The Flowering Temperature for a Zygote Cactus

Plant Description

• The names of the various plants are often used interchangeably as they all appear alike. This flowering cactus is mostly sold during the holiday seasons while the plants are typically in full bloom. All of the plants are leaf cacti that are flattened plant bodies featuring stems made from what appears as the plant’s leaves. These plants grow as epiphytic in the wild and produce fuchsia-like blossoms in various colors, but only under certain conditions including cool temperatures.

Separating the Holidays

• The Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus, or Schlumbergera bridgesii, are from the same species that originated in Brazil’s tropical forests. These two typically flower during late fall around Thanksgiving and Christmas, respectively. The segmented stem sections on both cacti feature upward projections but the Thanksgiving plants are more pointed. The Easter cactus, or Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri, is from a separate species and native to Brazil’s forests. This plant begins generating flower buds in February and features smooth-edged stems.

Flowering Temperatures

• Easter cactus produces flowers with normal day lengths and cool temperatures, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit but the other holiday cacti are short-day plants that need specific temperatures and lighting to generate flowering. Eight weeks prior to flowering, place the cactus in a location with bright light and temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and night temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t allow any lighting on the plants from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. during this period.

Important Flowering Tips

• Avoid sudden temperature changes to the holiday cactus any time of the year, but specifically during the flowering period. Once the buds emerge, the plants should not be moved or placed in areas with temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent bud drop. Water the cacti less often until buds begin to form on the plant and then water weekly. After the buds are formed on the plants, the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti don’t require the long dark period.