Genus · Cactaceae
Schlumbergera
2 species tracked in Horta’s catalog, and the named cultivars growers keep. Walk down to a species for its full care record, or into a cultivar for its traits and provenance.
Species in this genus
The ones growers meet most — each links to its own page.
Schlumbergera buckleyi
Christmas Cactus
Schlumbergera × buckleyi is a member of the cactus family, but unlike its arid relatives this is a forest cactus accustomed to growing on tree branches and shaded rock in humid conditions, so it wants more moisture and softer light than a desert cactus. Give it bright indirect light and a free-draining mix, and water when the top inch of mix has dried, letting it approach dryness between waterings rather than staying wet. Its epiphytic nature means it rots if left sitting in soggy soil, so err toward under-watering.
Schlumbergera truncata
Claw Cactus
Schlumbergera truncata is a succulent epiphyte from the humid forests of southeastern Brazil, where it grows on tree branches and rock in fast-draining conditions rather than in arid sun. Give it bright indirect light and a chunky, free-draining mix, and water only when the top inch of the mix has dried — its segmented stems store moisture and the roots rot if left sitting wet. As an epiphyte it appreciates airflow and tolerates ordinary indoor humidity.
About the genus
A genus-level overview — shared traits, history, the botany that ties these plants together — is on its way. For now, the species and cultivars above and below carry the genus.
Kept true by its growers
Schlumbergera keeps evolving — species move, cultivars appear, IDs get corrected. If you can place an unplaced plant or add a species we’re missing, the whole genus gets truer.
Overview derived from 2 tracked species · the contribute flow arrives with the next slice.