13 Types Of Schlumbergera Cacti [With Pictures]

Last Updated on July 6, 2023

Schlumbergera is a genus of cactus that includes several different species. The most common schlumbergera cacti are the Christmas cactus, Easter cactus, and Thanksgiving cactus. These plants are native to Brazil and named for their flowering period which typically falls around the respective holidays.

While all three plants share many similarities, there are also some notable differences between them.

Cacti come in all shapes and sizes, and Schlumbergera cacti are no different. These 13 types of Schlumbergera cacti are sure to add some interest to your indoor plant collection! 1. Schlumbergera truncata – Also known as the Christmas Cactus, this variety is easily recognizable by its flattened stems.

It produces pink, red, or white flowers that bloom in the winter months. 2. Schlumbergera russelliana – This species has a more upright growth habit than the Christmas Cactus and its flowers are typically yellow or orange in color. 3. Schlumbergera bridgesii – Another popular holiday cactus, this one gets its name from the arching stems that resemble bridges.

Its flowers can be pink, red, purple, or white in hue. 4. Schlumbergera kautskyi – A less common variety, this one is characterized by its long, narrow leaves that are often variegated with yellow or white stripes. Its flowers tend to be small and pale pink in coloration.

5. Schlumbergera microsphaerica- This type of cactus is distinguished by its globular shape and tiny spines covering its surface . The flowers it produces are white with a hint of green at the center . 6 .

Schlumbergera xbuckleyi- Although it looks similar to S . truncata , this hybrid has longer , thinner segments . It also blooms slightly earlier than the Christmas Cactus , with its vibrant pink flowers appearing in October or November .

7 .Schlumbergera opuntioides- As its name suggests , this species resembles an Opuntia cactus , but it is actually a member of the Rhipsalidopsis genus . It has long , flat stems with sharp spines along their edges and small , tubular pink flowers blooming from their centers .

8 .Schlumbergera gaertneri- One of the larger varieties of Schlumbergara , S . gaertneri can reach up to 2 feet in height ! Its stout stems are covered in short spines and topped with deep magenta – colored blooms . 9 .Schlmberger tephrocactis- This type is native to Peru and Ecuador and grows at high altitudes on rocky cliffsides . As such , it is adapted to living in very dry conditions and can tolerate extended periods without water better than other members of its genus . S .

13 Types of Schlumbergera Cacti [With Pictures]

Credit: gardenerspath.com

Table of Contents

How Many Types of Schlumbergera are There?

There are six types of Schlumbergera: S. truncata, S. russelliana, S. ×buckleyi, S. opuntioides, S. cactus and S. fostersii.

What is the Rarest Christmas Cactus?

The Schlumbergera truncata, or rare Christmas cactus, is a small plant that is native to the rainforests of Brazil. This plant has long, slender stems with small leaves and flowers that range in color from white to pink. The Schlumbergera truncata is one of the rarest Christmas cacti due to its limited range and habitat.

What is the Difference between Zygocactus And Schlumbergera?

Zygocactus and Schlumbergera are two different genera of cacti. Zygocactus, also known as Christmas or Easter cacti, are native to Brazil. They have flattened stems with overlapping scales that give them a segmented appearance.

Their flowers are large and showy, and they bloom in a variety of colors including white, pink, red, yellow, and purple. Schlumbergera, on the other hand, is native to the rainforests of Brazil. They have cylindrical stems with ribs that are covered in small spines.

Their flowers are small and delicate, and they bloom in shades of pink, red, white, and yellow.

How Do I Identify My Cactus?

When most people think of cacti, they picture the stereotypical green plant with sharp spines sticking out all over it. However, cacti come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and colors, making them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens. So how can you tell if that plant you’re looking at is indeed a cactus?

Here are some things to look for: – Cacti generally have thick, fleshy stems that store water. This is one of their key adaptations for surviving in dry desert conditions.

– Most cacti also have spines, which help protect them from predators and minimize water loss by providing shade. The shape and size of the spines vary depending on the species of cactus. – Another common feature of cacti is their lack of leaves.

Instead, they have specialized structures called “areoles” from which the spines grow. Areoles can also be found on other parts of the plant, such as the flowers or fruits. – Cacti typically bloom in late spring or early summer, producing colorful flowers that attract pollinators like bees and birds.

After blooming, many species will produce edible fruits that are enjoyed by humans and animals alike. Now that you know what to look for, take some time to examine any potential cacti in your area (being careful not to touch any sharp spines!) With a little practice, you’ll be able to identify these unique plants with ease.

