Easter Cactus

Easter Cactus is an epiphytic house plant that needs light shade and well-drained soil. It tolerates occasional drying, but overly wet soils will cause root rot. It blooms in the spring around Easter, hence the common name.

It is often confused with Thanksgiving (Schlumbergera. truncata) and Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) but you can tell the difference because the flattened stems have rounded scallops. Christmas Cactus has teardrop-shaped scallops and Thanksgiving Cactus has spiny, crab-claw-like edges on its stem segments. The Easter Cactus is less popular and less frequently offered for sale. It is more finicky than either of its cousins and drop stem segments if it is over- or underwatered. Grow it in a bright but not direct light, in moist, well-draining cactus potting mix.