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La Schlumbergera opuntioides It is a cactus that attracts a lot of attention, since its segments or "leaves" are very reminiscent of those of Opuntia, but despite everything, it is very popular. And it is not for less: its flowers are very, very beautiful.
In addition, its maintenance is not difficult, although if you have doubts I recommend you not stop reading .
Origin and characteristics
Our protagonist is an endemic cactus from the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil whose scientific name is Schlumbergera opuntioides. It is popularly known as Santa Teresa's Pluma or Christmas Cactus, since it blooms in December. The segments or leaves are relatively flat, measuring 1,5-7cm long by 0,5-3cm wide.
The flowers are pink to purple in color, measuring approximately 6cm with a diameter of 4,5cm. The fruit is green, spherical with 4-5 ribs. And the seeds are brown or black that are 1,75mm long. The plant grows into a bush up to 1,2m tall.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:
- Location: the Schlumbergera opuntioides It must be in semi-shade, since the sun burns it easily.
- Earth:
- Pot: you must use universal growing substrate mixed with perlite in equal parts.
- Garden: grows in fertile, well-drained soils. If your soil is not like that, make a planting hole of about 40cm x 40cm and mix it with 50% perlite.
- Irrigation: it has to be watered 3 times a week in summer and every 4 or 5 days the rest of the year.
- Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with fertilizers for cacti following the indications specified on the package.
- Multiplication: by seeds or segment cuttings in spring or summer.
- Rusticity: it does not resist the cold. In the event that the temperature drops below 0 degrees, it must be protected indoors.
What did you think of this cactus?