Schlumbergera Species, Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergerarusselliana

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Schlumbergera (shlum-BER-ger-uh)
Species: russelliana (rus-sel-lee-AY-nuh)

Category
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Cactus and Succulents
Epiphytes

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Light Shade

Foliage
Evergreen
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)

Spacing
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow
Can be grown as an annual
Suitable for growing in containers

Danger

Bloom Color
Pink
Magenta (pink-purple)

Bloom Characteristics

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Fall/Early Winter

Other details

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored