Whitesun Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri

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 drops stem segments if it is over- or underwatered. Grow it in a bright but not direct light, in a moist, well-draining cactus potting mix. It prefers high humidity so 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 it once a month. 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 (plants are daylength sensitive) in the fall. 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.

Quick ID Hints:

• Stem segments (cladodes) elongate, crenate
• Leaves inconspicuous, brown bristle-like
• Flowers broad diameter, short-tubed, scarlet

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant may be susceptible to spider mites, aphids, 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.