Description
Hatiora graeseri is a freely branching shrub with pendant stems made up of flat mid-green segments. Hatiora gaertneri has been artificially crossed with Hatiora rosea to form a hybrid with flowers in a wide range of colors (red, pink, or white).
How to Grow and Care
Hatiora grows in the wild in tropical rain forests of South-Eastern Brazil, as far south as Parana, along the border with Paraguay. Although they grow mostly on tree trunks, they are sometimes found growing on rocky ground. In the wild, Hatiora bloom in spring and will sometimes flower twice in one year.
These cacti thrive best in indirect light with exposure to morning and evening sun. They prefer well-draining soil. Cactus or epiphytic compost works well. Hatiora can be propagated easily through cuttings that can root immediately in soil. It likes long nights of about 14 hours. Cover the plant with a paper bag to shut out sunlight. Try not to reposition the plant once flower buds appear, as these could fall off during any movement. It needs a month’s rest after flowering, so water sparingly during this period.
