Schlumbergera (Zygocactus) 'Fantasia'

Schlumbergera 'Fantasia' is a cultivated hybrid in the Cactaceae family, more commonly known as a Zygocactus or Christmas Cactus. Its parent species originate from the coastal mountain forests of south-eastern Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes or lithophytes in shaded, humid conditions. In their native environment, these plants root in moss-covered tree branches or rocky crevices, benefiting from filtered light, regular moisture, and excellent drainage.

The stems are made up of flattened, jointed segments (phylloclades) with shallow serrations along their edges. 'Fantasia' is notable for its large, bicoloured flowers, typically featuring a base colour of white or pale pink with vivid magenta to purple edges. The blooms appear at the tips of mature segments and are tubular, adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. The plant develops an arching to cascading form, making it well suited to hanging baskets or raised containers.

Flowering is initiated by shorter day lengths and cooler night temperatures, generally in late autumn to early winter. With correct seasonal care, 'Fantasia' can produce a showy and reliable floral display each year.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Morning or late afternoon sun can help enhance flower colour, but avoid harsh midday light to prevent stem scorch.
• Water: Keep the potting mix evenly moist during active growth and flowering. Reduce watering slightly after blooms fade, allowing the surface to dry before rewatering.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Increase humidity with a pebble tray of water or occasional misting, especially in dry indoor conditions.
• Media: Use a free-draining, slightly acidic mix, such as one containing orchid bark, peat, and perlite, to mimic natural epiphytic growing conditions.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Use a high-potassium fertiliser in the weeks before flowering to promote bud formation.
• Temperature: Maintain 18–24°C during growth. To encourage buds, provide night temperatures of 12–15°C for several weeks in autumn.
• Repotting: Repot every 3–4 years after flowering, refreshing the mix and increasing the pot size only if necessary.
• Propagation: Take cuttings of 2–3 joined segments in spring or early summer, allow them to callus for 24 hours, and plant in a well-draining mix.