Scientific Name
Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (Regel) Linding.
Common Name(s)
Easter Cactus, Whitsun Cactus, Holiday Cactus
Synonym(s)
Epiphyllopsis gaertneri, Epiphyllum gaertneri, Epiphyllum russellianum var. gaertneri, Hatiora gaertneri, Phyllocactus gaertneri, Rhipsalis gaertneri, Schlumbergera gaertneri
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Rhipsalidopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "gaertneri" (pronounced "gert-NER-ee") honors one or more members of the Gaertner family, who were early settlers in Brazil, where this species is native.
Origin
Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri is native to southeastern Brazil. It grows on trees or, less often, rocks in tropical rainforests.
Description
Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, also known as Hatiora gaertneri or Schlumbergera gaertneri, is a beautiful cactus that, with maturity, develops into a branching, pendant, leafless shrub with a woody base. The stems are composed of segments, most of which are flattened. Younger segments are dull green, with small notches on the margins, measuring up to 2.8 inches (7 cm) in length and 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width.
The flowers appear from the areoles at the ends of the stems. They are scarlet, funnel-shaped, and can reach a length of 2 inches (5 cm) and a diameter of 3 inches (7.5 cm).
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 rainforests of southeastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. Although they primarily grow on tree trunks, they are occasionally 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 easily propagated through cuttings that 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.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Rhipsalidopsis
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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