The Christmas cactus is a popular holiday gift plant. Despite the seemingly kitschy connotations of the name, it is not simply a cactus bedecked in Christmas tree decorations, but an actual variety of cactus, scientifically known as Zygocactus or Schlumbergera.
Origins of the Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus is from a family of cacti native to Brazil's mountainous southeast. Unlike the desert variety most common in North America, it is a forest plant with a leafy appearance. The Christmas cactus descends from a hybrid of different members of the Schlumbergera family, first bred in England in the mid 19th century, where it became a popular gift item.Itawamba History Review: The Christmas Cactus Bloom Signals the Holiday Season
About the Christmas Cactus
This video clip features information about the Christmas cactus, including how to care for it as a houseplant.
References
Fast Facts
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Also called Holiday Cactus
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Scientific name
Zygocactus or Schlumbergera
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Popular holiday houseplant
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Christmas cactus tends to do best in bright, indirect sunlightDenver Plants: Christmas Cactus
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Blooms are typically pink, orange or red
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Like most cacti, the Christmas cactus rarely needs watering; requires very little fertilizingDenver Plants: Christmas Cactus
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Can survive in temperatures as low as 35 degreesDenver Plants: Christmas Cactus
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Can be placed outdoors during warmer months; make sure area is well shadedFernlea Flowers: Christmas Cactus Care Information
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Given as gifts in Victorian England
