Schlumbergera russelliana

plant

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July 22, 2026

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Schlumbergera russelliana is a species of cactus native to the rainforests of Brazil. It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants, typically trees or shrubs, but can also be found in shady rocky areas. This cactus, like others in the Schlumbergera genus, is leafless and has flattened, photosynthetic stem segments called cladodes.12

The common Christmas cactus, often seen blooming around the holiday season in the Northern Hemisphere, is actually a hybrid of S. russelliana and Schlumbergera truncata. These cacti are known for their striking, elongated flowers, which are adapted for pollination by hummingbirds. While S. russelliana itself has scalloped stem margins, it is often confused with S. truncata, which has saw-toothed margins.213

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Christmas cactus
…truncata, formerly Epiphyllum truncatum) and S. russelliana. Like other Schlumbergera species, it is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in rainforests, mainly on trees or shrubs but sometimes in shady places among rocks. The alternative genus name, Zygocactus, is frequently encountered.
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…truncata, formerly Epiphyllum truncatum) and S. russelliana. Like other Schlumbergera species, it is native to Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte in rainforests, mainly on trees or shrubs but sometimes in shady places among rocks. The alternative genus name, Zygocactus, is frequently encountered.
Read More