Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncate, and Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesti, are November and December flowering houseplants in North America. In the mountains of their native home, Brazil, these cacti are found sprouting in the forks of rain-forest trees in May. Hence, the Brazilian name Flor de Maio or Flower of May.
The succulent, S. truncate, was brought to Europe in 1818 by cactus collector, Frederic Schlumberger. Before long, it became popular for conservatories in England and was crossed with other varieties. However, during the two world wars commercial growers concentrated on food production and the cactus nearly vanished. Yet, someone's older relative always seemed to have a Schlumbergera in the parlor, and it spread, via cuttings, hand to hand.
CARE: The holiday cacti grow best in indirect light and when slightly root bound in a potting soil and perlite mix. The potting medium must be well-drained with good aeration. The succulent is tolerant of dry, slightly under-watered conditions during the spring and summer, but do not let the soil completely dry. However, following bud set in the fall the growing medium must be kept evenly moist to prevent flower bud abscission. Fertilize during the late winter months and throughout the summer using a 1/2 strength soluble fertilizer, such as 20-10-20 or 20-20-20. The plants have a higher requirement for magnesium than many plants. Stop fertilization during the late summer for greater flower bud production in the fall. Holiday cacti are a "long-day, short-day" plant setting buds when daylight diminishes in the fall. For setting buds, the light schedule for the cacti is bright but indirect light followed by fourteen hours or more of darkness starting about the middle of September and continuing for at least 6 weeks. Fall growing temperatures should be kept between 60-68 degrees. Spring and summer temperatures should remain at 70-80 degrees. The best growing conditions for the cacti should replicate their native site as much as possible. The major disease is root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding excessive watering. Insects and related pests include mealybugs, soft brown scale, red spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats.
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The Schlumbergera are available in a wide variety of colors including red, rose, purple, lavender, peach, orange, cream and white. Their pendulous stems make them a great choice for hanging baskets. The holiday cactus is available locally at Wickman Gardens and elsewhere in Springfield.
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PROPAGATION: Once the Christmas cactus has finished flowering, take cuttings that are about 5" long and have several branches. Allow the cut to dry before potting. Use a soil mix with some organic matter, but drains quickly. Put 2-3 cuttings in a small clay pot. Place the pot in bright, indirect light, and keep the soil moist. The cuttings should root in several months. Because the plant does well when potbound, it may remain there till you are ready to move to a larger pot. Note: You can also divide the plant if you do not want to root a new one. Gently separate several leaf stems from the mother plant, keepng the roots intact. Reset into a new pot and you'll have a plant.
Source: Clemson Cooperative Extension. Home and Garden Information Center Publication HGIC 1554, Thanksgiving and Christmas Cacti. Southern Living Magazine, December 2002, Christmas Cactus.
Posted: 12/9/2013