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Some flowers of Schlumbergera are actinomorphic, that is, their floral parts radiate out from the centre of the bloom equally in all directions. Other species have flowers that are zygomorphic; these are irregular in shape, but with bilateral symmetry, one side being the mirror-image of the other side. A diurnal flowering genus. The flowering time is triggered by cooler temperatures, and shorter day lengths. This makes them very attractive in winter when few other plants are in bloom.
A problem with bud, and flower drop often occurs when the plants are moved. This is due to the light difference, and can be overcome by placing the plants in the open air in summer, or in a cool, shady position. Because they have arching branches, and colourful flowers, they look attractive with tall, upright plants, and hanging plants.
They are found growing in the forks of trees where leaf debris collects. We can usually find them growing with other epiphytes such as orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and lichens. Their natural home is in the states of Santa Catarina to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Schlumbergera candidus
Shrubby, pendent stems on this species are essentially cylindrical, club-like, and angular, the younger stems being more slender. The white flowers are very zygomorphic: the outer or lower petals are more strongly curved upwards. These blooms are about 3.5-centimetres (13/8-inches) long. After the blooms are finished, spherical, smooth red fruit develops.
Its natural distribution is from the Itatiaya Mountains in subtropical Brazil.
Syn. Epiphyllanthus candidus.
Schlumbergera gaertneri
Freely branching, this species forms a hanging, bushy plant. Its main stems become hard, and woody at the base. New shoots are reddish at first then becoming dark green, having shallow notches along the margins. In late winter, as these shoots mature, they produce scarlet flowers from the ends. Each bloom grows to 4-centimetres (15/8-inches) long.
This plant is indigenous to the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Syns. Epiphyllopsis gaertneri, Hatiora gaertneri,and Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri.
Variety serrata grows shoot tips that are a little more rounded, and darker green, with almost no hair.
Variety tiburtii is a much smaller plant. Also, the crimson flowers are much smaller. This variety is indigenous to the state of Parana, Brazil.
Schlumbergera obtusangula
The body of this species is shrubby, and partly upright, branching from the tips of older shoots mostly into twos or threes. Each branch segment is usually spherical or elongated, and partially angular. Also, from the tips of these shoots, appear zygomorphic flowers. Each bloom is purplish-pink, and about 4.5-centimetres (13/4-inches) long, and self-fertile, appearing in spring. As the blooms die, they are followed by almost pear-shaped fruit that is obtusely angled.
This species does not appear to cross with any other Schlumbergera species. It is a drought tender plant that will stand light frosts. Keep the plant’s cool especially in winter.
Found on the Itatiaya Mountains of subtropical Brazil, from 2,000 to 2,800-metres (6,550 to 9,200-feet) above sea level.
Syn. Epiphyllanthus obtusangulus.
Schlumbergera opuntioides
The pendulous stems on this shrubby plant are 40-centimetres (16-inches) long. Each branch is segmented, and tubular, consisting of sections that are 2 to 6-centimetres (3/4 to 23/8-inches) long. New segments are produced in groups of two three or four from the ends of older segments. Each is flat, dark green, and dwarf opuntioid. The scarlet flowers are zygomorphic, and about 4.5-centimetres (13/4-inches) long, very similar to Schlumbergera truncata, and appearing in spring, these flowers are replaced by glossy, and reddish, top shaped fruit.
A drought tender species, but hardy to light frosts in their habitat, so keep in a cool place especially in winter.
Although indigenous on many mountains in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo, Brazil, they can only be found from 2,000 to 2,800-metres (6,550 to 9,200-feet) above sea level.
Syn. Epiphyllanthus obovatus.
Schlumbergera orssichiana
Typically, this plant has pendant stems made up of flattened segments or joints. These stem segments are 6-centimetres (23/8-inches) long, and 4-centimetres (19/16-inches) wide. Two to three prominent teeth are present on the margins. Areoles are set deep in the base of these teeth. Flowers develop from the tips of the terminal joints in late summer, and late winter. These blooms are zygomorphic, 9-centimetres (31/2-inches) long, and 8 to 9-centimetres (31/8 to 31/2-inches) across. Opening in the daytime, they show off their white petals with reddish margins.
