Schlumbergera (Zygocactus) 'Malissa'

Schlumbergera 'Malissa' is a cultivated hybrid in the Cactaceae family, more commonly known as a Zygocactus or Christmas Cactus. Its wild relatives originate from the coastal mountain forests of south-eastern Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes or lithophytes in shaded, humid environments. In their native habitat, they anchor in moss-covered tree branches or rocky crevices, benefiting from filtered light, good air circulation, and consistently moist but free-draining conditions.

The stems are formed of flattened, jointed segments (phylloclades) with shallow serrations or notches along the edges. 'Malissa' is distinguished by its large, pure white tubular flowers, sometimes with a subtle greenish or cream hue in the throat. The blooms emerge at the tips of mature segments and have a graceful, layered arrangement adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. This hybrid has a slightly arching to cascading growth habit, making it well suited to hanging displays.

Flowering occurs in response to shorter day lengths and cooler night temperatures, generally from late autumn to early winter. When seasonal cues are provided, it can reliably produce a profusion of blooms each year.

Care Tips:

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Some morning or late afternoon sun can be beneficial, but avoid harsh midday sun to prevent stem scorch.
• Water: Keep the mix evenly moist during active growth and flowering. Reduce watering after blooms fade, allowing the top layer of soil to dry before rewatering.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Increase moisture in the air by placing the pot on a pebble tray with water or misting occasionally in dry indoor air.
• Media: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix, such as one containing orchid bark, peat, and perlite, to mimic natural epiphytic conditions.
• Fertiliser: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertiliser diluted to half strength. Switch to a high-potassium feed before flowering to encourage bud formation.
• Temperature: Maintain 18–24°C during growth. To initiate 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 pot size only if necessary.
• Propagation: Take cuttings of 2–3 joined segments in spring or summer, allow them to callus for 24 hours, then plant in a well-draining mix.