Definition

1. Noun:
   • A spring-blooming South American cactus (Hatiora gaertneri, formerly Schlumbergera gaertneri) characterized by oblong, flattened stem segments (joints) and bright coral-red flowers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Easter cactus on the windowsill is starting to bloom.
  • Unlike the Christmas cactus, the Easter cactus typically flowers in the spring.
  • She received an Easter cactus as a gift because of its vibrant red blossoms.

Advanced Usage

• Horticultural Context: The term is used to specifically distinguish this species from other holiday cacti, such as the Christmas cactus () or Thanksgiving cactus (), based on its flowering time and joint morphology.
  • Botanists reclassified the Easter cactus from the genus Schlumbergera to Hatiora.

Variants and Related Words

• Holiday Cactus (n): A general term for cacti in the and genera that bloom around specific holidays.
• Spring Cactus (n): Another common name for the Easter cactus, referring to its blooming season.

Synonyms

• Hatiora gaertneri: The current botanical name.
• Schlumbergera gaertneri: A former botanical name.
• Whitsun cactus: A regional name used in some areas, as it can bloom around Whitsunday (Pentecost).

Notes

• The Easter cactus is a popular houseplant. Its care involves providing bright, indirect light and allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, especially before the blooming period to encourage flower bud formation.

Noun

1. spring-blooming South American cactus with oblong joints and coral-red flowers; sometimes placed in genus Schlumbergera