Cultivation

Since both Schlumbergera and Rhipsalidopsis grow epiphytically cultivation in hanging pots is recommended. The substrate should be porous so that no standing moisture develops. A mixture of humous cactus soil and a fine orchid substrate has proved to be a good solution. Substrates with 50% and more of mineral components (pumice, perlite and vermiculite) can also be used. The cultivation on the outer surface of unglazed hollow clay cylinders, filled with water, has been proved to be useful because this provides a constant slight humidity. It furthermore decreases the temperature around the roots by evaporation, which is favorable for growth particularly at elevated outside temperatures.

However, it is very important that the plants are not exposed to intense sun and receive sufficient fresh air. Cultivation in a hot and dry greenhouse usually leads to the rapid death of the plants. Especially vulnerable are Schlumbergera lutea, S. microsphaerica, S. opuntioides, and S. russelliana. These tolerate temperatures above 28 °C (82 °F) for only short periods of time. It is therefore recommended to cultivate these species possibly grafted on e.g. Selenicereus. Even in winter, all taxa need watering albeit in reduced amounts.

In Brazil Schlumbergera truncata and their hybrids are called “Flor de Maio” (flowering in May) because of their flowering time in the early Brazilian winter.

The S. × buckleyi hybrids (S. truncata × S. russelliana in both directions) are typically called Christmas Cacti in Europe and the S. truncata varieties are usually called Thanksgiving Cacti in the U.S.A.

Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri flowers in the northern hemisphere in April/May, which led to the name Easter Cactus.