Schlumbergera Malissa | 13cm Pot

A winter, white-flowering succulent-like cactus. Pot cover not included, see below for a choice of colours Position: bright but indirect light Soil: good quality cacti and succulent compost Rate of growth: average Flowering period: November to late January Hardiness: tender (indoors only) Current height: approximately 30cm (+ or – 10% including the pot) Pot covers: select a 14cm pot cover. (not included) This easy to grow house plant will brighten up a bright windowsill or table with its long-lasting display of pink-flushed white flowers. Often referred to as the Christmas cactus, it is not unusual for it to be in bloom non-stop from November to the end of January – and even after it has finished flowering, its fleshy green foliage makes an attractive addition to the home. This plant will be delivered in bud/flower for instant colour. Home care: Because of where this plant comes from, it likes a bright spot but not in direct sun with a humid atmosphere – so you could stand it on a saucer of damp gravel to improve the humidity. It is an easy plant to care for, but if you want it to flower each Christmas there are a few rules to follow.Basically it needs 2 resting periods so after it has flowered in late January reduce the watering and move to a cooler room with a temperature of approx 12° -15°C. Water sparingly but don’t let it dry out. Then from April to September increase the water and start to feed with a liquid houseplant fertilser and move to a warmer room with a temperature of around 18-20°C. The flower buds should start to form mid September, so you will need to reduce the temperature and watering as before for the 2nd resting period. Once the flower buds have developed you again increase the temperature and watering. Then you should be rewarded with a another lovely Christmas floral display! For healthy growth, it is best to repot every year at the end of March using a cactus potting compost or John Innes No 2 with added grit.