A zygocactus, more commonly known as a Christmas cactus, is a festive plant that is often used as a holiday decoration. Native to Brazil, this cactus is known for its beautiful blooms that can range in color from white to pink to red. Christmas cacti are relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant enthusiasts. While they typically bloom around the holidays, with the proper care, a Christmas cactus can bloom year-round.
No, a zygocactus is not a christmas cactus.
What is the difference between a Zygocactus and a Christmas cactus?
The zygocactus and Christmas cactus are two very similar plants. The main difference between them is the bloom time. The zygocactus blooms in November, whereas the Christmas cactus blooms in December. In fact, the zygocactus is also known as the Thanksgiving cactus because it tends to bloom around the holiday. In contrast, the Christmas cactus’ begins to bloom around Christmas.
Zygocactus is a common name for Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata syn Zygocactus truncata). It sells as “Christmas cactus,” “Thankgiving cactus,” and “holiday cactus” at various stores during the holidays. True Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is not heavily marketed.
Can you keep Zygocactus indoors
Zygocactus, or Christmas cactus, are popular holiday plants that are easy to care for indoors. They should be positioned in bright to medium, indirect light, and may need to be moved in early autumn into lower light conditions to help stimulate flowering. Even light from a streetlamp can inhibit flowering, so be sure to position your plant accordingly. With a little care, your zygocactus will thrive indoors and bring holiday cheer for many seasons to come!
Schlumbergera is the correct botanical name for the plant commonly known as the Christmas cactus, but they are frequently called Zygocactus, their former botanical name. The original hybrids had cherry-red flowers that bloomed during the Christmas season. The ancestors of today’s Christmas cactus were discovered in southeast Brazil in 1819.
How long do Zygocactus flowers last?
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that can add a touch of holiday cheer to any home. These festive plants are relatively easy to care for, and with a little bit of TLC, they can bloom for years to come. Christmas cacti are typically red, white, or pink, and they bloom in the late fall or early winter. Once the plant has flowered, it is important to prune back the stems in order to achieve a uniform habit. With proper care, the Christmas cactus can remain in flower for four to six weeks.
This is an amazing plant that is not only easy to take care of, but also has beautiful flowers! With the proper care, this plant can live for up to 100 years, making it a great addition to your holiday decor for many years to come!
Can Zygocactus go outside?
Christmas cactus is a tropical plant, so it can only be grown outdoors year-round in warm climates. If you live in a colder climate, you’ll need to bring the plant indoors during the winter months.
Holiday cacti can tolerate being placed outside during the summer, but should be kept away from intense heat and direct sunlight. Too much direct light can burn leaves or turn a reddish color. Plants should be brought inside as soon as nighttime temperatures dip below 60 F.
How often does a Zygocactus bloom
Holiday cacti are a type of cactus that can bloom more than once a year. They are often given as gifts during the holidays, hence their name. These plants are relatively easy to care for and make for beautiful, long-lasting houseplants.
Zygocactus, also known as Christmas cactus or Easter cactus, are cacti that bloom in winter because their flowering is initiated by winter’s longer nights (or shorter days). Their flowering can be severely reduced by exposing the plants to additional light during the night (even household lighting).
How often should I water a Zygocactus?
It is important to water your plants every 2 to 3 weeks, but only water them when the top one third of the soil is dry to the touch. This will ensure that the plants have enough water to stay healthy, but not too much water that can lead to root rot.
If you want your forest cactus to bloom for the holidays, start the treatment six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom. Put your plant in a dark closet for 14 hours a night, and bring it back out into a bright location during daylight hours. Once buds begin to form, the closet treatment is no longer needed.
How do you keep a Zygocactus alive
To ensure your cactus blooms, it is important to maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees. Watering should be kept to an even moisture- keeping the soil evenly moist- while your plant is blooming and misting it frequently. For light, place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun. Fertilization should be done every two weeks once buds form, using a high-potassium fertilizer.
Zygocactus are cactus that do not like direct sunlight. They flower in response to lengthening nights (shortening daylength). They are so sensitive that their normal flowering can be upset if they are grown in an area which is lit at night, for example on a balcony near a street or outside light.
Will Zygocactus grow in shade?
Zygos can be grown just about anywhere in Australia in dappled or bright shade. They are quite hardy and can tolerate quite a bit of cold. In areas with severe frost they will need some winter protection such as in a shadehouse, up on the verandah or even indoors.
It is important to fertalize holiday cacti monthly during the growing season with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) mixed at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water. However, it is not advisable to apply the same week as the regular fertilizer.
Warp Up
No, a zygocactus is not a christmas cactus.
Although a zygocactus is not a christmas cactus, it is still a popular plant to have during the holidays. Its brightly colored flowers and ability to thrive in a variety of environments make it a popular choice for many people.
