Schlumbergera ‘Modesto’ — Holiday Cactus

Description

Schlumbergera ‘Modesto’ is a tropical holiday cactus with flat segmented stems and colorful winter flowers. It grows more like an epiphytic forest cactus than a desert cactus, so it appreciates an airy organic mix and regular but careful watering.

Light and Placement

Provide bright, indirect light and protect the stems from intense midday sun. For another patterned holiday selection, see Schlumbergera ‘Chiba Spot’.

Water and Soil

Use a loose, well-drained mix with organic matter and let the upper layer dry slightly between waterings. Do not leave the root ball saturated or sitting in water.

Seasonal Flowering

Cooler autumn nights and shorter days help initiate buds. Once buds form, steady moisture and temperature reduce stress. Ric-Rac Cactus is another epiphytic cactus with flattened stems but a very different form.

Care Notes

Prune lightly after flowering to encourage branching and protect the plant from frost. For another tropical trailing houseplant, Hoya ‘Krimson Queen’ provides a contrasting waxy-leaf display.