Cactus e Dintorni

Habitat: tropical forests of Brazil.
Description: an epiphytic, short-lived genus with many cultivars available. The flattened stems have undulate or dentate margins, small hairy areoles and flower profusely. It is commonly known as “Easter cactus”. It had been included first in the genus Epiphyllum and then in Zigocactus. However, the name is now deemed obsolete, that is why it is sometimes substituted for Schlumbergera, Epiphyllopsis or Rhipsalis.
Soil: fertile mix. 
Location: grow in bright indirect light.
Temperature: overwinter at about 10°C (50°F).
Water: from March to September wait one week between two waterings; in the winter water once a month.
Cultivation tips: spray non calcareous water daily. When the flowering period is over, place the plants in deep shade and reduce watering. They’re easy to raise from seed or propagate by cuttings in the summer. If grown indoors they need to be sprayed with water in the winter as well. Do not move plants that are about to bloom, otherwise they will drop the flower buds. Fertilize before flowering begins.
Main species of Rhipsalidopsis: Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (now Hatiora g.), a beautiful but tricky epiphyte from the damp rainforests of Brazil that requires acidic soil, indirect light and high air humidity. The formation of the flower buds is triggered by exposure to cool temperatures around 10-13°C (50-55°F) and short days, so ensure 16 hours of darkness from mid-January until buds are developed (usually after 40 days). Then the low temperature should be raised between 16 and 20°C (61-68°F) and the high to more than 20°C (68°F). Rhipsalidopsis rosea (now Hatiora r.).