Scientific/Botanical Name:
Genus: Rhipsalidopsis
Specie: Rhipsalidopsis are made up of two species: Rhipsalidopsis rosea and Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri.
Variety/Cultivar:
English Name:
Synonym: Hatiora gaertneri
Common Name:
Spring or Easter Cactus, Whitsun Cactus
Botanical Family:
Name in Latin: Cactaceae
Name in English: The Cactus Family
The Plant
Origin: Brazil
Growth Habit: epiphytic cacti,
Flower: flowers of the Rhipsalidopsis are star-shaped, open very flat, and occur in very saturated colors
Blooming Period: spring thru summer
Leaf: made up of segments, most of which are flattened and which are the photosynthetic organs (cladodes) of the plant.
Usage:
Easter Cactus can be grown indoors as houseplants. Excellent as a hanging basket indoors in bright, airy spot or on a sheltered patio in temperate areas. Makes a great Easter centerpiece
Care and Handling
Soil: rich well draining soil
Amount of water: moist but also allowed to dry between waterings
Nutrition: well balanced but higher Nitrogen based fertilizer. Fertilize every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
Special handling: bright but indirect light
Special feature/remarks:
Segmented stem growth characteristics and rooting process are similar to Christmas Cactus-(Schlumbergera). Often confused with Christmas Cacti or Schlumbergera, they are, in fact, similar in appearance but have very different flowers.