Discover the Enchanting World of Christmas Cactus: Unveiling 20 Captivating Types

Introduction

The Christmas cactus is a spectacular succulent that brings festive cheer to homes during the holiday season. With its vibrant blooms and easygoing nature, it has become a beloved holiday tradition for plant enthusiasts worldwide. However, the world of Christmas cacti extends beyond the familiar Schlumbergera x buckleyi, and there is a vast array of species and cultivars waiting to be discovered.

Types of Christmas Cactus

The genus Schlumbergera encompasses over 20 distinct species and countless hybrids, each offering a unique array of colors, shapes, and growth habits. Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the most popular types:

1. Schlumbergera truncata (Truncate Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Upright, flat stems with pointed tips and bright pink flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

2. Schlumbergera russelliana (Russell's Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Arched, round stems with pointed tips and large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of orange, red, or yellow
• Blooming Period: Thanksgiving-Christmas

3. Schlumbergera gaertneri (Crab Cactus)

• Description: Long, segmented stems with rounded, scallop-edged segments and narrow flowers in white, pink, or purple
• Blooming Period: Late spring-early summer

4. Schlumbergera microsphaerica (Olive Cactus)

• Description: Compact, spherical stems with small, round segments and white or pale pink flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-fall

5. Schlumbergera kautskyi (Kautsky's Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Upright, pendulous stems with narrow, pointed segments and small, pink or white flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

6. Schlumbergera opuntioides (Bunny Ears Cactus)

• Description: Unique, cylindrical stems resembling bunny ears and orange or red flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-early fall

7. Schlumbergera orssichiana (Orssich's Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Arched, flattened stems with wide, rounded segments and bright red or pink flowers
• Blooming Period: Early January

8. Schlumbergera truncata 'Aurora' (Aurora Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Compact, upright stems with pink-edged segments and large, pink or white flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

9. Schlumbergera russelliana 'Christmas Cheer' (Christmas Cheer Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Vigorous, upright stems with round segments and large, orange-red flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

10. Schlumbergera truncata 'Thanksgiving' (Thanksgiving Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Upright, compact stems with dark green segments and large, red flowers with yellow stamens
• Blooming Period: November-December

11. Schlumbergera gaertneri 'Apricot Glow' (Apricot Glow Crab Cactus)

• Description: Compact, upright stems with rounded segments and small, apricot-colored flowers
• Blooming Period: Spring-early summer

12. Schlumbergera microsphaerica 'Lemon Drop' (Lemon Drop Olive Cactus)

• Description: Enchanting, spherical stems with bright yellow flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-fall

13. Schlumbergera kautskyi 'Blizzard' (Blizzard Kautsky's Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Upright, bushy stems with narrow segments and white flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

14. Schlumbergera opuntioides 'Topsy Turvy' (Topsy Turvy Bunny Ears Cactus)

• Description: Unique, cylindrical stems forming a spiral shape and orange flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-early fall

15. Schlumbergera russelliana 'Blushing Bride' (Blushing Bride Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Arched, rounded stems with wide segments and delicate, blush-pink flowers
• Blooming Period: Thanksgiving-Christmas

16. Schlumbergera truncata 'Cristata' (Crested Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Distinctive, crested stems with notched segments and large, pink or white flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

17. Schlumbergera gaertneri 'Midnight' (Midnight Crab Cactus)

• Description: Compact, upright stems with rounded, burgundy-colored segments and small, white flowers
• Blooming Period: Spring-early summer

18. Schlumbergera microsphaerica 'Pink Frost' (Pink Frost Olive Cactus)

• Description: Compact, spherical stems with bright pink flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-fall

19. Schlumbergera kautskyi 'Santa Fe' (Santa Fe Kautsky's Christmas Cactus)

• Description: Upright, bushy stems with narrow segments and small, orange flowers
• Blooming Period: December-January

20. Schlumbergera opuntioides 'Golden Nugget' (Golden Nugget Bunny Ears Cactus)

• Description: Cylindrical stems with a yellow-green hue and reddish flowers
• Blooming Period: Summer-early fall

Christmas Cactus Care

Caring for a Christmas cactus is relatively simple, making them accessible even to novice plant owners. Here are some key tips:

Light:

• Bright, indirect light for optimal growth and blooming.
• Avoid exposing to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

Water:

• Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
• Overwatering is the most common cause of problems, so it's always better to err on the side of caution.

Temperature:

• Prefer warm temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Avoid exposing to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for extended periods.

Humidity:

• Prefers humid environments, but most homes provide enough humidity without additional measures.
• Misting around the plant or placing it on a tray of pebbles filled with water can increase humidity.

Fertilizer:

• Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring-fall) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can burn the roots.

Repotting:

• Repot every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes rootbound.
• Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix.

Choosing the Right Christmas Cactus for You

With so many varieties to choose from, selecting the perfect Christmas cactus for your needs can be overwhelming. Consider these factors:

Size:

• Some varieties are compact and ideal for small spaces, while others can grow quite large.

Color:

• Christmas cacti come in a wide range of colors, from traditional red and pink to orange, yellow, purple, and white.

Blooming period:

• Different varieties bloom at different times of the year, ensuring you can have a flowering cactus throughout the holiday season.

Unique characteristics:

• Look for varieties with distinctive shapes, such as the 'Bunny Ears' or 'Crested' forms.

Table 1: Christmas Cactus Color Varieties

| Variety | Color |
|---|---|---|
| 'Aurora' | Pink |
| 'Christmas Cheer' | Orange-red |
| 'Thanksgiving' | Red |
| 'Blushing Bride' | Blush-pink |
| 'Cristata' | Pink or white |
| 'Midnight' | Burgundy |
| 'Pink Frost' | Pink |

Table 2: Christmas Cactus Blooming Periods

Table 3: Christmas Cactus Care Tips

Benefits of Growing a Christmas Cactus

In addition to their festive appeal, Christmas cacti offer several benefits:

Air Purification:

• Like all plants, Christmas cacti help purify the air by removing toxins.

Stress Relief:

• Caring for plants can be a relaxing and therapeutic activity.

Improved Mood:

• Studies have shown that being around plants can improve mood and reduce stress.

Common Problems and Solutions

Bud Drop:

• Cause: Insufficient light, overwatering, or temperature fluctuations.
• Solution: Ensure adequate light, water sparingly