Zygocactus, also known as Schlumbergera or Holiday Cactus, is a long-time favourite for Australian plant lovers. With their vibrant, orchid-like blooms appearing just as the rest of the garden winds down, they’re the perfect burst of winter colour. And the best part? We’ve just added new plants in bud, ready to flower for you this season!
🌸 Shop the New Season Varieties:
- Zygocactus ‘Purple Dancer’ – Striking rich violet flowers.
- Zygocactus ‘Thor Sharon’ – Electric pink tones with great flower density.
- Zygocactus ‘Malissa’ – A softer pink with prolific blooming.
🪴 Growing Conditions
Zygocactus are epiphytic cacti native to Brazilian cloud forests. Unlike desert cacti, they prefer filtered light, cool temperatures, and rich but free-draining soils.
Light:
Bright, indirect light is ideal. A few hours of morning sun is okay, but protect from strong afternoon heat. Outdoors, place under cover or tree shade.
Temperature:
Cool to mild conditions suit best. They’re perfect for indoors or protected patios during autumn and winter. Avoid frost exposure.
Potting Mix:
Use a free-draining blend. An orchid or cactus mix with added perlite or bark gives the best results.
💧 Watering and Feeding
Watering:
Water when the top 2–3cm of soil is dry. During flowering, keep slightly moist. Reduce watering in summer to allow a light rest period.
Feeding:
Feed every 3–4 weeks from autumn to early spring using a liquid fertiliser, ideally one high in potassium to support flowering.
🌿 Pruning & Propagation
After flowering, prune lightly to maintain a tidy shape and encourage branching. Cuttings root easily—let them callous for 1–2 days, then place in moist mix.
💡 Flowering Tips
- Cooler nights and shorter days trigger flower buds—avoid bright lights at night in autumn.
- Once buds appear, try not to move the plant to prevent bud drop.
🌼 Ready to Bloom
Zygocactus are easy to grow and bring vivid colour to your winter collection. Our latest batch is in bud now—don’t miss the chance to enjoy this year’s spectacular show.
