hatiora x graeseri (syn. rhipsalidopsis) – easter cactus

that the easter cactus is now called holliday cactus is a bit of a marketing thing. because of this name it can be sold for more than only four to six weeks a year. the name easter cactus belong to its blooming time in spring. there are a lot of cultivars available, mostly based on hatiora graeseri, in nearly every colour you want.

the members of the genus hatiora (syn. rhipsalidopsis) are native to brasil, where they grow epiphytic (on trees).

care

the easter cactus can be placed from bright to light shaded but does best in bright indirect light. some morning and/or evening sun will be tolerated but on a too sunny place its leaves can burn. during summer it can be placed in the garden and should kept back if the temperature is falling below 10 °c/50 °f constantly. make sure that rainwater can easily run out of the pot.

it needs a well drained soil, you can use a regular cactus mix or a mix of humus and sand (3:1). i’m using my own mix between humus, sand, gritty and orchid soil (2:1:1:1). there are also special mixes for epiphytic cacti available.

the easter cactus needs a good watering, what runs out of the pot’s hole should be removed after a few minutes. wet legs can cause rotten roots. before watering next let the soil become nearly dry.

a half diluted cactus fertilzer can be given monthly from spring to early fall.

for blooming at easter time, hatiora graeseri should be placed a bit colder (10-15 °c/50-59 °f) for approx. eight weeks, starting in january. it now has to be kept nearly dry without fertilizing. if the flower buds are approx. 1-2 cm (0.39-0.79 inch) long it can given back to its old location.

easter cactus vs. christmas cactus

easter cacti can easily be differed from christmas cacti (schlumbergera) by their leaves and flowers. there are hybrids between both species available (image 4).

propagation

the easter cactus can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.