Easter Cacti are charming houseplants that are put on a stunning floral display and are easy to maintain. These plants are easy to confuse with other holiday cactus plants, at least, they are until you know what to look for. Learn more about Easter Cactus care, how to tell these plants apart, and how to get them to bloom.

Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri Basics

Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri is the botanical name for the plants more commonly known as Easter Cactus. This plant grows in mountainous regions in southeastern Brazil. Easter Cactus plants prefer subtropical rainforests, so think warm temperatures and incredibly high humidity. These plants are epiphytes in their native habitat, which is a big part of why their roots are susceptible to overwatering.

Technically, this plant is considered a leafless shrub, which is perhaps one of the most depressing descriptions ever. The branches are made of flat, segmented sections that are not true leaves but still have the ability to conduct photosynthesis. The segments are cladodes, which are crosses between branches and foliage.

Types of Easter Cacti

Most Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri have identical foliage, and the flower color sets them apart. Easter cacti have two-inch wide, star-shaped flowers with overlapping rows of petals in red, pink, orange, or white shades. Some of the specific varieties include:

• Rhipsalidopsis rosea or Hatiora rosea, also known as rose Easter Cactus (pink flowers)
• Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri ‘Sirius’ (white flowers)
• Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri ‘Colombia’ (bright orange flowers)
• Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri ‘Scorpius’ (bright red flowers)

How to Identify Easter Cactus

Holiday cactus is a catch-all term for three similar but different plants. Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, or Easter Cactus, is one, and the other two members of this trio are Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus. The common names refer to the time of year the plants bloom. The shape of the branch segments or cladodes is one way to distinguish these plants. The flowers are another way to tell the difference between holiday cactus plants.

Generally, the branch segments or cladodes of Easter Cactus have a very slightly scalloped appearance. The flowers have a tubular structure, but they are not elongated like Thanksgiving or Christmas Cactus blooms.

Naming Rights

You may see a plant in a store labeled a Schlumbergera gaertneri — it’s an Easter Cactus. Schlumbergera is the genus name for Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti, and sometimes mistakes happen. The species name gaertneri is a good sign that the plant is an Easter Cactus, but double-check the greenery and flowers if possible.

Easter Cactus Care Tips

Easter cacti are understory plants in nature, so they need indirect sunlight. Direct light will burn the greenery. Medium-intensity sunlight is best. Use loose, loamy soil with an acidic pH. Perhaps most importantly, the soil must allow drainage. As an epiphyte, the roots need something light and airy. Most cactus or succulent potting mixes work well for holiday cactus.

When it’s time to water, saturate the soil, but wait until the potting mix is dry beforehand. This plant likes to dry out completely, and holiday cacti grown in a humid environment will be content for an extended time between watering sessions. Check the soil with your hand or a moisture meter to better understand when to water. The more humidity, the better, but Easter Cacti are adaptable. Humidity over 50% is terrific, but anything close to average is alright. Below-average humidity is bad news, so use a pebble tray or a humidifier if your home has dry air.

How to Get Easter Cactus to Bloom

These plants have lovely greenery, but the flowers make this a sought-after houseplant. Easter Cactus plants can bloom indoors, but they need your help. The conditions inside are often too consistent, and these plants need an environment that somewhat mimics what they would experience in nature to bloom. 

Flowering Details

Easter Cacti bloom from late winter to early spring, between March and May, and their flowers often last for two to four weeks. Healthy and happy plants may produce a second flush of flowers in late spring, but round two is usually not as prolific.

Easter Cacti need to experience a winter-like environment to set buds, so this means reducing sunlight and water and holding off on fertilizing for about two months. If you want your Easter Cactus to bloom in March, you need to get to work in January.  The steps to get holiday cactus to bloom are the same, except for the timing. You need to consistently control the environment around the plant for about six to eight weeks before you want it to bloom.

Are Easter Cactus Plants Pet Safe?

Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri plants are safe to have around pets. Easter Cacti are a wonderful host gift and a safe option for pet owners.

Easter Cactus Styling Tips

The trailing stems of Easter Cacti are a good fit for a hanging basket, a pedestal, or the edge of a console table. These plants look their best when they have a perch that allows the arching branches to cascade.