter holidays. Pruning your cactus after blooming will encourage it to branch out. Instead, they have fleshy green segments called cladodes that join together to form stems. If you purchase a plant that is labeled Christmas Cactus it is very likely not S. x buckleyi. The whole stem makes a bit of a Y shape. Like most plants, the Christmas Cactus does best with a little help in the nutritional department in the form of cactus fertilizers. That means, watering Christmas Cactus can be … They have elongated segments with rounded ends or very small tips on each stem segment end. Schlumbergera plants favor tight living quarters, so roots that are somewhat snug in the pot are not usually a problem. There are about 6-9 species of Christmas cactus that belong to the family Cactaceae. Pamper it in its golden years. Do a deep pruning if necessary, cutting affected stems right back to where the brown woody part begins. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Reduced flowering or dropping of flower buds can be from inadequate dark hours (at least 13 uninterrupted hours), sudden temperature, moisture, or light changes. It’s hard to ignore the beauty of this petite flowering cactus type. The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. It easily propagates through stem cuttings. The Thanksgiving Cactus is timed to flower in November/December whereas it’s December/January for the Christmas Cactus. With proper care, this cactus can also bloom in the fall and spring. Buds form on the terminal end of the stem. If the damage is extensive, don’t worry, because Schlumbergera are easy to propagate from soft cuttings. Easter cactus, which has buds in February and blooms around Easter. Christmas cactus is relatively easy to grow, so if you notice Christmas cactus leaves dropping off, you’re justifiably mystified and concerned about the health of your plant. It is commonly called Christmas cactus because it blooms during the holidays. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. See our TOS for more details. Their list includes Basal stem rot, botrytis blight, impatiens necrotic spot virus, phytophthora root rot, … Each cut segment will soon sprout new growth for a rejuvenated appearance, and better nutrient uptake. The stems (leaf-like pads) of the Christmas cactus are smaller with more rounded and smooth edges. Roots that are tightly tangled can’t take up nutrients efficiently. During the Fall season when you move your cactus to a dark spot, refrain from watering regularly; the cactus requires little-to-no water during this 4-week period. Cacti have a variety of uses: many species are used as ornamental plants, others are grown for fodder or forage, and others for food (particularly their fruit). A plant in this genus would commonly be called Christmas cactus and, occasionally, Thanksgiving cactus. Cactus plants are desert plants, meaning they grow in arid conditions. This article zeroes in on one particular characteristic: woody stems. Going back to cutting, first, you have to choose a healthy stem where the cutting would be taken. See stem section. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) Schlumbergera truncata and S. × buckleyi are the two species of epiphytic cacti that are both commonly known as Christmas cactus.So called because they flower from late November to late January, they give a wonderful Christmas display or are an ideal Christmas gift. Christmas cacti don’t have leaves. Penn State University Extension experts provide a handy fact sheet that outlines the plant diseases that most often affect Christmas Cacti. All are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and have the same environmental needs and diseases. Technically, this plant does not have true leaves. Ironic, isn’t it? Two issues that may arise are: a rootbound pot and splitting stems. This plant comes from the mountains of Brazil, and, unlike the typical desert cactus, it grows in a cascading shape. A broken stem roots best if it has at least three to five jointed segments. Today I will show you how to propagate your Christmas Cactus!! Remove a few sections of each stem by pinching them off with your fingers or cutting with a sharp knife. Stem rot – Basal stem rot, which generally develops in cool, damp soil, is easily recognized by the formation of a brown, water-soaked spot at the base of the stem. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! They have elongated segments with rounded ends or very small tips on each stem segment end. Periodically, they may bloom at other times of the year too. N.C. Another way to root a Christmas cactus is by getting a Y-shaped stem segment and letting it sit in a cool and dry place for about three to four days. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Here is more about what we do. The answer is no. Its leaves are more bristled. Another issue with an older plant that has grown quite large is the potential for it to break apart. Most of the plants sold in stores today are hybrids of S. russelliana and S. truncata. With proper care, a plant may become … It is also known by many other common names and is sometimes confused with the true Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi). Christmas cactus blooms around Christmas and has smaller leaves with smooth edges. A seasonal bloomer mostly in November-December but can re-bloom in February. However, if yours has grown to huge proportions, there could be problems. The nice thing about it: It is not only easy to care for and frugal, but is also super easy to … Five diseases commonly infect Christmas Cactus. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has … The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of three holiday cacti grown in homes. 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