Schlumbergera truncata Hybrid Plants - Live Succulent Plants

Schlumbergera truncata Hybrid  Plants

Common Names: Thanksgiving Cactus, Holiday Cactus or Crab Cactus

Schlumbergera truncata is a popular, winter-flowering houseplant native to Brazil, available in a wide variety of colors including red, purple, oranges, pinks and creams. In its native environment, these cacti grow on rocks or in trees where hummingbirds pollinate the flowers. The stems are segmented, flattened to round in cross-section, with weak or no spines. The stems are graceful and arching and are an easy-care plant for most homes. It is also commonly called the holiday or crab cactus. It grows best in light shade. Full sunlight is beneficial in midwinter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow. Ideal growth occurs at temperatures between 21°C and 27°C during its growing season. Do not let temperatures rise above 33°C once the flower buds are set in autumn. Continuous warm temperatures can cause flower buds to drop. The secret of good flower bud production involves temperature and dark control. For best flowering provide 1) Bright light, 2) Night temperatures between 13° and 18°C, and 3) Long nights – thirteen hours or more of continuous darkness each day is required before flowering will occur. Long nights should be started about the beginning of autumn and continued for eight weeks. Water the growing medium when it is dry to the touch. Schlumbergera truncata is tolerant of dry, slightly under-watered conditions. Do not let the soil become waterlogged, especially during the dark days of winter. Do not let the soil dry out either. Reduce watering from autumn through spring. Fertilize plants monthly from the time new growth starts in late winter or early spring, and throughout the summer using a one-quarter strength soluble fertilizer. Reduce fertilizer during autumn and early winter. Schlumbergera truncata flowers best when kept somewhat potbound. Repotting is necessary only about once in three years. The potting media must be well-drained with good aeration, because the plant does not grow well in heavy, wet mixes. A good mix may contain one part potting soil, two parts peat moss and one part sharp sand or perlite.