Get a dose of some fascinating facts about the Christmas cactus before you plan to bring them home for this holiday season!
Christmas cacti are colorful plants with beautiful pink blooms, named because they bloom during the holiday season, typically from November to January. Apart from their extraordinary appearance, these graceful plants have some interesting features and characteristics. Let’s read the Fascinating Facts About Christmas Cactus.
Botanical Name: Schlumbergera X buckleyi
Fascinating Facts About Christmas Cactus
1. It is not a true cactus!
Despite its name, the Christmas cactus is not a true cactus but a succulent native to the tropical forests of Brazil. It is named after Frederic Schlumberger, a French horticulturist, in 1858 as a tribute to his contributions to cactus cultivation.
2. It is a hybrid between two other cacti
Schlumbergera x buckleyi, the Christmas cactus, is a hybrid between S. truncata (Thanksgiving cactus) and S. russelliana (Easter cactus). These cacti are very similar in appearance, making them often difficult to distinguish. However, they have different blooming periods and slight differences in the shape of their leaves.
3. It is a cactus but devoid of sharp spines
Like other typical cacti, Christmas cacti do not have leaves; instead have jointed flat stems (cladodes) with round edges and tubular flowers. They do not have prickly spines which makes them easy to handle.
4. Blooms during the holiday season
An intriguing feature of this plant is its blooming season, which occurs from late November to late December, perfectly aligning with the holiday festive. The flowers come in vibrant colors ranging from pink and red to white and purple, creating a natural decorative touch for the celebrations.
5. A symbol of fortune
In various cultures, the Christmas cactus is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to households, making it a popular choice for gifting during the holiday season.
6. Long living abilities
The Christmas cactus lives for 20-25 years or more. Additionally, as it is easy to care for, gardeners need not worry about replacing it frequently.
7. Easy to propagate
These plants are hardy and low-maintenance as well. They can be propagated effortlessly from stem cuttings. Furthermore, best for making new plants if you want to expand your collection and gifting your close ones.
8. Flourishes in moist or humid conditions
Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus prefers humid conditions and requires frequent watering. However, over-watering should be avoided.
9. A natural decorative charm
If you have Christmas cactus there is no need to worry about additional decorations during the holiday season. It offers continuous blooms of colors that the plant itself is enough to bring a festive atmosphere.
10. Versatile in decor
The Christmas cactus is a fast-growing plant with stems that can create a drooping effect. Moreover, the flowers at the end of the droops resemble the finishing touch on a beautifully decorated space. It can be placed in hanging baskets or iron stands near the window or in the verandah, anywhere you like! It goes in all kinds of bright spaces.
11. They grow on rocks as well!
These hybrid plants can grow easily on rocks or spaces with less soil. They have a rooting system like orchids that can hold on to small organic substances which helps them to grow on cliffs and rocks.
12. Grows like epiphytes
Epiphytes are plants that can live on other plants and absorb nutrients from them. The Christmas cacti are such plants and can grow on other plants for support and nutrients. Additionally, their stems can store water and moisture as well.
13. Safe for children and pets
Unlike many cacti and succulents, this plant is a safe alternative. They are not poisonous to cats and dogs or children. It is always good to be aware of unexpected and expensive trips to the hospital.
14. More light and more blooms
The Christmas cactus needs light or bright conditions to bloom abundantly. Placing them in bright spots for prolonged flowering is good. However, direct sunlight is not something that this plant requires. So, if you are keeping it outdoors make sure it is a shady spot with indirect sunlight.
15. Embrace the magical beauty
In conclusion, embrace the exceptional beauty and colors of the Christmas cacti as they brighten your homes during the festive season with beautiful blooms and low-maintenance abilities.