The Christmas Cactus: A Special Type of Cactus

Cactus Identification

Cacti come in all shapes and sizes, and can be found in a variety of colors. With so many different types of cactus out there, it can be hard to identify them all. Here are a few tips for identifying cacti:

-Look at the shape of the cactus. Cacti can be round, columnar, or have other unique shapes. This can help you narrow down the type of cactus you’re looking at.

-Check the color of the cactus. Cacti can be green, blue, red, yellow, or white. Again, this can help you eliminate certain types of cacti from your search.

-Look for spines on the cactus. These sharp structures help protect the plant from predators and also help it collect water from raindrops. -Observe the flowers on the cactus.

Some species of cactus have very showy flowers while others have more subdued blooms. By following these simple tips, you should be able to identify most types of cacti with ease!

Rare Christmas Cactus Colors

Christmas cactus are beautiful, unique plants that come in a variety of colors. While the most common Christmas cactus colors are pink and red, there are also some rarer colors out there. Here are some of the rarest and most beautiful Christmas cactus colors:

1. Blue Christmas Cactus Blue Christmas cacti are incredibly rare and absolutely stunning. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these beauties, you’ll be treated to a plant with gorgeous blue blooms.

2. Yellow Christmas Cactus Yellow Christmas cacti are also quite rare. These cheerful plants feature bright yellow blooms that add a touch of sunshine to any room.

3. Purple Christmas Cactus Purple Christmas cacti are another rarity. These regal plants feature deep purple blooms that make them truly stand out from the crowd.

Schlumbergera Exotica

If you’re looking for a plant that is both exotic and easy to care for, look no further than Schlumbergera exotica. This beautiful succulent is native to Brazil and gets its name from the German botanist Frederik Schlumberger. The Schlumbergera exotica is a member of the cactus family and is related to the well-known Christmas cactus.

Like its relative, the Schlumbergera exotica has segmented stems and flowers that bloom in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. The Schlumbergera exotica is a low-maintenance plant that does well in most indoor environments. It prefers bright indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

Water when the soil is dry to the touch and fertilize sparingly with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season. When blooming, do not allow the plant to go completely dry as this will cause the buds to drop off. With proper care, your Schlumbergera exotica will bloom prolifically from late fall through springtime.

Schlumbergera X Buckleyi

Schlumbergera x Buckleyi, also known as Thanksgiving cactus, is a hybrid between two South American species of Schlumbergera: S. truncata and S. russelliana. The plant was named after William Buckley (1780-1856), an English botanist who collected the parent plants in Brazil. This cactus is easily recognizable by its flattened, leaf-like stems that are green with red tips.

The stems grow up to 18 inches (46 cm) long and 3–4 inches (7.6–10 cm) wide. They are connected at the joints by small pads called areoles, which are also covered in spines. The flowers of S. x Buckleyi bloom near the ends of the stems from late October to early December, giving them their common name of Thanksgiving cactus.

The flowers are white or pink with purple markings and they only open at night, lasting for one night before they wilt and fall off the plant. Seeds form inside oval fruits that mature about six weeks after flowering. To propagate Thanksgiving cactus, you can either sow the seeds or take stem cuttings from a healthy plant in spring or summertime.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a festive cactus to spruce up your home this holiday season, look no further than the Schlumbergera! There are 13 different types of Schlumbergera cacti, all with their own unique features. Here’s a quick guide to help you identify each one:

1. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata): This cactus is named for its blooming period which typically falls around Christmastime. It has flattened stems that are segmented and lined with small teeth-like structures called “areoles.” These areoles contain the plant’s flowers which can be white, pink, or red in color.

2. The Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerii): As you might guess from its name, this cactus typically blooms around Easter time. It shares many similarities with the Christmas cactus including its flattened stems and Areole structures. However, the Easter cactus’ blooms are usually yellow or orange in color.

3. The Thanksgiving Cactus (Sclumbergera bridgesii): Another appropriately-named cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in late November – just in time for the holiday! It shares many characteristics with both the Christmas and Easter cacti but is distinguished by its slightly curved stems and purple or red flowers. 4. Crab Orchid (Epiphyllum oxypetalum): This type of Schlumbergera is so named because its flower petals resemble crab claws!

Its flowers can be white, pink, or red in color and bloom in clusters on long stems that extend out from the main body of the plant. 5. Queen Of The Night (Epiphyllum oxypetalum ‘Atropurpureum’): A variety of Crab Orchid, Queen of the Night gets its name from its deep purple flowers that only bloom at nightfall. Like other members of the Schlumbergera family, it has flattened stems and Areole structures containing both male and female reproductive organs required for pollination by insects such as bees or moths.