Scientific Name
Schlumbergera lutea Calvente & Zappi
Synonym(s)
Hatiora epiphylloides, Hariota epiphylloides, Pseudozygocactus epiphylloides, Rhipsalis epiphylloides
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Etymology
The specific epithet "lutea" (pronounced "LOO-tee-uh") means "yellow" or "golden yellow" and refers to the color of the flowers of this species.
Origin
Schlumbergera lutea is native to southeast Brazil. It grows as an epiphyte on trees in the montane cloud forests around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.
Description
Schlumbergera lutea, formerly known as Hatiora epiphylloides, is a shrubby cactus with pendent, shortly segmented branches with strongly notched margins. The stem segments can grow up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.4 inches (1 cm) wide. The areoles are very small and spineless.
The solitary flowers are brilliant yellow, funnel-shaped, and appear at the end of the branches in spring.
Subspecies of Schlumbergera lutea
- Schlumbergera lutea subsp. bradei
- Schlumbergera lutea subsp. lutea
How to Grow and Care for Schlumbergera lutea
Hardiness: USDA hardiness zone 10a to 11b: from 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C).
Hatiora grows in the wild in tropical rainforests of southeastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. Although it grows mainly on tree trunks, it is sometimes found on rocky ground. In the wild, Hatiora bloom in spring and will sometimes flower twice in one year.
Hatiora thrives best in indirect light with exposure to morning and evening sun. It prefers well-drained soil. Cactus or epiphytic compost works well. It can be propagated easily through cuttings that can root immediately in soil. Hatiora 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.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Hatiora.
Links
- Back to genus Schlumbergera
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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