Schlumbergera rosea – Cactus Plant

Schlumbergera rosea is a unique cactus with erect or somewhat arching or pendent, jointed stems. The branch segments are flat or three to five angled, oblong or narrowly oblanceolate, dark green, or reddish purple when exposed to sun. The areoles marginal and apical, usually with fine, brown bristles, new segments and flowers arising from apical areoles. The pink flowers broadly funnel form, pericarp angled, hypanthium very short, perianth pink, stamens inserted at base of perianth. The fruit are depressed globose, yellow, weakly angled.

Scientific classification

Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Species: S. rosea
Scientific Name: Schlumbergera rosea (Lagerh.) Calvente & Zappi
Synonyms: Hatiora rosea, Rhipsalidopsis rosea, Rhipsalis rosea Lagerh.

How to care and grow Schlumbergera rosea ?

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 rosea 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:

Schlumbergera rosea 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.