Thursday, December 15, 2011

Christmas Cactus--Schlumbergera




Schlumbergera is a small genus of cactus that grows in the coastal mountains of southeast Brazil. There are many 'theories' on the best way to get these cacti to bloom--most of the suggestions are false.



Schlumbergera are "thermo-photoperiodic", which means that their bloom initiation is triggered by a combination of day length and temperature (day length is the main trigger). Once the day length decreases to 12 hours, the plant is triggered to bloom.


My cactus this year is lovely, with even more blooms on it than the year I received it (two years ago). We are enjoying its crimson blooms and it heralds the Christmas season.








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