What is the difference between Christmas cactus and Rhipsalidopsis? A guide to telling them apart easily
Leaf differences: The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) has serrated leaf edges with obvious protrusions; the leaf edges are green and relatively thin. The Rhipsalidopsis leaf edges are relatively smooth, with no obvious protrusions; the leaf margins are purplish-brown and relatively thick. Flower differences: The Christmas cactus has relatively long stamens, while Rhipsalidopsis has relatively short stamens.
1. Leaf differences
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) has serrated leaf edges shaped like small crab claws, with obvious protrusions. Its leaf edges are green, and the leaves are relatively thin. The Rhipsalidopsis leaf edges, by contrast, form relatively smooth curves with no obvious protrusions. Its leaf margins are purplish-brown and relatively thick.
2. Flower differences
The Christmas cactus has relatively long stamens that extend beyond the petals, making them clearly visible. Its petals curl upward, which is very distinctive. Rhipsalidopsis, by contrast, has relatively short stamens and flowers shaped like bowl lotus blooms; the stamens generally stay inside the flower and do not extend beyond the petals.