Plant in a porous potting mixture that is slightly acidic. Filtered light is required, and a minimum temperature of 13oC (55o Fahrenheit).
Discovered in the mountainous area of Serra do Mar, in the south of Brazil.
Schlumbergera russellianum
A well-branched species that can hang down to 1-metre (40-inches) long, The main stem consists of light green, terete segments about 3.5-centimetres (13/8-inches) long. Flowers are actinomorphic, dark pink, and 5.5-centimetres (21/8 -inches) long.
All members of this species are endemic to the Organ Mountains in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Syns. Epiphyllum russellianum , and Schlumbergera epiphylloides.
Schlumbergera truncata
Crab Cactus
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Cactus is the common name used, because of its early winter flowering period in the northern hemisphere. Although branching strongly, this shrubby plant has a weeping habit. It grows to 30-centimetres (12-inches) long. The branches consist of small stem segments; each 4 to 5-centimetres (19/16 to 2-inches) long, with prominently toothed margins. A terminal angle is produced at the apex, as though it has been snipped off, from this point the new shoots, and flowers appear. The flowers are from pink to deep red, and grow either singly, in pairs or occasionally in threes, growing about 7.5-centimetres (3-inches) long, and zygomorphic. Fruit is round, and smooth, red when ripe.
Many hybrids have been created using this species as a parent. Colour range from white to red, and with yellow, orange, pink, and multicoloured forms.
In the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, these plants can be found in mountainous regions.
Syns. Cactus truncatus, Epiphyllum truncatum, Cereus truncatus, and Zygocactus truncatus.
Variety crenulatus has teeth that are more pronounced.
Variety delicatus carries flowers that are pink in strong light, and white when grown in the shade.
Variety kautskyi displays flowers that are smaller than the type, and self-fertile. The fruit is yellow-green with a touch of red at the edges, and four angled.
Usually found growing on rocks but occasionally on trees, growing on the cool, and protected sides of mountains, at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,300-metres (3,300 to 4,250-feet) above sea level.
Schlumbergera Hybrids.
Excellent growing plants that are attractive growing in pots or hanging containers. Flowering time is triggered by cooler weather, and shorter day length.
Grow in a frost free area with light shade, and plenty of fresh air. In cold climates place in a heated greenhouse only when the temperature drops below 10o Celsius. (50o Fahrenheit).
To keep a thick, bushy shape to the plant, and increase the number of flowers, take off any fully developed shoots produced singularly, this will cause the plant to produce many shoots from the stem segment that remains.
Some hybrids have wider, and thicker stem segments, and are more upright than others. This is due to the increased number of chromosome sets in each cell. Common among today’s hybrids are plants with diploid (two sets), and triploid (three sets) cells. Every time new plants are developed with higher numbers of chromosomes; they have larger blooms with wider petals; the petal tips are also more rounded. Many modern varieties have more than six or eight sets of chromosomes. These plants are more suited to plant pots than hanging baskets because of their upright nature.
Schlumbergera ‘Altensteinii’
Stem growth is upright to arching on this hybrid. At the areoles, each stem segment is deeply notched. From the tip of the endmost segment, carmine-scarlet flowers are produced.
Syn. Epiphyllum altensteinii.
Schlumbergera ‘Amabile Roseum’
Shrubby growth on this hybrid is upright to arching, with their stem segments deeply notched at the areoles. Red flowers appear in early winter from the terminal ends of these segments.
Schlumbergera ‘Amelia Manda’
Although mostly upright, this bushy hybrid has narrow stems. Each stem segment has crenate margins, and rounded ends. Flowers appearing from the tips of these stems are approximately 6-centimetres (23/8-inches) wide, and 6.5-centimetres (21/2-inches) long. They have broad petals that narrow to a pointed tip. Each is coloured white with deep magenta red edges, and tips.
