Schlumbergera (Zygocactus) 'Youp'

Schlumbergera 'Youp' is a cultivated hybrid in the Cactaceae family, commonly referred to as Zygocactus or Christmas Cactus. Its wild relatives are native to the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes or lithophytes in shaded, humid forests, clinging to tree branches or rocky ledges. This hybrid is grown for its decorative segmented stems and its seasonal display of tubular flowers.

The flattened stem segments (phylloclades) are joined in a chain-like growth, each with slight serrations or notches along the edges. 'Youp' is noted for its bright, richly coloured flowers, which are typically shades of magenta to pink, although colour intensity can vary depending on light and temperature during bud formation. Flowering occurs at the tips of the segments, with blooms oriented horizontally to pendulous, adapted for pollination by hummingbirds in their natural range.

This hybrid has a moderate growth rate and can form a dense, cascading plant over time. Bud initiation is triggered by shorter day length and cooler night temperatures, making it a reliable seasonal bloomer in cultivation when environmental cues are provided.

Care Tips:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Protect from harsh midday sun, which can scorch the stems.
• Water: Keep the soil evenly moist during active growth and flowering. Reduce watering slightly after blooms fade, allowing the top layer of soil to dry before rewatering.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate to high humidity. Misting or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help maintain moisture in dry indoor conditions.
• Media: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix, such as a blend of orchid bark, peat, and perlite, to replicate its natural epiphytic habitat.
• Fertiliser: Feed every 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertiliser diluted to half strength. Switch to a high-potassium fertiliser in the weeks before flowering to encourage bud set.
• Temperature: Maintain 18–24°C during active growth. To trigger flowering, provide night temperatures of 12–15°C for several weeks in autumn.
• Repotting: Repot every 3–4 years after flowering, refreshing the mix and using a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
• Propagation: Take cuttings of 2–3 joined segments in spring or summer, allow them to callus for 24 hours, and plant in a well-draining mix.