Characteristics of schlumbergera opuntioides
This fleshy and hanging jungle cactus is native to the humid areas of Brazil. However, today this plant has spread throughout the world as the best choice to decorate our homes this Christmas.
- Family: Cactaceae
- Subfamily: Cactoideae
- Genus: Schlumbergera
- Species: S. opuntioides
The fundamental difference that characterizes each of the varieties of this family is the size and shape of its leaves and the color and structure of its flowers.
In this case, the schlumbergera opuntioides has intense pink flowers with two bell-shaped bodies and leaves characteristically covered with spines. Being the only variety of his family that presents this defense.
 |
| photos source: Pinterest |
This Christmas cactus can survive long seasons without watering, so it is ideal if you consider yourself a person with little experience in caring for these types of plants.
However, whether you are an expert or a novice, these plants are the perfect succulents to grow inside our homes, given their beauty, their impressive and imposing presence and easy handling. They will also be the perfect Christmas decoration these holidays.
Schlumbergera opuntioides flower
After maturation, if you have taken good care of the schlumbergera; In winter, this plant will generate incredible pink bell-shaped flowers. These flowers are born at the terminal end of their leaves or sections, and cover almost the entire plant. Due to the curvature of its petals and the shape they adopt when fully deployed, this succulent is commonly known as ‘exotic dancer’.
Normally the schlumbergera opuntioides blooms at the beginning of Christmas. If you take care of the plant correctly you will have an excellent Christmas decoration for these holidays.
Synonyms: Epiphyllum obovatum
Epiphyllum opuntioides
Zygocactus opuntioides
Epiphyllanthus opuntioides
Epiphyllanthus obovatus
Where to plant a schlumbergera opuntioides?
The best way to know how to grow a schlumbergera opuntioides is to remember its origin. In this case, this plant is both an outdoor and indoor plant. So these are the four basic tips:
- Place it in the shade when outside (12-23ºC)
- Do not lower than 8ºC.
- It is a plant that needs virtually no maintenance.
- They do not need pruning.
READ ALSO... Schlumbergera cactus Tips and Tricks
