Hatiora gaertneri

La Hatiora gaertneri (or as it is known now Schlumbergera gaertneri) is an epiphytic cactus characterized by producing very pretty flowers, so much so that it has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

It is a species with an amazing ornamental value, since it is also relatively easy to maintain. In fact, although you have to be a little aware of the irrigation, in reality with a few tips you are sure to make your cactus grow healthy.

Origin and characteristics of Hatiora gaertneri

Our protagonist is a cactus that is popularly known by the name of Easter cactus or Pentecost cactus. It is native to the southeast of Brazil, specifically Paraná and Santa Catarina, where it lives at an altitude of 350-1300 meters above sea level. It is epiphyte, which means that it grows on the branches of trees, although it is also possible to find it on rocks.

The stems are made up of several segments called flattened, green and branched cladodes. It does not produce leaves, since photosynthesis is a task carried out by these stems, which are 4-7 centimeters long by 2-2,5 centimeters wide.

Its flowers are about 4-5 centimeters, and are scarlet, orange, or pink. They sprout in spring, usually early to mid-season.

What are the care you need?

La Hatiora gaertneri It is a cactus that can give you many joys. It is very interesting as an indoor plant with light, as well as for balconies or gardens where there is no frost. Therefore, below we will explain how to take care of it:

Location

• Interior: it is a species that can be inside the house, in a room with light but not direct; that is to say, it is not necessary to put it right in front of a window because it would burn. Also, it must be away from drafts.
• Exterior: it must be kept in semi-shade, because if it were in full sun it would suffer burns.

Soil or substrate

It is a cactus that is grown both in pots and in the garden, so that the soil varies depending on where it is planted:

• Flower pot: it is advisable to fill it with porous substrates that absorb water and filter it as quickly as possible. For example, an interesting mix is ​​70% pumice (for sale No products found.) with 30% peat.
  The pot must have holes in the base, and if it is made of clay, it is better for the plant to root more easily, but it also grows in plastic ones.
• Garden: the soil in the garden must have very good drainage, as this will ensure that the roots grow and develop normally. If it puddles quickly, make a large hole, at least 50 x 50cm, and fill it with pumice.

Irrigation

En general, the substrate must be allowed to dry between one watering and the next. Every time you water, you have to pour water until all the soil is very wet; that is, until it comes out of the drainage holes.

If you see that the earth does not absorb the water, then it is possible that this substrate is not the most suitable. And it is that when a cactus is grown only in peat, or when it is not of the best quality, if it dries it compacts, and that is a problem because it is impossible to absorb the water normally.

To solve it, you have to take the plant and immerse the pot in a basin of water for half an hour. But the ideal is to change the substrate so that something like this does not happen again.

Subscriber

As it is a plant that grows during the warm months and blooms in spring, it is highly recommended to start fertilizing it with fertilizers for cacti (on sale No products found.) as soon as the temperatures remain above 15ºC. On a weekly or biweekly basis, depending on what the container of the fertilizer you are using indicates, and until the end of the summer that fertilizer will make your Hatiora gaertneri is beautiful.

Of course, I insist, it is very important that you read the instructions for use and follow them to the letter. Making the mistake of not doing so could cause you to overdose, which could seriously damage the roots.

Multiplication

The Easter cactus multiplies by stem cuttings during spring. To do this, you just have to cut them with clean scissors and then put them in a shady and dry area for about 5-7 days. After that time, the wounds will have healed, so it will be a good time to plant them in pots with a mixture of peat and perlite in equal parts.

Put them in a place protected from direct sun, and water about 2 times a week so that they do not dehydrate. In about 15-20 days they will emit their roots.

Pests

It is quite sturdy, but can sometimes have mealybugs that are removed with diatomaceous earth, or with soap and water. During the rainy season it is important that snails and slugs, as these can devour the cactus.

Transplant

It has to be transplanted into spring. In the case that it is potted, it will be done every 3-4 years so that it can continue to grow.

Rusticity

Withstands temperatures up to 15ºC.

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