What is the difference between Schlumbergera x buckleyi and Christmas cactus? Tips for telling apart houseplants
When it comes to cacti of the cactus family, many friends are certainly very familiar with them. But today let us get to know Schlumbergera x buckleyi and Christmas cactus, which belong to the same family. Many friends will not be able to tell these two plants apart when they come across them. On the one hand, this may be because their knowledge of plants is not deep enough; on the other hand, their similar appearance makes it easy for people to confuse them. So below, let us teach you how to distinguish these two plants, and if you intend to grow Schlumbergera x buckleyi, how should you cultivate it.
I. Similarities and differences between Schlumbergera x buckleyi and Christmas cactus
The flower is one of the reasons these two plants are relatively difficult to tell apart. The end of the flower stem of Schlumbergera x buckleyi generally has fairly obvious angles, while the end of the flower stem of Christmas cactus is relatively smooth, usually with few sharp angles. Second, the floral tube of Schlumbergera x buckleyi is a little shorter than that of Christmas cactus. When Schlumbergera x buckleyi blooms, the flowers hang downward, while the flowers of Christmas cactus extend upward.
On the other hand, the leaves of Schlumbergera x buckleyi and Christmas cactus are also fairly different. The leaf margins of Christmas cactus have fairly obvious serrations, while the leaf margins of Schlumbergera x buckleyi are relatively smooth and rounded, and its leaves grow spreading outward in all directions, whereas the leaves of Christmas cactus grow upright and upward. Through the above introduction, we can distinguish these two plants well when we come across them.
II. Cultivation of Schlumbergera x buckleyi
1. Soil environment
Schlumbergera x buckleyi still has certain requirements for soil. The soil conditions are best fairly fertile and loose. If it is too poor, it will affect the plant's growth and development, and the soil must have good water retention and permeability. Ordinary sandy loam mixed with suitable river sand is most appropriate. Never use soil with strong stickiness, otherwise the plant will grow poorly.
2. Light and temperature conditions
A temperature between 18-25°C is the most suitable growing temperature for Schlumbergera x buckleyi. In winter, the ambient temperature must be kept above 5°C to avoid frost damage and allow the plant to enter dormancy. Schlumbergera x buckleyi likes warmth and is a short-day plant. During the growing period, it must receive ample sunlight, and the average daily light duration needs to be controlled at 8-10 hours, otherwise the plant's branches and leaves will become shorter and thinner, and flower production will also drop greatly. If there is high temperature on summer afternoons, move the plant to a semi-shaded place to prevent the stems and leaves from shriveling.
3. Watering and fertilizing management
Schlumbergera x buckleyi is relatively drought-tolerant. During the growing period, it needs sufficient watering, but not too much, to prevent water accumulation around the roots and stems, which causes rot. When watering, water thoroughly, and water again only after the potting soil has dried. When winter temperatures are lower, water less, and just keep the potting soil somewhat dry. Fertilize about once every half a month, and only a small amount each time, mainly potassium and phosphorus fertilizers.