SPRING CACTUS 4in

Here to brighten your spring days is the delightful Spring Easter Cactus, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (often still referred to by its former name, Hatiora gaertneri). This charming succulent bursts into bloom just in time for the Easter season, adorning itself with an abundance of star-shaped, vibrant red, orange, or pink flowers at the tips of its flattened, jointed stem segments. It's a modest-sized plant, typically forming a bushy, somewhat trailing clump about 8-12 inches tall and wide, making it perfect for a windowsill or a small hanging basket where its colorful blooms can truly be admired.

The Spring Easter Cactus thrives in bright, indirect light, much like its close relative, the Christmas Cactus. An east or north-facing window is often ideal, providing good light without the intensity of direct sun, which can scorch its delicate segments. While it is a cactus, it's an epiphytic variety, meaning it naturally grows on trees in humid forests. This means it appreciates higher humidity than desert cacti and consistent, but not excessive, moisture.

Good news for homes with pets: the Easter Cactus is considered non-toxic to both cats and dogs, so you can enjoy its beautiful blooms without worry.

When it's time to repot your Spring Easter Cactus, use Watters Potting Soil, ideally mixed with some additional perlite or orchid bark to ensure excellent drainage and aeration. This mimics its natural epiphytic growing conditions. To encourage a spectacular spring bloom display, feed your plant every 2-4 weeks during the growing season (after flowering through fall) with Urban Gardener's Super Growth Elixir or Fertilome's All Purpose Houseplant Food. Remember to reduce watering and stop fertilizing in late fall to early winter to encourage bud formation for the following spring's show!

#EasterCactus #SpringBlooms #HolidayCactus #FloweringHouseplant #PetFriendlyPlants