Scientific Name
Schlumbergera lutea subsp. bradei (Porto & A.Cast.) Calvente & Zappi
Synonym(s)
Hariota epiphylloides f. bradei, Hariota epiphylloides var. bradei, Hatiora epiphylloides subsp. bradei, Hatiora epiphylloides f. bradei, Pseudozygocactus bradei, Pseudozygocactus epiphylloides subsp. bradei, Pseudozygocactus epiphylloides var. bradei, Rhipsalis epiphylloides var. bradei
Scientific Classification
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Etymology
The subspecific epithet "bradei" (pronounced "BRAD-ee-eye") honors Alexander Curt Brade🡕 (1881-1971), a German botanist who specialized in the study of the orchids and ferns of Brazil and Costa Rica.
Origin
Schlumbergera lutea subsp. bradei is native to Brazil. It grows as an epiphyte in the Atlantic forests from eastern São Paulo to southwestern Rio de Janeiro at elevations above 3,280 feet (1,000 m).
Description
Schlumbergera lutea subsp. bradei, formerly known as Hatiora epiphylloides subsp. bradei, is a shrubby cactus with pendent, short-segmented branches. It tends to have narrower, more elongated stem segments than Schlumbergera lutea subsp. lutea, which has fewer lateral areoles and somewhat larger flowers.
The solitary flowers are brilliant yellow, funnel-shaped, and appear at the end of the branches in spring.
How to Grow and Care for Schlumbergera lutea subsp. bradei
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. Although they grow mostly on tree trunks, they sometimes grow 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 exposure. 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 Schlumbergera
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus
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