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Thursday 5 November 2015

FFF207 - EASTER CACTUS

Hatiora gaertneri is a species of epiphytic cactus within the family Cactaceae. Together with the hybrid with H. rosea, Hatiora ×graeseri, it is known as Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus and is a widely cultivated ornamental plant. H. gaertneri is found in southeastern Brazil, in Paraná and Santa Catarina, at altitudes of 350–1,300 m. As with other species of the genus, H. gaertneri grows on trees (epiphytic) or less often rocks (lithophytic) in tropical rain forests.

With maturity, it develops into a branching pendant leafless shrub with a woody base. The stems are made up of segments, most of which are flattened and which are the photosynthetic organs (cladodes) of the plant. Structures characteristic of cacti, called areoles, form in these notches. Flowers form from areoles at the ends of the stems. These are scarlet in colour, 4–5 cm long, radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), opening to a funnel shape with a maximum diameter of about 4–7.5 cm. Red oblong fruits form after the flowers are fertilised.

Under the name Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus, Hatiora gaertneri is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its scarlet flowers. Its common names reflect the period in which it flowers in the Northern Hemisphere, namely late Spring. It has been artificially crossed with a pink-flowered species, Hatiora rosea, to form the hybrid H. × graeseri, cultivars of which have flowers in a wider range of colours. The Easter cactus is considered more difficult to grow than the Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera).

Recommendations for care include:
Temperature Summer temperatures around 25 °C are suggested, with lower temperatures down to 7–13 °C in the winter (November to January in the Northern Hemisphere) to initiate good bud formation.
Light As epiphytic forest plants, they are not exposed to strong sunlight. Half-shade is recommended; plants can be placed outside in the summer.
Watering The Easter cactus is said to respond badly to over- or under-watering, e.g. by losing stem segments; continuously moist soil is recommended.
Propagation Stem segments may be removed in late Spring and the cut surface allowed to dry out before being placed in slightly moist soil.

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15 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful photograph. I appreciate care tips also. I have one that likes life much better since I moved it out of full sun.

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  2. Only a few years ago I discovered what beautiful flowers cacti can produce! These are so pretty:)

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  3. The vivid color of the flowers is beautiful.

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  4. like little red stars, amazing how many flowers have formed. Beautifully photographed ! Thanks for sharing.
    Have a lucky weekend !

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  5. It's a very long time ago, that some easter cactus have been in my home.
    This one has got a great color!
    Have an nice weekend ... Frauke

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  6. wow! RED! a wonderful color and a great flower..
    Thank you
    Best Regards
    Traudi

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  7. My mother called them Christmas-Cactus. I like the red blossoms!!

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  8. Hello,
    I love these wonderful cactus with the beautiful blossoms, your picture is so nice!
    I wish you a nice weekend,
    moni

    http://www.reflexionblog.de

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  9. Gorgeous plant. I never had a lot of luck with this plant in my house though.

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  10. Wow i like the beautiful colour.
    And I like the shot....
    Have a nice Weekend
    Jen

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  11. Gorgeous Easter Cactus!
    Have a nice Weekend

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  12. Wow !! What a beautiful colour !!
    Greetings

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  13. They are so beautiful. I wish ours flower like that too, but they need some cold i guess.

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