The Easter cactus is available in many different colors and, as the name suggests, often blooms just in time for Easter. We give tips on how to stimulate flowering.
Like many cacti, the Easter cactus is a fairly easy-care plant. If the winter break is observed, you can enjoy the colorful flowers in spring. Here we show you what needs to be considered when it comes to care and location selection.
Easter cactus: flower, origin and properties
The Easter cactus (Hatiora x graeseri) is a hybrid of two species of the genus Hatiorafrom the cactus family (Cactaceae), namely Hatiora rosea and Hatiora gaertneri. The parents can also be found commercially as Easter cacti. Both species are widespread in southern Brazil and grow there in the higher lying cloud forests perched on trees or other plants. The shoots of the Easter cactus are succulent and divided into flat sections that first appear red and later turn green. With increasing age, the shoots hang over the edge of the pot. The Easter cactus is therefore also a real eye-catcher in the hanging basket. The Easter cactus flowers in spring between March and April. The bell-shaped flowers sit at the end of the shoots and can take on a wide variety of colors - from red to orange and yellow to pink or white. A winter dormant phase, in which the formation of flowers is stimulated, is crucial for the blooming splendor at Easter.
The most beautiful species and varieties
In addition to the widespread hybrids, the two parent species Hatiora rosea and Hatiora gaertneri are sometimes referred to as Easter cacti.
- Hatiora rosea: As the name suggests, this species has pink flowers. It is already listed as Least Concern in Brazil, where Hatiora rosea is native. There the plant grows at altitudes of up to 2000 meters.
- Hatiora gaertneri: UnlikeHatiora rosea has Hatiora gaertneri bright red flowers. The shoots hang down, which is why Easter cacti also cut a fine figure in traffic light pots. This species is also on the Red List and is considered endangered.
- Hatiora x graeseri: The hybrids of the above two species are called Hatiora xgraeseri. The commercially available Easter cacti are mostly these hybrids. In addition to red and pink, they also come in many other colors.
Easter cactus: location, soil and co.
Choose a location for the Easter cactus that is bright but not in full sun. If the sun is too strong, the shoots can turn red. In the growing season between March and October, the temperature should be between 16 and 24 °C. If it doesn't get colder than 10 °C at night in summer, you can easily put the Easter cactus outside. Here, too, a location should be chosen that is protected from the blazing sun. In addition, the Easter cactus needs increased humidity, which can be achieved, for example, by occasionally spraying it with water.
In winter, the Easter cactus also likes light, but the temperature has to be lower now so that flowers can be created for the coming spring . During the winter months, you should give the Easter cactus a break, during which care measures such as fertilizing and watering are largely stopped and the temperature is reduced to around 10 °C. After about six weeks of winter break, the temperature can then slowly be increased to 20 °C. The Easter cactus reacts very sensitively to a change of location during this time and should preferably not be moved or rotated.
A loose, well-aerated substrate with a slightly acidic pH is suitable as a substrate. A suitable soil can be easily made by yourself. To do this, mix two parts of peat-free potting soil with one part of quartz sand. For the base, it is best to use a high-quality soil such as our Plantura organic potting soil. With its pH value of 6.1 to 6.9, it is in the optimal range for the Easter cactus and contains important nutrients that the Easter cactus needs to grow initially. In addition, the soil is particularly loose and structurally stable due to the expanded clay it contains and does not require any peat.
Hint: A layer of potsherds or stones on thePot bottom is very important to avoid waterlogging.
Easter cactus care: This is important
If you consider a few aspects, caring for the Easter cactus is not particularly complex. For flowering, however, it requires a somewhat more special approach. A six to eight week dormant period is important to allow the Easter cactus to develop blooms in the spring. Even after flowering, another six-week rest period is prescribed, during which less watering and no fertilization is done.
Water and fertilize
The Easter cactus does not need a lot of water, nor does it have a high nutrient requirement. It is best to water it in spring and summer as soon as the substrate has dried on the surface. Avoid complete drying out of the root ball as well as waterlogging. Excess irrigation water should be removed about ten minutes after watering. Room-warm and lime-free water is ideal. Also spray the Easter cactus regularly with lime-free water, as it needs a slightly higher humidity. Watering can be done less frequently in winter, and the Easter cactus does not need much water, especially during the resting phase at low temperatures. Therefore, only water enough during the resting phase that the substrate does not dry out completely.
Nutrient supply is only necessary in summer, around April to October. At this time, you should give the Easter cactus a half-strength green plant fertilizer about every three weeks. For example, our Plantura organic room and green plant fertilizer is suitable for this, which you can simply mix into the irrigation water. In addition to important nutrients, our primarily organic fertilizer also contains microorganisms that promote root growth. Its production conserves resources and thus our environment.
Cut Easter Cactus
It is not necessary to cut the Easter cactus. However, if it has become too large, you can cut off individual shoots at the desired location with a sharp knife. These are also useful for propagating the Easter cactus. The pruning should definitely be done after the flowering period so that the flowering is not affected.
Repot Easter Cactus
If the old pot has become too small, you should repot the Easter cactus. Again, this is best done after flowering. Lay a drainage layer of potsherds, gravel or expanded clay on top of thepot soil and plant the Easter cactus in a suitable, permeable substrate. Repotting is usually necessary every two to three years. In the meantime, just removing the top layer of soil and refilling with new soil is sufficient.
The Easter cactus is not blooming: what to do?
Your Easter cactus isn't blooming? This can have the following reasons:
- No dormant phase: The most common reason for a lack of flowering is probably wrong overwintering. The Easter cactus needs a bright but cool place with temperatures of around 10 °C for the planting of the flower buds. The resting phase should last four to eight weeks and the location should not be changed during this time. When the first buds appear, you can slowly increase the temperature.
- Wrong care: Even if the hibernation is very important for the formation of flowers, it can still happen that the Easter cactus does not form any flowers due to a lack of nutrients or too little space. Therefore, check whether the pot is big enough and the substrate is not too wet. During the growth phase, the Easter cactus also needs regular feeding.
Propagate Easter Cactus
You can use cuttings or seeds to propagate the Easter cactus.
Cuttings: Use a sharp knife to cut off a shoot about 10 cm long from the plant. Let it air dry for three days and stick it into the substrate with the interface. A mixture of two parts potting soil and one part quartz sand is well suited. Moisten the soil and choose a light and warm place for the cutting. Temperatures of around 23°C are ideal. Roots are formed after about four weeks.
Seeds: Propagation by seeds is also possible. To do this, the Easter cactus flowers must be pollinated. Pollination can be done by hand with a brush or by self-pollination of individual flowers. After fruits are formed, the seeds can be detached and spread on moist substrate. Covering with cling film ensures higher humidity and accelerates growth. Germination takes about three weeks in a bright and warm location.
Is the Easter cactus poisonous?
The Easter cactus isnon-toxic and can therefore be placed anywhere in the home. Even if it's outside in summer, you don't have to worry.
The Christmas cactus looks very similar to the Easter cactus. However, as the name suggests, it blossoms at a different time. Here's how you can stimulate the flowering of the Christmas cactus.