Schlumbergera
Schlumbergera is a small genus within the family Cactaceae, comprising seven natural and four hybrid cactus species. Unlike most desert cacti, these plants are native to the coastal mountains of southeast Brazil. These plants are known as Flor de Maio or May flower because they typically bloom around May.
Among the seven species, the most well-known is the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), a natural species. Although native to the Southern Hemisphere, these plants are named after the holidays they bloom around in the Northern Hemisphere. The Christmas cactus typically flowers in December, while the Thanksgiving cactus blooms in late November.
Previously, another species, the Easter cactus (Whitsun cactus), was also classified under the Schlumbergera genus. However, recent genetic and morphological studies have led to their reclassification into a separate genus, Rhipsalidopsis. Due to their seasonal blooming periods, the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus are collectively called Holiday Cacti.
Taxonomy and Classification
The genus Schlumbergera was formed by Charles Lemaire in 1858, named after Frédéric Schlumberger, a cactus collector.
The taxonomic position of this genus is given below:
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Cactaceae
Subfamily: Cactoideae
Tribe: Rhipsalideae
Genus: Schlumbergera
Currently, there are 11 recognized species within this group.
Description
Schlumbergera species are known to produce flowers with a wide range of colors, including white, orange, pink, bright red, and occasionally yellow. They develop small fruits that vary in shape from oblong to spherical and can be yellowish-green to deep red.
Unlike traditional desert cacti with thick, fleshy stems for storing water, Schlumbergera species lack true leaves. Instead, their flat, green, segmented stems function as leaves.
Some plants in this group exhibit variegated patterns with green, yellow, or white markings on their stems, which may result from a lack of chlorophyll, natural mutations, environmental stress, or selective crossbreeding. Unlike desert cacti, they are adapted to low light conditions, relying on air moisture rather than deep roots for water absorption. These distinct adaptations set Schlumbergera apart from its desert relatives.
Types of Schlumbergera Cactus
The table below outlines the key distinguishing traits of the different species within the Schlumbergera genus, including their lifespan and blooming periods.
*The blooming seasons are based on the Northern Hemisphere, where these plants are not native.
The two most popular species, commonly known as the Thanksgiving Cactus and the Christmas Cactus, are long-lived. While the Thanksgiving Cactus can live up to 100 years, the Christmas Cactus has been found to survive even longer.
Distribution and Habitat
Native to the coastal hilly regions of southeastern Brazil, these plants thrive in humid forests, where they typically grow as epiphytes (on trees) or lithophytes (on rocks) at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 1,700 m (3,300 to 5,600 ft).
Uses
Due to their low maintenance cost, these cacti are always in high demand during festive seasons. Their unique ornamental shapes and colorful flowers make them a popular holiday gift. Also, they are safe for indoor spaces, as they are non-toxic to both pets and children.