Christmas cactus

In their natural habit of the tropical rainforest of south east Brazil schlumbergera form large plants that grow on the forest floor. They are grown for their bright tubluar flowers, often appearing around Christmas, at the ends of flatten stems. They make excellent indoor plants and look very effective in hanging baskets. Place in a cool room and flowers will last six weeks. Plants can be propagated by leaf cuttings taken in spring or early summer. S. buckleyi has arching, bright green stems made up of segments. The flowers appear in winter and are deep pink, red or white. Grow in cactus compost in bright but indirect sunlight. Apply a high potash fertiliser, such as tomato feed, every month during the growing season and reduce watering after flowering has finished.