Schlumbergera Family - Cactaceae Different species of Schlumbergera have different common names: there is a S. bridgesii - known as Christmas cactus; S. gaertneri also called Easter cactus; S. truncata sometimes called Thanksgiving cactus. These cacti come from the rain forests of Brazil and probably named for their flowering seasons. Flowers appear at the tips of the stems in the flowering seasons, they are satiny dangle, have many petals and last several days. Christmas cactus bears blossoms between late December and February; the Easter cactus blooms in spring, bearing starlike red flowers 2 to 3 inches across at the tips and along the stems where the segments meet. Thanksgiving cactus has, along each side of the stem joint, from two to four prominent incurved teeth. It usually blooms in autumn. Stems of all schlumbergeras can grow quite long and look good in hanging baskets. Holiday cacti grow best in bright indirect or filtered sunlight. Before blooming, they require night temperatures from 50° to 55°. So if you want to ensure that your schlumbergera will flower, place plants outdoors from early autumn until just before frost. During this period do not give them any light at night. When you take them back indoors buds appear after four or five weeks. Once the buds of any species are set don't change it's lighting position or the buds will just drop. During the growing season, keep the soil evenly moist but when plants are dormant, water just enough to keep them from shriveling.Schlumbergera propagates easily from stem cuttings at any time except when the buds are setting.