In March and April, the waxy, vibrant blooms of the Easter cactus start to show up in nearby gardens and supermarkets. These blooms produce an abundance of red or pink, star-shaped blossoms that can persist far into can or beyond. Easter cacti don't have to end up on the curb once the blooms have faded, though. Succulents are among the greatest houseplants since they require relatively little care.
The Easter cactus is a beautiful plant with deep emerald-colored leaves and an arching growth pattern. It looks fantastic in hanging baskets or up high on a shelf. Even better, it's not too difficult to get an Easter cactus to bloom once again each year. For Easter cactus maintenance, go to this advice to make sure your plant survives and continues to bloom for many years.
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Common Name |
Easter cactus, spring cactus |
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Botanical Name |
Rhipsalideae gaertneri |
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Family |
Cactaceae |
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Plant Type |
|
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Mature Size |
2 ft. wide, 2 ft. tall |
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Sun Exposure |
Partial sun |
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Soil Type |
Loamy, well-drained |
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Soil pH |
Acidic (6.0 to 6.5) |
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Bloom Time |
Winter, spring |
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Flower Color |
Red, pink, orange, purple, white |
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Hardiness Zones |
10, 11, USA |
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Native Area |
South America |
Care for Easter Cactus
An Easter cactus requires different maintenance than a standard desert cactus, even though they are both members of the Cactaceae family. It prefers milder temperatures, can't stand intense sunlight, and needs nutrient-rich soil to grow. Epiphytic Easter cacti are a native of the Brazilian jungles. As an epiphyte, an Easter cactus grows on rocks, trees, and other plants rather than on soil in its natural environment. While Easter cacti are usually planted in soil as houseplants, they cannot thrive in tightly compacted soil and need loose potting mixtures that give their roots enough room to breathe.
Light
The Easter cactus is used to grow in areas that are somewhat shielded from the sun as a natural understory plant in forests. The optimal light for this plant is indirect sunlight.
Soil:
Easter cacti thrive in porous soil mixtures with lots of organic content that allow for optimal root ventilation as an epiphyte. It's best to use a combination of coco coir, peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark. To keep the soil nutrient-rich, treat the soil often with compost or other organic fertilizers.
Water
Between waterings, let the soil dry up, then water deeply until the water starts to run out of the bottom. Making sure the pot has enough drainage is crucial since the Easter cactus cannot accept having its roots flooded. After watering, don't leave any water in the saucer to sit. Reduce watering in the late fall through early January to help promote flowering.
Temperature and Humidity
The Easter cactus survives at milder temperatures, in contrast to other Cactaceae family species. For them to blossom, low temperatures are necessary. When the evening temperature falls between 55 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the Easter cactus will bloom.
Fertilizer
Easter cacti are said to be heavy feeders and benefit from routine fertilizer. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, once per month until you need to get the plant ready for its bloom period, starting around two months after the plant has done flowering. The soil can be kept nutrient-rich by adding compost or other organic fertilizers on an annual basis.
Pruning
An Easter cactus can be pruned, but doing so will help in its ability to bloom the next year. The only requirement is to trim as soon as the plant finishes flowering in the spring and while it is still actively growing. Don't wait until the fall or winter to trim an Easter cactus.
Easter Cactus Potting and Repotting
Easter cactus prefer their cozy pot-bound lifestyle and only require repotting every two years to replenish the soil. Replant it in the same pot if there is still room if you don't need to increase the pot size.