An old hybrid that can still be found in collections, and used extensively in hybridisation.
Schlumbergera ‘Apricot’
The pendent branches on this plant consist of segments with crenate margins, and rounded tips. From the ends of these segments appear blooms of orange with the base of the petals, and tube in light magenta. Also, the pollen is pink.
Schlumbergera ‘Bahai’
Stem segments on this hybrid are moderately notched, from the tips, light crimson-red blooms arise. Each has stamens with yellow pollen protruding from the centre of the bloom.
Schlumbergera ‘Beige’
On this hybrid, the stem segments have crenate edges, and rounded ends. The tips of the segments produce large flowers of orange-red. From the centre of these blooms are the stamens with pink pollen.
Schlumbergera ‘Bicolour’
Giving the appearance of the claws of a crab is the dentate stem segments of this cactus. Large blooms are produced from the ends of these segments in winter. The throat, and inner petals are white, shading to claret rose, and displaying yellow pollen.
Schlumbergera ‘Birchover’
Branches on this plant are divided into dentate stem segments. Flowers on this plant are zygomorphic, and have narrow, recurved petals. Each bloom is light red with an almost white throat. Contrasting with these colours is the yellow pollen.
Schlumbergera ‘Bridgeport’
Stem growth on this plant is influenced by the abundant number of chromosomes to each cell. It is broad, stocky, and strong with a slight twist as it grows. On the sides of these stems, they are deeply dentate. This hybrid is one of the best whites available. It has wide, rounded petals with the characteristic deep red ring at the throat entrance. From the centre of each bloom protrudes a brush of light yellow stamens, and deep red stigma lobes.
Flowers will always be white if the winter temperatures are kept above a minimum of 10o Celsius (50o Fahrenheit). If the temperature drops below this figure, the blooms may have a pinkish cast.
Schlumbergera ‘Brilliant Star’
This is a shrubby plant with a weeping habit. Stem segments are flat with crenate margins. In winter, the latest grown stem segments have flowers hanging downwards from their tips. These are actinomorphic blooms of light purple with a whitish throat, and pink pollen on the tip of their stamens.
Schlumbergera ‘Bristol Belle’
Branches on this species have a weeping habit. Each stem section is flat with crenate margins, and rounded tips. Flowers are actinomorphic, with rose pink petals. From the centre of the tubular blooms protrudes a brush of stamens, tipped with pink pollen.
Schlumbergera ‘Bristol Fairy’
Plant growth is similar to Schlumbergera Bristol Belle
but the petals have a white centre changing to deep red at the edges, and tips. The pollen of this hybrid is pink.
Schlumbergera ‘Bristol Princess’
Plant growth, and large, pendant flower shape, like the plant above, is similar to Schlumbergera ‘Bristol Belle’. Nevertheless, the blooms are quite translucent, and the white blends to pale pink on the edge, and tip of the petals.
Schlumbergera ‘Buckleyi’
Christmas Cactus
The arched stem segments on this plant have crenate margins, and tips that look as though they have been snipped with scissors. Flowers appear from the tips of these stem segments in winter. These blooms are actinomorphic, with pink petals, and pollen.
This hybrid has Schlumbergera truncata, and Schlumbergera russelliana as parents.
Syn. Schlumbergera ‘Bridgesii’.
Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Charm’
This compact growing hybrid has lightly dentate stem segments. In winter, blooms on this plant emerge from the tips of the last stem segments to develop. These blooms are zygomorphic, and coloured magenta with a white throat.
Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Cheer’
This old European hybrid forms dentate stem segments on their arching branches. The zygomorphic flowers range from light orange to salmon, and open in winter.
Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Fantasy’
Forming an upright, and bushy shape, this strong growing plant has dentate stem segments that look like crabs claws. In winter it produces light salmon-orange blooms that are zygomorphic.
Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Flame’
Originally, this plant started life as a mutation of Schlumbergera ‘Gold Charm’. The bud starts a deep purple, changing to orange, then opening a light orange-yellow. Buds are not as pointed as on the parent plant, but do carry the strong upright growth, and deeply notched stem segments.
Under the plant variety rights of Australia, it is named Schlumbergera ‘Gold Fantasy’.
Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Magic II’
Released to the public in 1977 was this improvement of Schlumbergera ‘Christmas Magic’. Blooms are brilliant red-purple with white throats. Petals are broad, and pointed. Flowers develop, and open later in the season than most other hybrids.
In Australia, because of the Plant Variety Rights law or PVR, it is named Schlumbergera ‘Magic Fantasy’.
Schlumbergera ‘Golden Charm’
The good, strong upright growth on this plant has dentate stem segments. These stems produce upright zygomorphic blooms. The flower bud opens with pale yellow petals, and a light flush of pink on the floral trunk. The throat is circled with a crimson line. From the centre of the bloom protrudes a prominent crimson stigma.
Being an attractive shape, this bush grows successfully as a pot plant, having good upright growth. This was the first true yellow to be bred for sale.
Schlumbergera ‘Kris Kringle’
Short, compact growth forming a good shaped bush. Zygomorphic flowers appearing from the tips of the dentate stem segments are an attractive, true red bloom that has a lighter stripe down the centre of each petal.
Schlumbergera ‘Lavender Doll’
Stem segments are broad, and dentate forming a shrubby plant that is not as upright as most hybrids. Zygomorphic flowers are produced from the tips of these branches. Each bloom is large, and lavender, fading to white at the base of the petals.
As this plant has a weeping habit it is more at home in a hanging container, but is still attractive in a pot.
Schlumbergera ‘Lavender Doll II’
The colour of the bloom is the same as Schlumbergera ‘Lavender Doll’, but the flower is shorter, and the petals are broader, also the stem segments are shorter.
Schlumbergera ‘Madam Butterfly’
This shrubby plant has predominantly weeping branches, consisting of large stem segments that are broad, long, and dentate. Zygomorphic flowers are produced from the terminal ends of these shoots. These large, and wide, loosely petalled blooms are white with a red edge. Blooms are produced early in the season.
This plant is the result of crossing Schlumbergera orssichiana, and Schlumbergera ‘White Christmas’. Because of its weeping habit, it is ideally suited to hanging containers.
Schlumbergera ‘Peach Parfait’
This upright growing hybrid has broad, dentate stem segments. Branching occurs less than most other hybrids. In winter, the ends of the branches produce zygomorphic flowers with peach petals, and a white throat. From deep in the throat a long brush of stamens is produced, exhibiting yellow pollen.
Schlumbergera ‘Red Radiance’
Short, and broad stem segments are typical of this shrubby plant. Each stem is crenate, providing actinomorphic blooms from the terminal tips. These flowers are light red blending to pale pink in the centre, and producing pink pollen.
This is a strong growing plant that is well suited for either hanging container or pot plant.
Schlumbergera ‘Twilight Tangerine’
The weeping growth of this hybrid is strongly branching. It has broad, flat stem segments that are lightly dentate. Flowers produced from the tips are zygomorphic, and tangerine-orange.
Because of its arching habit, and unusual colour, it looks magnificent in a hanging container.
Schlumbergera ‘White Christmas’
This is an upright growing plant with long, dentate stem divisions. It produces long, white blooms that turn light pink with age. These flowers are zygomorphic. Also, their petals are narrow, and pointed. In the centre, the throat is circled with a crimson line. This throat possesses yellow stamens, and a crimson stigma.
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In dry areas many members of this genus are usually terrestrial, and climbing, clinging to the host plant with aerial roots. When these plants are grown in moist, tropical areas, they are often seen as epiphytes. Some species are only found as epiphytes in their natural habitat. The nocturnal flowers are large, and mostly white.
