The easy-care Easter cactus (bot. Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) is considered non-toxic, while the very similar Christmas cactus (bot. Schlumbergera truncata) is classified as slightly poisonous. The two plants differ mainly in terms of flowering time and flower shape.
Is an Easter cactus poisonous?
Is the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) poisonous? No, the Easter cactus is non-toxic and therefore ideal for a child-proof home. However, note that the similar-looking Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is slightly poisonous.
Even if your cactus isn't blooming, you can tell which of the two plants it is. The limbs of the Christmas cactus are slightly jagged, whereas those of the Easter cactus are not.
You can use broken limbs to propagate your cacti. Allow the limbs to dry a little, then place the cuttings in a pot with potting soil (€6.00 on Amazon), to which you may add a little sand. The cuttings usually root quite quickly.
The most important things in brief:
- Easter cactus non-toxic
- similar looking Christmas cactus slightly poisonous
- Distinguishing features: flowering time, flower shape and leaf shape
Tip
The Easter cactus is non-toxic and therefore well suited for a child-proof apartment.
