Schlumbergera (Zygocactus) 'Purple Dancer'

Schlumbergera 'Purple Dancer' is a cultivated hybrid in the Cactaceae family, more commonly known as a Zygocactus or Christmas Cactus. Its ancestral species are native to the coastal mountain forests of south-eastern Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes or lithophytes in shaded, humid conditions. In these environments, plants root in mossy tree branches or rocky crevices, receiving filtered light, regular rainfall, and excellent drainage.

The stems are composed of flattened, jointed segments (phylloclades) with shallow notches along their edges. 'Purple Dancer' is valued for its large, vivid purple to magenta tubular flowers, which open at the tips of mature segments. The blooms are slightly zygomorphic, with an arrangement that encourages pollination by hummingbirds in their native range. The plant has an arching to cascading growth habit, making it particularly attractive in hanging baskets or elevated displays.

Flowering is triggered by shorter day lengths and cooler night temperatures, typically in late autumn to early winter. With consistent seasonal care, this hybrid can produce abundant blooms each year and remain a long-lived feature plant.

Care Tips:

Light: Bright, indirect light is best. Morning or late afternoon sun can be beneficial, but protect from intense midday rays to prevent stem scorch.

Water: Keep the potting mix evenly moist during active growth and flowering. After flowering, reduce watering slightly, allowing the top layer of soil to dry before the next application.

Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray with water or misting occasionally in dry indoor air.

Media: Use a free-draining, slightly acidic mix containing orchid bark, peat, and perlite to mimic its natural epiphytic growing conditions.

Fertiliser: Feed monthly during active growth with a balanced liquid fertiliser at half strength. Switch to a high-potassium feed before flowering to encourage bud set.

Temperature: Maintain 18–24°C during the growing season. To trigger buds, provide night temperatures of 12–15°C for several weeks in autumn.

Repotting: Repot every 3–4 years after flowering, using fresh mix and a slightly larger pot only if required.

Propagation: Take cuttings of 2–3 joined segments in spring or early summer, allow them to callus for 24 hours, then plant in a well-draining mix.