Is Zygocactus the same as Christmas cactus?

Is Zygocactus the same as Christmas cactus?

Zygocactus is a common name for Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata syn. Zygocactus truncata). It sells as "Christmas cactus," "Thankgiving cactus," and "holiday cactus" at various stores during the holidays.

How do you take care of a Zygocactus?

Zygocactus prefers evenly moist soil that does not dry out completely. It is best to water them thoroughly so that water runs freely through the bottom of the pot and then let them dry out before watering them again. Check the soil moisture before watering your cactus.

Does Zygocactus like full sun?

Zygocactus do not like direct sunlight. They flower in response to shortening daylength (actually lengthening nights). They are so sensitive that their normal flowering can be upset if they are grown in an area which is lit at night, for example on a balcony near a street or outside light.

How long does a Zygocactus last?

These plants are classed as Zygocactus, which some scholars call a misnomer, while others shout it from the roof tops. Whatever type of plant it is, the Thanksgiving holiday cactus is a proven winner, with blooms that last for 2 to 4 months and an easy-going nature.

How do you water a Zygocactus?

They should be watered once the potting soil is dry to the touch, allowing excess water to drain freely from the bottom of the container. Do not let the soil become waterlogged by letting plants sit in standing water. Prolonged exposure to overly wet soil, especially in the winter months, can lead to root rot.

How often do you water Zygocactus?

every 2-3 weeks Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.

How do you prune a Zygocactus?

0:385:22Pruning Christmas Cactus - YouTubeYouTube

Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?

Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don't use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.

Do Christmas cactus like to be root bound?

Christmas Cactuses actually like to have their roots sort of crowded. This is a struggle for plant parents because it's tough to prevent them from becoming root bound when they actually grow best in a crowded pot.

Are ice cubes good for plants?

According to Reader's Digest, all it takes is placing two large ice cubes at the base of your plant once a week to keep them happy and hydrated. This way the plant gets to suck up all that H2O slowly, but surely. Moreover, this will also help stave off any messy watering overflow that may occur.

Are Zygocactus easy to grow?

• Zygocactus are generally easy plants to grow and the fact that there are many plants around that are decades old are testimony to this. Ou new eBook Growing Zygocactus has lots of information on how to grow Growing Zygocactus is our new eBook on growing what we call in Australia " Zygocactus ".

Is Zygocactus an epiphyte?

• Zygocactus are epiphytes. Other types of epiphytes are bromeliads and orchids. These types of plants don't need soil to survive and grow. They take in moisture and nutrients from the air and rain in the rainforests were they are found. Zygocactus grow naturally in branch forks and rock crevices.

When can I plant Zygocactus in a hanging basket?

• In around 6 months the plants should be ready to pot up into a hanging basket. If you are looking for colour in a hanging basket in winter , then Zygocactus could be the plant for you. They have a tropical look to them, however are actually from the cool mountain areas of Brazil and they are naturally epiphytic, that is they grow on trees.

What is the difference between Zygocactus and Schlumbergera?

• Zygocactus – Schlumbergera truncata ‘madame butterfly’. Easy to grow and with attractive flowers from winter through spring, Zygocactus as we commonly call them are more correctly, Schlumbergera species. With only half a dozen species in the genus, the Schlumbergera varieties offered for sale owe a lot to intensive hybridisation.