Care of the cactus Hatiora gaertneri or Easter cactus |
|
The genus Hatiora, family Cactaceae, comprises 6 species of epiphytic cacti originating in Brazil. Some species are: Hatiora gaertneri, Hatiora rosea, Hatiora salicornioides, Hatiora x graeseri. Common names: Easter cactus, Whitsun cactus. Scientific synonyms: Schlumbergera gaertneri. This species is native to Brazil. They are epiphytic cacti with flat stems that become cylindrical with age. They are distinguished from Schlumbergera by the shape of the flowers: they are star-shaped and pink or red. They bloom during the spring. They are used as indoor plants in hanging pots. They are suitable for hydroculture. If the summer is hot they can be located outside in a light shade location. The Hatiora gaertneri needs a semi-shadow exposure; if it receives direct sunlight, the stems turn reddish. In shade exposure they may not flower. In winter they need temperatures of 12-16 ºC/53-61 ºF (never lower than 10 ºC/50 ºF). The soil can be a mixture, in equal parts, of leaf mulch, coarse siliceous sand, and peat. They do not resist calcareous soils. In the case of transplantation, it's done after flowering. Water frequently with warm, lime-free water from spring to fall. Reduce watering in winter but without the plant suffering from drought. Fertilize every 7 days with mineral fertilizer for cacti from when the first flower buds appear until the end of flowering. If the humidity is low, they can be attacked by mites and mealybugs. They propagate from seeds or by segment cuttings; root in peat. |
Images of the cactus Hatiora gaertneri or Easter cactus |
 Hatiora gaertneri  Hatiora gaertneri  Hatiora gaertneri |