Schlumbergera
Christmas cactus
A genus of bushy, evergreen, epiphytic perennial cacti with arched or trailing thick, green, toothed and segmented stems and trumpet-shaped red, white, pink or purple flowers which appear from November to January. Image shows Schlumbergera truncata
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green | Red White Pink Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy, Trailing
- Genus
Schlumbergera are bushy epiphytic perennials with arching stems formed of flattened segments, and trumpet-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained compost in bright light but avoid direct sunlight and maintain a minimum temperature of 10°C. See Schlumbergera cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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