Xerophyte

Habit

It is a much-branched, slow-growing perennial with a succulent stem composed of flattened segments, and areoles confined to the crenate margins.

Description

Schlumbergera x buckleyi originates from a cross between Schlumbergera truncataSN|31175]]SN|2948]] and Schlumbergera russellianaSN|2948]]SN|31175]] made by the horti-culturalist W. Buckley about 1850. There is no doubt that this is one of the most popular cactus of all and one of the most commonly grown indoor ornamental that puts forth vivid pink-red blossoms in winter. This is the popular 'Christmas Cactus'.

Note

Many illustrations supposedly of Schlumbergera truncata or of Schlumbergera russelliana depict the hybrid S. x buckleyi. Unlike S. truncata this hybrid has crenate (scolloped), not toothed stem-segments, but segments are larger than those of S. russelliana, and the flower is nearly regular. It is quite variable.

Flowers

Sessile, regular, slightly bilaterally symmetric to almost actinomorphic, bisexual 5.5-6.5 cm long, 3-4 cm wide, usually one or two at the end of the segmented and flattened stem (Three flowers on a stem are unusual). Tube 3-4 cm long. Limb somewhat oblique, perianth-segments 12 to 15 spreading to recurving, all coloured but varying in length, 13-29 mm long, 8-11 mm wide, the outer ones (representing the sepals) being the shortest and the inner ones the longest. The perianth-segments are united at the base into a tube and the stamens are also connate. The single style up to 50 mm long protrudes beyond the numerous stamens and the flowers are protandrous, so that cross-pollination is favoured. Stamens are in 2 whorls, the outer whorl inserted on the perianth-tube and the inner whorl united at their bases to form a short tube round the style. Stigmas purplish. Filaments about 37 mm long. These organs are borne on the hypanthium which encloses the inferior ovary. Ovary + hypanthium ( pericarpel) c. 8 mm across, ribbed tannish-green to purplish.

Blooming Season

Winter (in northern hemisphere it is expected to bloom between December and February, though earlier or later flowering may sometimes take place).

Stem

Up to 50 cm or more, eventually somewhat woody at base; segments oblong or obovate, truncate, 2-4.5 cm long, 1.3-2.5 cm wide obliquely scolloped.