Bountiful Gardens

The Festive Epiphyte: Schlumbergera

Schlumbergera are famous for their flat, segmented stems (often mistaken for leaves) and their spectacular, tubular flowers that emerge from the very tips of the branches. Because they bloom during the shortest, darkest days of the year, they are the ultimate winter mood-boosters.

Suggested Placement in the Home

• The "Bright but Indirect" Spot: Think of their jungle home—they want dappled light. An East or West-facing window is perfect. Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can turn the segments reddish (sunburn).

• The Bedroom or Guest Room: To bloom, they need long, uninterrupted nights of darkness. If you keep them in a room where the lights are on until midnight, they may never set buds.

• The Bathroom: They appreciate the extra humidity from a shower, provided there is a window for light.

Care & Maintenance

• Pruning for Fullness: In late spring, you can twist off one or two segments from the ends of the branches. This encourages the plant to "Y" out and branch, leading to more tips and, eventually, more flowers.

• Leaf Cleaning: Since they don't have traditional leaves, the segments can get dusty. A quick spray in the sink or a gentle wipe with a damp cloth keeps them photosynthesizing efficiently.

• Humidity: Unlike desert cacti, they love moisture. Placing them on a pebble tray with water or misting them occasionally will keep the segments plump.

• The "No-Touch" Period: Once you see flower buds forming, do not move the plant. Even a slight change in orientation or a sudden draft can cause "Bud Drop," where the plant sheds its flowers before they open.

The Essential Tip for Beginners

The "Chill and Dark" Secret: To get your Schlumbergera to bloom in time for the holidays, you must play with its internal clock. Starting in October, give the plant 12–14 hours of total darkness each night and keep it in a cooler room (around 13°C–15°C). This combination of "short days" and "cool nights" signals the plant that it’s time to produce its spectacular flower show!