Schlumbergera truncata f. 'Variegata

Schlumbergera truncata f. 'Variegata' has variegated stems, with creamy yellow and light green hues. It is much less common than the classic Schumbergera truncata from which it originated.

The Schumbergera truncata is commonly called the Christmas Cactus, but it is not the real Christmas Cactus. The latter is actually the Schlumbergera x buckleyi. It has no spikes on its flattened stems (they are crenate, but rather rounded), it has fuchsia flowers and it really does have a drooping habit. Schumbergera truncata, on the other hand, has stem segments with spikes, the different cultivars have various colored blooms and it has a more upright habit. And moreover, it blooms in autumn and not at Christmas!

Being an epiphytic plant native to the rainforest, Schlumbergera truncata will do well in a hanging basket, sheltered from drafts. It is best to avoid moving it once you have found the perfect spot. The flowers of Schumbergera truncata develop on the previous year's leaves, so this is an important consideration if you are considering pruning it. Flowering is induced by the short days of fall. At this time, you can fertilize every 2 weeks with a bloom fertilizer.

The fall of flower buds is sometimes observed. It can be caused by different things: moving the plant (avoid turning it), a lack of humidity, a too low or too high temperature, a change in light conditions, a lack of water (the plant needs a little more water during flowering).

Family: Cactaceae
Origin: from Schlumbergera truncata, native to Brazil
Watering: weak to moderate. Water only when the substrate is dry. Water a little more during flowering.
Light : intense, but indirect. To induce flowering in autumn, need a good sunshine during the day, but no light at all in the evening (needs 13 hours of total darkness). When the flower buds are formed, the plant can be put back in the light.
Relative humidity: average
Substrate: draining, like our home-made potting soil for Schlumbergera
Fertilization: from April to October, fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks when new leaves emerge.
Flowering : white, red, orange or pink
Toxicity : non toxic

* Please note that each plant is unique and will be different from the one in the photo.