The Christmas cactus is native to rainforests. The original place of its origin is Mata Atlantica, a rainforest with a tropical climate located in the east of Brazil. The varieties we offer at Christmas time are almost exclusively hybrids and crosses.
Where does the Christmas cactus come from?
The Christmas cactus originally comes from the rainforests of eastern Brazil, especially Mata Atlantica. The varieties we use are mostly hybrids and crosses of the six different species that are native there.
Origin from the east of Brazil
The Christmas cactus is originally native to the rainforests of eastern Brazil. There are six different species, some of which are already threatened with extinction. That's why crosses and hybrids are almost exclusively offered for indoor culture in Central Europe
After its discovery, the plant, which blooms in many colors and is a cactus, achieved real success..
In order for a Christmas cactus to bloom and thrive in the room, care must take into account the conditions at the place of origin. Only if these are met will the Christmas cactus bloom.
What conditions does the Christmas cactus need in the room?
In the rainforests of Brazil, the Christmas cactus grows under trees and feeds on the humus left behind by the leaves. The Christmas cactus doesn't always get a lot of direct light from the tree leaves. The humidity is very high.
In order to provide the Christmas cactus with suitable conditions in the room, you must ensure a bright, not too sunny, draft-free location. The humidity should not be too low. In addition, the cactus does not tolerate waterlogging, but needs to be watered depending on the growth phase.
Fertilize little and water carefully
In its place of origin, the Christmas cactus does not receive very many nutrients, so it can cope well with nutrient-poor substrate. Too much fertilization is harmful.
Be sure to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to disease or the plant dying.
Christmas cacti are slightly poisonous
The Christmas cactus is one of the mildly poisonous houseplants. There is little danger for an adult, but children and pets can be poisoned if they eat parts of the Christmas cactus.
So place a Christmas cactus so that it is out of reach of children and pets - especially cats.
Tip
The Christmas cactus owes its botanical name Schlumbergera to the Frenchman Frédéric Schlumberger, who made a name for himself as a cactus breeder and collector. It is called the Christmas cactus because its flowering period coincides with the Christmas season.