Schlumbergera russelliana

Schlumbergera russelliana is a species of plant in the family Cactaceae. It is endemic to a small area of the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil where its natural habitat is moist forest. It grows on trees as an epiphyte. It is one of the parents of many of the popular houseplants known as Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus. Schlumbergera russelliana also called as Epiphyllum russellianum, Cereus russellianus, Phyllocactus russellianus, Schlumbergera epiphylloides, is a species of the genus Schlumbergera. This species was described by Britton & Rose in 1913.

1. Scientific Name: Schlumbergera russelliana. 
2. Synonyms: Epiphyllum russellianum.  
3. Family: Cactaceae
4. Subfamily: Cactoideae
5. Tribe: Rhipsalideae
6. Genus: Schlumbergera
7. Species: S. russelliana

Description:

Schlumbergera russelliana resembles other species of the genus Schlumbergera in that it has leafless green stems which act as photosynthetic organs. The stems (cladodes) are composed of strongly flattened segments, which have a small number of notches along their edges.Individual segments are up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long and up to 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide. The flowers hang downwards and are radially symmetrical, up to 2 inches (5 cm) long and up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) across.  The showy flowers come in shades of pink and have a "flower inside a flower" look. They are native to coastal mountains in SE Brazil and usually grow in trees as an epiphyte in rain forests. 

source pic: Pinterest.com

How to grow and care

These plants are easy to grow and are often passed down through the generations. With Holiday Cactus, the million-dollar question isn’t how to grow it, but how to make it bloom. 
With a little extra attention during the fall months, you can have your plants blooming for the holidays. Don’t expose these plants to freezing temperatures! Despite their love of cooler temperatures, they are still tropical plants that won’t withstand freezing conditions. 

They like about 50-60% humidity, which can be achieved using a pebble tray. Never place your Holiday Cactus near a heat register, exterior door, or drafty window, and keep it out of burning sunlight... – See more at:HOW TO GROW AND CARE FOR Schlumbergera


Links: Back to genus SCHLUMBERGERA
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