Xela's Garden

Easter Cactus

Species: Hatiora gaertneri - formerly Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)..

The easter cactus is a very attractive plant with colorful blooms and long lasting. Some varieties of these cacti can have more than 50 flowers. There are a widely range of colors, from pink to red. There is a variety of white color. The easter cactus has rose petals. Deep pink throat. Pink filaments and yellow anthers.

The Easter cactus and the other relatives are known as jungle cacti. This is because; originally they were growing in the trees of the jungles. Normally this cactus specie doesn’t begin to drag until it is a foot in height. It is a carefree plant. Depending on the time of the year needs more or less care. cactus easter

When the time of freeze has passed it can be put outdoor for the summer. It likes shade and normally is hang in a tree. In autumn it muss be brought indoors. From October until February The plant has period of rest. During this period it prefers a cool place and the soil should be allowed to dry between watering.

In February the plant begins to boom. To help this activity, keep in cool and relatively dry. When the plant has buds it ca be moved to a warmer place. When it has flowers it mustn’t be over watering. This affects the flowering. It flowers normally form April through May. During this period it should be kept in a warmer room.

The Easter cactus can survive for shorts periods in low light indoors. It will be burned if there is too much sun.To grow own Easter cactus it has to be taken cuttings and break some of segments and allow them to dry fro 24 hours before planting them.

Photos of this plant

Reminders for this plant