Schlumbergera russelliana
TAXONOMY
FamilyCactaceae
GenusSchlumbergera
Zone10
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Schlumbergera russelliana, commonly known as the Christmas Cactus, is a succulent epiphyte native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. It thrives in wet tropical climates and is known for its beautiful, tubular flowers that bloom around the holiday season. This plant has a dormancy period of about two months, typically after its blooming season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Christmas Cactus
Crab Cactus
Easter Cactus
Holiday Cactus
Shrimp Cactus
Spring Cactus
Thanksgiving Cactus
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterWet
SoilLoamy
LightIndirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature20° C
Humidity70%
Dormancy2 Months
pH5.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
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DETAILS
Care Instructions
To care for Schlumbergera russelliana, provide it with bright, indirect light and maintain moderate temperatures. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and ensure high humidity levels. This plant can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it prefers a stable environment with consistent care.Soil
Schlumbergera russelliana prefers a well-draining loam soil mix. A mix designed for cacti and succulents with added organic matter works well. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
Use a balanced fertilizer with a nutrient composition of 10-10-10. Fertilize monthly during the growing season, but reduce feeding during the plant's dormancy period.Repotting
Repot Schlumbergera russelliana every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage. Repot in the spring after the blooming period, being careful with the roots.Propagation
Propagate Schlumbergera russelliana through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer, allow them to callous for a few days, and then plant them in a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light.Pruning
Prune Schlumbergera russelliana after the blooming period to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Remove any dead or damaged segments and trim back leggy growth.Toxicity
Schlumbergera russelliana is non-toxic to pets and humans. However, it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets and children to avoid any accidental ingestion.Additional
To encourage blooming, provide a period of cooler temperatures and reduced watering in the fall. This mimics the plant's natural environment and helps trigger the flowering process.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
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