Zygocactusis the former genus name of an epiphytic succulent plant aboriginal to the Brazilian rainforest . This plant has since been rename and reclassify asSchlumbergera truncata . flora typically are trade as houseplant around Thanksgiving and Christmas , because that ’s when they burst into bloom and gain one of their common figure , " holiday cactus . "
Although it ’s a true cactus , it ’s a tropical cactus species and can not prosper under the same care and experimental condition as a desert cactus specie .
Zygo Cactus and Related Species
Zygo cactus flora are often referred to as " Christmas cactus , " although they ’re actually " Thanksgiving cactus " plants . The reason for the confusion primarily is a marketing / advertising decision . Because this specie start blooming at the end of November , it ’s in memory in full blooming just before Christmas , which make it desirable for shoppers .
The " dead on target " Christmas cactus is another metal money , Schlumbergeraxbuckleyi , which blooms just a little afterwards than Thanksgiving , in belated December through January . Because it ’s not in peak blooming for Christmas cut-rate sale , this is why the Thanksgiving cactus is commercialise as Christmas cactus .
Both these mintage are brave in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12 , and both demand the same upkeep . An wanton way to severalize between the two is by looking a the flattened stem segments , called cladophylls .
Zygo / Thanksgiving cactus is also called " crab cactus " because of the pincer - comparable appendage on the stems , while Christmas cactus has round prow appendages . Zygo cactus may have cream , pink , reddish , over-embellished , orange tree or bicolor blooms , depending on the cultivar .
Growing Zygo Cactus
In their native habitat , zygo cactus plants are epiphytic , which means that they grow attached to trees rather than to grunge . Zygo cactus do not harm or extract nutrients from their host trees , however .
In culture , * * these cacti originate best on soil that drain well . * * A potting mixture that consists of one part potting soil , two contribution peat moss and one part perlite is ideal for zygo vacation cactus .
- Zygo cactus are very sensitive to temperature and sparkle . * * They need nighttime temperatures between 55 and 65 ° F to bloom . If nighttime temperature are above 65 ° atomic number 9 , these cacti may simply not produce the flower they are prized for . It is crucial not to expose zygo cactus plants to temperatures at or above 90 ° F in the fall as this can lead to bud drop .
Zygo plant will bloom in five to six weeks after bud appear if nighttime temperature are around 55 ° F . If temperature are above 60 ° F , you will need to check that the plants spend at least 12 60 minutes a night in total darkness . If you do not have a dark enough elbow room , you could cover the plants with disastrous fabric .
Tip
Nighttime temperatures between 55 and 65 ° F are required for zygo cactus plant to bloom .
Zygo Cactus Care
With proper care , a zygo holiday cactus can live for many year . Let ’s go over the motivation of these ornamental cacti .
Watering
The water needs of zygo cactus depend on the clock time of yr . During the spring and summertime , you may let the land to dry out between watering . However , once flower buds appear in the fall , you want to provide consistent moisture . This preclude the buds from fall off the plant .
You desire to ensure not to overwater zygo cactus , as this can extend to a condition have a go at it as root guff that can pop the plant life . Overwatering this plant can also make peak buds to drop before the blooms can open .
Fertilizing
Holiday cacti respond favourably to fertilizer during the growing season . From June through August , monthly feedings with balanced houseplant fertiliser works well for these species .
Once bud variant , shift to a fertilizer that contains a in high spirits amount of K and phosphorus than N to keep going the growth of efflorescence .
Repotting
Zygo cacti perform well when they are " root - bound . " This intend that the roots have no more room to spread out and instead organize a dense layer as they encircle the base of the pot .
As a result , zygo cacti onlyneed to be repottedabout every three years or so .