Selenicereus anthonyanus
The stems of this purely epiphytic species are deeply notched at the margins. Triangular teeth alternate on each side of the leaf-like stems, similar to stepladders. Compared with species of Epiphyllum, these stems are rigid, and thick. The flowers are 12-centimetres (5-inches) long, and creamy-white.
Keep this plant in a frost free location, above 7o Celsius (45o Fahrenheit) in winter or orange rot occurs. This rot can be cut out with a sharp knife to prevent it from spreading. Keep moist throughout the year, just moist if the weather is cold in winter. If we can provide warm temperatures, this plant will keep growing all year.
This natural species comes from near Pico Carrizal, in the southern state of Chiapas, Mexico.
Syn. Cryptocereus anthonyanus.
Selenicereus imitans
Leaf-like, green stems on this species are freely branching, and deeply notched, with triangular teeth at the margins. The 6 to 7-centimetres (23/8 to 23/4-inches) long flowers are white. These are followed by ovoid, spiny fruit.
Grow in a frost free location, above 7o Celsius (45o Fahrenheit) in winter or, like Selenicereus anthonyanus orange rot occurs. If rot occurs, treat the same as the above species.
In the wild, this species is indigenous to El General Valley near the city of Caas in Costa Rica.
Syns. Cryptocereus imitans, Eccremocactus imitans, and Werkleocereus imitans.
Selenicereus rosei
A bushy, pendulous species with stems that start slightly tubular-shaped, and then flattens out, having a strong mid-rib. Also, their margins have rounded notches. Growing to 7-centimetres (23/4-inches) long, the flowers are reddish-yellow to a light shade of purple, and funnel-shaped. These blooms are followed by oblong, red fruits with many spines.
This is also a frost tender plant, and should be grown in the same way as Selenicereus anthonyanus.
Found in the valley of the Rio Caar, and Rio Chanchan, high in the, and es Mountains in Ecuador.
Syns. Cryptocereus rosei, and Eccremocactus rosei.
Selenicereus testudo
This distinctive tree climbing epiphyte usually has 15-centimetres (6-inches) long, light emerald green stems. These stems usually have three thin ribs, but sometimes having five to eight ribs. They climb by means of aerial roots. Short, thin spines can be found in the areoles, these are yellowish at first, then turning brown. In the flowering season, many large, creamy-white blooms are produced, up to 28-centimetres (11-inches) long, and 20-centimetres (8-inches) across. Following these blooms are spiny red fruits.
Keep this one in a frost free environment, and let it enjoy moisture, open air, and partial shade in summer, and it will flower easily in cultivation.
Its natural distribution is on trees, and climbing over rocks from Mexico to Colombia, in the area known as the tierra caliente, (hot country). The warm water of the Caribbean Sea saturates the air, and is carried on the easterly winds, creating heavy rainfall as it rises over the high slopes of Central America.
Selenicereus wercklei
Clinging to the surface of the host tree, this cactus uses many aerial roots to climbing high into the crown. Freely branching, these slender, and spineless stems are pale green, and terete with six to twelve ribs. The light red flowers have greenish sepals, followed by spiny, oval fruit that is yellow.
This species is from tropical Costa Rica.
Selenicereus wittii
This is a climbing species that lies flat against the host tree, clinging to the surface with roots that grow out of the prominent midrib of the branches. The branches grow 30 to 40-centimetres (12 to 16-inches) long, and 10-centimetres (4-inches) wide. Each segment is two winged, and rounded at the apex, and base. From the areoles, large flowers are produced. These are 25-centimetres (10-inches) long, and reddish-white, followed by long, oval fruits.
We can find them in the tropical Amazon Basin near Manaus, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. It is usually found growing near rivers, and areas that are subject to flooding.
Syn. Strophocactus wittii.
Trichocereus is a genus that is almost completely terrestrial, and columnar, but variable in height, some being large, and tree like, others forming low colonies, and one growing as a true epiphyte.
