What Is an Easter Cactus?

Leaves

• Easter cactus plants have bright to dark green leaves that are slightly scalloped ovals. The flat leaves are joined together to form a long stem that produces flowers.

Flowers

• Easter cactus flowers can be red, pink or purple. The flowers can have sharp or rounded edges and are solid colors; they appear during April and May.

Geography

• While the Easter cactus can be grown inside, outdoor the plant can only survive in hardiness zones 10 and 11, which have a temperature low of 30 degrees F. This includes southern California, Hawaii and Mexico.

Care

• The Easter cactus needs cool temperatures and reduced watering to promote flowering. During bloom time, the cactus should be watered regularly so that the soil does not dry out.

Fun Fact

• Propagate new plants by taking cuttings of cactus branches. Let the cuttings dry out overnight before planting them in cactus soil and you'll have a new Easter cactus plant.