Schlumbergera truncata

Thanksgiving Cactus

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Common Name:

Thanksgiving Cactus

Plant Type:

Flower color:

Foliage color:

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5):

1

Water (From 0 to 5):

1

Maximum temperature:

30°C

Minimum temperature:

7°C

Maximum height:

30 cm

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Description

A tropical cactus from the rain forest? Doesn't sound too likely, until you hear how it survives in nature. It is an epiphyte that dwells in the tree branches above the jungle floor. In this habitat it actually dries out quickly from a downpour and thus creates the arid-like environment for the plants to live in. Just a gorgeous indoor plant, if you can find the perfect spot for it to do its extravagant bloom just around Thanksgiving. It will be very fickle when it comes to blooming....so the right location is key. The plant can look great and healthy then literally doesn't put out a single flower...then move it across the house and ....voila! A virtual explosion of magenta pink blooms may easily enshroud this little cacti. Given the volatile environment it lives in, you may find it surprising that this is a seriously long lasting plant that can easily span 3 generations or more of being passed along!

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Blooming

To ensure late December bloom, plant needs cool night temperatures (50-55°F (10-12°C)) and 12-14 hours of darkness per day in November.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Growth

Does best with bright, but indirect light.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring. Take stem cuttings in summer or fall. Repot every 3 to 4 years.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Pest

Prone to mealybugs.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) - Interesting facts

Cacti are normally found in hot and dry climates. Members of the Schlumbergera genus, which is in the Cactaceae family, are native to the rainforests of Brazil. The reason why these cacti do so well in the rainforests is because of where they grow in the rainforests. These are mostly epiphytic plants. An epiphytic plant grows on top of another plant; most often that other plant is a tree. These epiphytic cacti grow in trees, where although it may rain a lot, they have little access to the rain water because it falls to the forest floor quickly. This environmental niche has been filled by a plant that can withstand drought regardless of high humidity or constant rainfall.