Hatiora

Family. Cactaceae.

Origin. Brazil.

Description. A small genus consisting of 5 - 6 plant species. Hatiora is a low epiphytic cactus, which is a shrub with light green segmented stems. The segments are oblong, cylindrical or flat, chaotically directed, abundantly branched. In spring or summer, abundant bright flowers appear on the tops of the shoots - yellow, pink, lilac or red. The diameter of the flowers can reach 7 cm.

Height. Often does not exceed 40 cm.

Care at home

Reproduction of indoor hatiora 

Seed propagation is possible, but this process will take several years. Vegetative propagation is much easier with the help of rooted pieces of stems - cuttings, 8 - 10 cm long. The rooting process should take place in a warm place without direct sunlight, for 2 - 6 weeks. Even the smallest stem segments take root successfully.

When it blooms 

Spring Summer. For flowering to occur, it is important to provide this cactus with a cool, light, and dry period of rest. 

How to care 

Hatiora is not picky, but for flowering to occur it needs good lighting and a short period of rest in the winter months. Fading flowers are pinched so that the plant does not waste energy on producing seeds. With the help of pruning, which this cactus can withstand, you can easily maintain the compact, neat shape of the plant. 

Transplantation 

Transplantation is carried out with the first signs of new growth, but before flowering, in the spring. As the hatiora grows, it is planted in larger pots. 

Soil 

An air- and moisture-permeable mixture with excellent drainage, rich in organic matter.

Diseases and pests of hatiora 

If there is no dormant period, the plant will not bloom. Transplanting and even moving plants during the flowering period will cause them to shed their buds. Hatiora is susceptible to rot if there is moisture in the tray and poor drainage. The cactus is also reluctant to bloom when the summer heat is above 28° C. With a lack of light and rotting roots, plants can shed stem segments. 

Insect pests - mealybugs, spider mites, scale insects, whiteflies.

Containment temperature

During the growing season, it appreciates warm conditions at a temperature of 24 - 27 °C. In winter, the plant should rest at a temperature of 7 - 15 °C - in such conditions, Hatiora is able to lay many flower buds.

Lighting

Shade the plant from the hot sun during the daytime in spring and summer. Plants should be bathed in sunlight every evening and morning for 3-4 hours. In autumn and winter, you can provide a maximally illuminated room. With good lighting, the plants acquire a reddish hue, and the segments remain short and thick.

Fertilizer

In spring and summer, feed the hatiora every 2 weeks with water-soluble cactus fertilizer at half strength. After flowering, feeding is stopped for 1 month, and in winter the plants are not fed at all. 

Spraying

Does not require high air humidity. 

Watering

During the period of growth and flowering, watering should be plentiful. The earthen lump is completely soaked, but the top layer is allowed to dry to a depth of 3 - 4 cm before each subsequent watering. After flowering, the frequency of watering is reduced and in the autumn-winter period the plants are kept in almost dry soil. 

Purpose

The drooping stems of this colorful flowered cactus will cascade beautifully over the edges of a hanging basket. 

Varieties:

Hatiora salicornioides

An abundant branching cactus whose stems consist of numerous, cylindrical, oblong segments. In the West, this plant is called “dancing bones,” which is not far from the truth - its appearance is very unusual. With age, the bases of the stems become woody and covered with gray bark. In its natural habitat it can grow as an epiphyte or terrestrial plant. The stems can reach 1 meter in height. The stem segments usually grow to 2 - 3 cm in length and are 3 - 4 mm. in diameter. The flowers are yellow, small, appear on the tops of the shoots, are quite rare when grown at home, and reach 1 cm in diameter. 

Hatiora herminiae

Small cacti, reaching a height of 30 cm, have numerous, offensively branched stems, consisting of oblong, cylindrical, glossy, green segments. Areoles with small spines are located over the entire surface of the segments. With age, the shoots become woody and covered with bark. The stem segments reach a length of 2 to 5 cm and a diameter of only 5 mm. During the flowering period, the plant adorns itself with attractive, bright, pink or lilac flowers, which are located singly or in pairs at the tops of the stems and reach a diameter of 1 to 2.5 cm.