Schlumbergera

Flamboyant colour during dark days

The beautiful Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is not actually a cactus at all. Instead, it comes from the succulent family. Its pretty flowers come out just in time for the end of the year.

Colours and shapes

Schlumbergera is a fine example of a flowering indoor plant. Sturdy flat leaves with curved spikes are strung together, ending in flower buds. At the end of autumn or the start of winter, the buds unfurl to reveal purple, red, white, orange or pink flowers. The Christmas cactus makes a very good hanging plant, as the flowers can be admired from all angles.

Symbolism

Schlumbergera does not have any official meaning, but because this succulent can live for 20 to 30 years as a houseplant, we think it makes a good symbol for loyalty.

Origin

Schlumbergera originates from the Amazon rainforest, where the humidity is high. There, the plant grows on tree trunks. The houseplant is quite particular about its position and care routine, so it’s best not to move your Christmas cactus, because it might shed its buds in protest.