Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 12:28 pm
Schlumbergera lutea, formely called hatiora epiphylloides, grows in Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Schlumbergera lutea are epiphytes and are part of the Cactaceae family of plants.
This plant’s common name may have you thinking it’s from the Hatiora genus, but in fact, it’s Schlumbergera lutea, and there are actually several varieties of Schlumbergera that are quite different from each other!
Here are some care tips if you have this variety at home – or if you want to buy one as a gift, here’s what you need to know!
Origin and distribution
Schlumbergera lutea is a cactus that is native to Brazil. It is found in the rainforests of Rio de Janeiro, where it grows on trees. The cactus has been introduced to other parts of the world and can now be found in cultivation in many places. The cactus is also known as Hatiora epiphylloides. It is an epiphytic cactus meaning that it lives in trees rather than growing on the ground.
The stems grow up to 8 inches long and are green with yellow stripes. These plants have small white flowers with petals that spread out like the spokes of a wheel.
The flower color ranges from pure white to pink or lavender with purple stripes across each petal; some even have stripes running down the center of each petal.
Schlumbergera lutea propagation
Schlumbergera lutea can be propagated by stem or leaf cuttings. To propagate by stem cuttings, take a cutting that includes at least two nodes and remove any leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone and plant in moistened potting mix.
To propagate by leaf cuttings, take a leaf with a petiole and cut it into sections, each with at least one vein. Dip the sections in rooting hormone and plant them in moistened potting mix.
Cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks. Make sure to keep them warm and humid while they are trying to root. Once they are rooted, grow the plants in an area where they will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. The soil should be kept moist but never wet and fertilized every week with a general-purpose fertilizer.
Be careful of overwatering as this can lead to rot. If you need to repot the plant, make sure to use a fast draining medium such as perlite or gravel. The temperature should stay between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit (16-29 degrees Celsius).
In late summer through early fall when night temperatures start dipping below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius), stop watering completely and allow the soil to dry out before watering again in the spring.
Schlumbergera lutea care information
Schlumbergera lutea, or Hatiora epiphylloides, are typically found growing on other plants or trees, which they use for support. They have long, thin stems that are covered in small spines, and their flowers range in color from white to pink. While they are not difficult to care for, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing Schlumbergera lutea.
Light requirement
Schlumbergera lutea, also known as Hatiora epiphylloides, is a cactus that originates from Brazil. It is also known as the Easter cactus or Whitsun cactus. This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some direct sun. If placed in an area with low levels of light, it will often remain dormant. These plants require well-drained soil and regular watering to thrive.
Soil/potting mix
Schlumbergera lutea prefers a well-draining potting mix. A good mix for this plant would be two parts peat moss to one part perlite. If you live in an area with high humidity, you can add a bit of sand to the mix to help with drainage. Be sure to water your plant regularly, letting the soil dry out between waterings.
Watering
Allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, make sure to drench the soil and then let it drain completely. Never leave your plant sitting in water.
Schlumbergera lutea is susceptible to root rot, so it’s important to make sure the roots are never left soggy. Water about once a week or as needed. In winter, when light levels are low and nights are longer, the need for water decreases.
Fertilizer
Fertilize your Schlumbergera lutea (Hatiora epiphylloides) every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer at half the recommended rate, and leach it monthly with plain water to prevent the build-up of salts in the potting mix. If you notice that your plant is starting to yellow, this is a sign that it’s getting too much fertilizer.
Reduce how often you fertilize by one week, and then resume fertilizing every other week if necessary. Stop fertilizing altogether when the plant enters dormancy in winter.
Temperature
Schlumbergera lutea prefers warm temperatures and will not tolerate cold drafts. If the temperature drops below 60°F, the leaves will start to turn yellow and fall off. The ideal temperature range is 70-80°F during the day and 60-70°F at night.
In winter months when the plant becomes dormant, it can be placed in a cool room or in a refrigerator where it will be inactive for several months. In spring, move back into an environment with warmer temperatures and it should resume normal growth patterns.
Humidity
Schlumbergera lutea, also known as Hatiora epiphylloides, is a tropical plant native to Brazil. It is a member of the cactus family and is closely related to Schlumbergera truncata, or Christmas cactus. Schlumbergera lutea prefers high humidity and thrives in moist conditions. However, it can tolerate periods of drought. If the air is too dry, the leaves will begin to drop.
The ideal humidity range is between 50% and 70%. If you live in an area where the climate has low humidity, such as southern California, try misting your plant every day with room-temperature water from a spray bottle. When you mist your plant with water, make sure that you do not leave standing water on the surface of the soil because this could lead to rot.
Pruning
Schlumbergera lutea can be pruned to control its growth. When pruning, it is important to make sure that all of the leaves are removed. If there are any brown or yellow leaves, they should also be removed. After pruning, the plant should be watered well and placed in a shady area for several days.
It will then need to be re-potted in fresh soil with a new top dressing of sand and compost mix. Finally, it should be fertilized with liquid fertilizer twice a month and monitored closely for signs of disease.
When to repot
The best time to repot your Schlumbergera lutea (Hatiora epiphylloides) is in the spring after it has finished blooming. Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix, as this plant does not like to sit in wet soil.
Every two to three years should be sufficient. Before you start repotting, give the plant a good watering and remove any dead or dying foliage from around the base of the stem. Use a container that is at least six inches deep so that there will be enough room for new roots to grow. Fill with dampened potting mix and gently press down with your fingers.
Dormancy/Winter rest
During the winter months, Schlumbergera lutea goes into a state of dormancy. This means that the plant will not grow or produce flowers during this time. However, it is important to continue to care for the plant during this period. Watering should be reduced and fertilizer should not be applied.
The plant should be kept in a cool, dry place with bright indirect light. It can also be placed on its side so that the soil doesn’t stay too wet. When spring arrives, reduce watering gradually until it reaches normal levels by late spring/early summer.
If the plant has grown out of its pot, repotting may be necessary. Fertilizer should only be applied if you know the plant is getting enough water.
Schlumbergera lutea flower & fragrance
The Schlumbergera lutea, also known as the Hatiora epiphylloides, is a beautiful flowering plant. The flowers are typically yellow, and they have a delicate fragrance.
Flower color varies with cultivar, but the flowers are often a mix of red and yellow. Some varieties have all-yellow flowers, others have mostly white flowers with yellow tips, and still, others have orange flowers with dark purple stripes down the middle.
The leaves are pointed at the tip and divided into two or three sections at the base of the plant.
Growth rate
Schlumbergera lutea is a fairly slow-growing plant, taking several years to reach its full potential size. However, it is relatively easy to care for, and once it reaches maturity, it will produce beautiful yellow flowers. With proper care, your Schlumbergera lutea can thrive for many years.
Toxicity
While Schlumbergera lutea is not considered toxic to humans, it can cause stomach upset if ingested. The plant contains saponins, which can be poisonous to animals if consumed in large quantities.
If you have pets, it’s best to keep this plant out of reach. Symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
USDA hardiness zones
Schlumbergera lutea grows best in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12. In cooler climates, the plants should be grown as houseplants or outdoors during the summer months only.
Pests and diseases
Schlumbergera lutea is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Mealybugs can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Spider mites can be controlled with a miticide. Scale insects can be controlled with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
The most common problem is overwatering. Plants should not be allowed to sit in water as this will cause root rot and stem rots, especially in cool winter months when plants are less active.
The soil should also not remain wet for extended periods of time as this will lead to root rot and stem rots as well. Plants must have air circulation at all times and should never stand in stagnant water, even if it’s only for a few minutes.
