Whitesun Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri

Easter cactus is an epiphytic house plant that is native to the coastal mountains of southern Brazil, where it grows naturally on trees as an epiphyte. It has a bushy and sprawling habit, spineless, flat, segmented, stems, and star-shaped flowers that bloom during the Easter season. It is a member of the cactus family (Cactaceae). The genus name, Rhipsalidopsis, originates from Rhipsalis, meaning stem, and opis, meaning "looking like.' The specific epithet, gaertneri, honors the Gaertner family who was an early settler in Brazil. Gaertner is German for "gardener."

This plant prefers bright, indirect light, and moist well-drained, cactus potting mix. It prefers high humidity; therefore, misting, putting a saucer with rocks and water under the pot, or placing the plant in a bathroom can be helpful. When it is actively growing, fertilize the plant once a month. It is best to keep the soil moist but avoid overwatering. Reduce watering during the dormant months of winter. Temperatures should range from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, but cooler temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit in late winter will promote blooming. The plants can be placed outdoors in a shady location for the warm summer months. An outdoor "holiday" will harden the new growth and help the flower buds form. Move it back indoors, away from artificial lights in the fall (these plants are day-length sensitive and need long uninterrupted nights to set flower buds).

It grows 6 to 12 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide. The stems are green, flat, segmented, smooth, rounded, and spineless with tiny soft bristles on the edges. The flowers are star-shaped, up to 3 inches in diameter, and may be in shades of red, pink, or white. The Easter Cactus does not form its flower buds until the following year around February or March, when the days start getting longer. The plant will typically bloom between late March and May.

The Easter cactus is often confused with Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera. truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), but the flattened stems of the Easter cactus have rounded scallops. The Easter Cactus is less popular and less frequently offered for sale. It is more finicky than either of its cousins and drops stem segments if it is overwatered or underwatered.

This plant will provide vibrant blooms in the spring as a houseplant or container planting on your patio. 

Quick ID Hints:

• Stem segments (cladodes) rounded with a few brownish or yellowish bristles at the tips
• Flowers broad diameter, short-tubed, star-shaped
• Fruits dull red, oblong, 15 mm long

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale. Root rot and gray mold can occur. It is important to have good air circulation and humidity control. Scorched leaves can result from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day.

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.