description Christmas Cactus Overview
Christmas cactus is a common name for cultivated Schlumbergera plants, especially forms associated with Schlumbergera × buckleyi and related hybrids from Brazilian forest cacti. It is an epiphytic cactus with flattened, jointed stem segments and pendent flowers that appear in late autumn or winter, often in pink, red, white, or purple. It is grown as an indoor ornamental and is propagated from stem segments.
help Christmas Cactus FAQ
Why is Schlumbergera called Christmas cactus?
Cultivated Schlumbergera plants are called Christmas cactus because related hybrids can flower around the Christmas season. The exact flowering time depends on the plant and growing conditions.
Is Christmas cactus a desert cactus?
Christmas cactus is an epiphytic cactus from Brazilian forest-cactus lineages, not a typical desert cactus. It has flattened, jointed stem segments and pendent flowers.
What do Christmas cactus stems look like?
The stems are made of flattened, linked segments rather than tall cylindrical columns. These segments often hang or trail as the plant grows.
Which plants are associated with Christmas cactus?
The name is especially associated with Schlumbergera × buckleyi and related hybrids. These cultivated plants belong to a group of Brazilian forest cacti.
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