ABSTRACT
Many vegetatively propagated varieties exist which have originated from hybridization and selection of Schlumbergera bridgesii and the Brazilian Schlumbergera truncata. High temperature and LD after flowering promote vegetative growth, after which flower formation is possible. Holiday cacti are available in a range of flower colors including white, pink, red, lavender, and a few bicolors. Other characteristics which differ among cvs are density of branching, stem texture, shape of cladophylls, shape of flowers, and time of bloom. Although flower color is the primary criterion which consumers evaluate when purchasing Holiday cacti, producers must evaluate performance, particularly the ability of specific cvs to bloom in time for holiday sales. Flowers are regular or irregular with inner perianth segments united in a tube. The more unfavorable the temperature the more time is necessary for flowering. Flower buds will initiate and develop with only 3 weeks of short days, but an additional 3 weeks will produce more flowers.
