Schlumbergera orssichiana – Cactus Plants

Schlumbergera orssichiana is grows on trees as an epiphyte. It has leafless green stems which act as photosynthetic organs. The stems are composed of strongly flattened segments, which have teeth of varying shapes along their edges, where there are generally two to three, and at the ends. The flower is strongly zygomorphic and has a very unusual form with a very short, even non-existent floral tube. They usually appear pinkish in overall color, as the individual tepals shade from white at the center to red at the tips. It produces greenish yellow to cream fruits with five or six ribs and contain dark brown seeds. The flowering period in the northern hemisphere starts at the end of August through September.

Scientific classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Species: S. orssichiana
Scientific Name: Schlumbergera orssichiana Barthlott & McMillan

How to grow and care for Schlumbergera orssichiana

Light:
It thrives best in the bright, but indirect light. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as it can cause brown spots.

Soil:
It prefers to grow in neutral, Well-drained soil. Use a mixture of 1 part potting soil and 1 part fine-grade fir bark.

Temperature:
To set flower buds, the plant needs cool 60-65°F/16-18°C days and 45°F-55°F/7-13°C nights. Once buds set, 70°F-75°F/21-24°C days and 60°F-70°F/16-21°C nights. Plant death can occur at below 50°F (10°C).

Water:
Water regularly, keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. After flowering, water sparingly until new growth begins in spring.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. After blooms have dropped, stop fertilizing for a month.

Propagation:
Schlumbergera orssichiana can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings from one to four segments. Allow the cut ends to dry for 24 hours before placing upright in moist perlite. Rooting occurs between 3-4 weeks. It is rarely propagated by seed, sow seeds in the spring.

Repotting:
Re-pot every year or every 2 years in the mid-summer. Never re-pot during the bloom or following resting period. Re-pot by removing only the loose soil around the roots. Transfer immediately to a wider pot.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, and fungus. Add an insecticide to the water 2 to 3 times a year to combat pests as well as a systemic fungicide to prevent the orange and brown spotting that sometimes affects them.