I have only just learned that there are beautiful houseplants currently in bloom called Easter (Spring) Cactus. The blooms of this plant can range from white, red, orange, peach, purple, and pink. The one I chose to bring home has delicate, light pink petals with dark pink and light yellow stamens. During this time of year, when forsythia are in bloom and not much else, it is wonderful to have a bright splash of color announcing spring.
Easter (Spring) Cactus
The Rhipsalidopsis is a red-flowered native to southeastern forests of Brazil in altitudes of 1,100 - 4,300 feet. It seems that at some point, the Rhipsalidopsis was crossed with the R.rosea which resulted in the popular Rhipsaldopsis gaertneri which created the variety of flower colors. These colors include pink, orange, purple, white, and orange.
Plant Care
The Easter (Spring) Cactus does well in temperatures of around 77 degrees fahrenheit in the summer and around 45 - 55 degrees fahrenheit in the winter (November to January) to help with bud formation.
From their origin in Brazilian forests, they are plants that do not prefer strong sunlight. They prefer partial sunlight.
Easter (Spring) Cactus does not like over-watering. It is best to allow the soil to dry between waterings then water so that it drains out of the bottom of the planter. It needs loose, nutrient-rich potting mix soil. Soil mixes with coco coir, peat moss, perlite, or orchid bark are preferred.
Easter (Spring) Cactus propagation can be done by removing stem segments in the late spring, allowing the cut surface to dry a bit, and placing the stem in moist soil. Another method of propagation is removing a single leaf from the plant, place the end of the leaf into moist soil, place bags over the plant in order to hold moisture in until the roots begin to sprout.
What I Wanted was a Christmas Cactus but I'm Thrilled with this Easter Cactus
I had the most beautiful, prolifically blooming Christmas Cactus at my previous office. For the past year, including over the holidays, I watched for a Christmas Cactus to replace the one I left behind when I moved. I did not see any at the usual stores where I usually find a large selection of seasonal plants.
This past week I was at a nursery to look for Crape Myrtle trees and there I spotted a large selection of what appeared to be Christmas Cactus. But they were labeled Spring Cactus. I loved them and brought one home without knowing quite what they were.
It seems that the Christmas Cactus, a different species than the Easter Cactus, is called Schlumbergera and is also native to Brazil. There are two cultivar groups called Truncata and Buckleyi. And that is about the extent of my new knowledge of the taxonomy of these plants.
I still hope to find a Christmas Cactus to add to my household plants. Blooms during the dreary, cold winter months add something wonderful to a northern indoor space. In the meantime, I will enjoy the gorgeous pink blossoms of my Easter Cactus while I wait for Mother Nature to allow other plants to show off their flowers.
Your Easter Cactus is a truly gorgeous plant. Thanks so much for telling me about it, Dawn Rae. as I can't remember if I've ever heard of one before.
ReplyDeleteI just purchased one of these beautiful plants last week. I too didn't know much about it so I really appreciate this review. You did the research for me. Thanks!! They are really lovely plants.
ReplyDeleteThis is something else you and my son have in common, he loves cactus plants and I love the flowers. I have a Christmas cactus in our dining room that had lovely blooms. Occasionally, I still see a bloom on it. Unfortunately, I'm not really good with houseplant care. The ones that survive in my home are the ones that only require minimal watering once a week. I need to seek out the Easter cactus! Apparently, cactus are okay with my watering ritual :)
ReplyDeleteLike Sylvestermouse, I need low maintenance plants that require only weekly watering. Your spring cactus is gorgeous and I might have to try adding one to my small but beloved houseplant collection.
ReplyDeleteOh I love Christmas, Easter and anytime cactus! I have a small one that I got from my sister and it is now blooming as well. So maybe this is an Easter Cactus as well. They are beautiful and grow quite nicely without too much bother. Good choice to make if you like easy care and beauty all in one!
ReplyDeleteYour Easter Cactus is gorgeous! I Love all house plants and it is really important to give them the conditions they need to thrive. I find them an easy care plant and you are right it needs a free draining soil and to be careful not to overwater. I hope you really enjoy your beautiful plant :)
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