Scientific Name
Hatiora gaertneri (Regel) Barthlott
Common Name(s)
Easter Cactus, Whitsun Cactus, Holiday Cactus
Synonym(s)
Epiphyllopsis gaertneri, Epiphyllum gaertneri, Epiphyllum russellianum var. gaertneri, Phyllocactus gaertneri, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, Rhipsalis gaertneri, Schlumbergera gaertneri
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Hatiora
Description
Hatiora gaertneri, also known as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri or Schlumbergera gaertneri, is a cactus that grows on trees or, less often, rocks in tropical rainforests. With maturity, it develops into a branching pendant leafless shrub with a woody base. Stems are made up of segments, most of which are flattened. Younger segments are dull green, with small notches on the margins, up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) long and 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
The flowers appear from areoles at the ends of the stems. They are scarlet, funnel-shaped, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and up to 3 inches (7.5 cm) across.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30 °F (−1.1 °C) to 50 °F (+10 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Hatiora grows in the wild in tropical rain forests of southeastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. Although they grow mostly on tree trunks, they are sometimes found growing on rocky ground. In the wild, Hatiora bloom in spring and will sometimes flower twice in one year.
These cacti thrive best in indirect light with exposure to morning and evening sun. They prefer well-drained soil. Cactus or epiphytic compost works well. Hatiora can be propagated easily through cuttings that can root immediately in soil. It likes long nights of about 14 hours. Cover the plant with a paper bag to shut out sunlight. Try not to reposition the plant once flower buds appear, as these could fall off during any movement. It needs a month's rest after flowering, so water sparingly during this period.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hatiora.
Origin
This species is native to southeastern Brazil.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Hatiora
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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