Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera

Description for Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera
Plant height: 3 – 5 inches
Plant spread: 4 – 6 inches
The Thanksgiving cactus is also commonly called the holiday or crab cactus. It grows best in light shade. Full sunlight is beneficial in midwinter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow.
Common name(s): Chrismas Cactus, Schlumbergeras, Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Crab cactus, Holiday cactus, False Christmas cactus, Yoke Cacti, Easter Cactus
Flower colours: Purple – Pink
Bloom time: Mid-November and January
Max reachable height: 0.75 to 1 feet
Difficulty to grow: Easy to grow
Planting and care
The Christmas cactus is easily propagated by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Make certain, however, that the cutting is taken from healthy plant foliage only. Plant the segment approximately a quarter of its length deep in the slightly sandy soil. Moisten evenly and place the cutting in a well-lit area, staying away from any direct sunlight.
To root cuttings for new plants, cut back shoots from the tips, cut at the second joint of each tip. The cutting should show signs of growth within a few weeks, at which time the plant can be transferred to another container, if desired, with a looser potting soil mix of compost, loam, and sand.
Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil: Well-drained soil
Water: Dry to medium
Temperature: 68 degrees F
Fertilizer: Apply any organic fertilizer