Trichocereus arboricola
This species grows upright at first, then hangs downwards. The stems grow to more than 120-centimetres (48-inches) long, and 2 to 4-centimetres (3/4 to 11/2-inches) thick. They cling to the tree with aerial roots wherever they meet. On these stems, the areoles are spaced 3 to 4-centimetres (13/16 to 19/16-inches) apart. They are woolly with nine to fifteen yellow-brown spines. Out of these areoles, nocturnal, bell-shaped flowers are produced with a flaring tube. Inner petals are white, and the outer petals are purplish-brown or streaked with yellow, and have a light fragrance.
Growing this species is easy. It looks better if it grows in a container that allows the plant to flow downwards.
This cactus was discovered growing in trees. It was found in the department of Tarija, south Bolivia, and just across the border in the northern part of Argentina, as recently as 1983. They share tree limbs with orchids, and ferns.
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All are epiphytes in their natural home. Also they have slender stems that climb or become in a pendent position. These stems are usually three angled, or are terete, but occasionally flat. Aerial roots are common on all species. Nocturnal flowers are pink, and funnel-shaped.
Weberocereus biolleyi
Very thin, pendulous stems are produced on this species. New growth is either flat or three angled. Older growth has faint ribs, or the ribs are absent altogether. The flowers have pink centres, and are 3 to 5-centimetres (13/16 to 2-inches) long.
Found hanging down from trees in Costa Rica, enjoying a tropical climate near the coast, where the rainy season is from late April to December.
Syns. Rhipsalis biolleyi, and Cereus biolleyi.
Weberocereus panamensis
This pendent species usually has three angled stems, occasionally only two. White flowers are 4 to 7-centimetres (19/16 to 23/4-inches) long with yellow-green sepals. These flowers are replaced with spherical fruit that is red, and 3-centimetres (13/16-inches) across.
In its natural habitat, it is found growing on trees around the Rio Fato, and Lake Gatun, Panama. A tropical climate, with a long, wet season from May to January.
Weberocereus trichophorus
These are climbing plant with vivid green stems. They are terete or with six or seven faint ribs. Areoles are close together, each with about ten firm, and robust spines. The flowers are bell-shaped, 6-centimetres (23/8-inches) long, with flesh coloured petals, and purple sepals, after the flowers have faded, oblong fruit develops that is reddish-purple.
They are indigenous to the tropical climate of the province of Limon, Cost Rica. The rainy season is from May to November.
Syns. Cereus estrellensis , and Cereus trichophorus.
Weberocereus tunilla
This epiphytic, climbing plant has few aerial roots. New growth has three to four angles on the stem, later having two to five angles. Areoles are 3 to 6-centimetres (13/16 to 23/8-inches) apart, guarded by six to twelve stiff spines. From these areoles appear the flowers. These are salmon pink with brownish sepals.
Found growing on trees in the interior highlands, near Cartago, Costa Rica. Although tropical, the climate is cool at this altitude.
Syns. Cereus tunilla, and Cereus gonzalezii.
These thin stemmed epiphytes carry a few short spines to each areole. Also, they have aerial roots to cling to their host. Producing usually solitary flowers that are always nocturnal.
Wilmattea minutiflora
Rampant green stems on this plant are often in a pendulous position. These are three angled but sometimes four angled at the base, being shallowly, and evenly notched. Closely related to Hylocereus, but having a small flower with a short tube. The heavily fragrant, 3-centimeter (13/16-inches) long flowers have long, narrow outer petals, reducing to short inner ones, flowering on one year old stems.
Although it is of tropical origin, it has withstood light frosts without damage, and continued to flower the next season.
Its range is restricted to low, coastal areas of northeastern Central America. Horrich states "It grows epiphytically in deep, humid, hot jungles on giant trees". Also collected growing on rocks along the Rio Viejo, Honduras, in tropical forests almost at sea level. Temperatures are moderated by sea breezes at this altitude.
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