Scientific Name
Rhipsalidopsis rosea (Lagerh.) Britton & Rose
Common Name(s)
Rose Easter Cactus, Easter Cactus, Whitsun Cactus, Pink Star Cactus
Synonym(s)
Hatiora rosea, Rhipsalis rosea, Schlumbergera rosea
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Rhipsalidopsis
Etymology
The specific epithet "rosea" (pronounced "RO-zee-uh") means "pink, rose-colored, rosy" and refers to the color of the flowers of this species.
Origin
Rhipsalidopsis rosea is native to Brazil.
Description
Rhipsalidopsis rosea, also known as Hatiora rosea or Schlumbergera rosea, is a bushy cactus with unique, mostly erect, somewhat arching or pendent, jointed stems. It is an epiphyte but is commonly grown as a foliage plant. The stem segments are flat or 3- to 5-angled with concave sides, reddish becoming dark green with age, and can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. The margins of the segments have 2 or 3 notches.
The flowers are fragrant and borne terminally. They are pink, broadly funnelform, and can reach up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length and nearly equal in diameter.
Rhipsalidopsis rosea resembles Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri but has much smaller joints and flowers.
Hybrids of Rhipsalidopsis rosea
How to Grow and Care for Rhipsalidopsis rosea
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zones 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Hatiora grows in the wild in tropical rainforests of south-eastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. However, they grow mostly on tree trunks, sometimes 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 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. Do not reposition the plant once flower buds appear, as these could fall off during movement. It needs a month's rest after flowering, so water sparingly during this period.
Learn more at How to Grow and Care for Hatiora.
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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