24 BEAHM GARDENS 
ZYGOCACTUS CULTURE 
Culture is not difficult. A very porous soil 
that drains well and yet remains moist and 
loose—NOT SODDEN—is best. The Zygo- 
cactus need an airy moist atmosphere for best 
results. Their normal food is derived from de- 
cayed leaves and bark accumulated in the 
crotches of the trees, or in crevices of large 
rocks under the trees in which they have be- 
come established. In making an artificial dupli- 
cation of this condition we use a POTTING 
SOIL rich in humus and leafmold. During the 
hottest months set the zygos aside in a cool 
place—water sparingly. Water oftener in the 
fall while buds are forming. As a special treat 
to these plants soak one pound of cottonseed 
meal in five gallons of water for 24 to 36 hours 
or longer. Strain well and use as a foliage 
spray. It need not be washed off as it is bene- 
ficial to both plant and soil. This may be used 
two or three times a year and has a slight acid 
re-action. 
The Zygocactus is susceptible to scale and 
care should be taken to examine the undersides 
of the links regularly especially around the 
joints. At the first sign of any infestation a 
mild oil spray should be used. Your dealer will 
recommend a suitable one. Spray only on cool 
or cloudy days; the plants may be hosed off 
after 24 hours; repeat in two weeks if neces- 
sary. 
When you receive a rooted Zygocactus, it 
should be soaked in tepid water for an hour or 
so on arrival, to make the roots pliable before 
planting. When you receive an unrooted cut- 
ting remember roots form only at the joints 
so be sure there is an undamaged joint just 
below the soil line. If you want to experiment 
try vitamin Bl or one of the hormones. These 
plants need no trellis except for grafts on tall 
standards. These should be supported as their 
tops increase in size and weight. A framework 
Fog in moss stimulating an umbrella can be 
used. 
Grafted Zygos are rather difficult to ship 
but sometimes it is impossible to obtain a plant 
on its own roots. If you have received a grafted 
one it is wise to use soil and other conditions 
suitable to the growth of the base or root-stock. 
CHRISTMAS CACTUS 
The plant usually distributed under the term 
Christmas Cactus may flower as early as No- 
vember or as late as March or even in late 
summer. Its true identity is still in question. 
It does not have a zygomorphic flower. It has 
small regular flowers of fuchsia-pink which 
have a short tube and a 4 to 5 ridged ovary 
with large scales. The flowers sometimes are 
slightly hooded the first day with the petals 
opening wide on the second day. The tips of 
plant joints are blunt, sometimes with hairs, 
but with no noticeable claws. The Christmas 
Cactus frequently loses a portion of its younger 
joints which are replaced by new growth while 
the joints which have dropped may take root 
at the base of the plant under certain circum- 
stances. Priced 35c to $1.50. 
The Schlumbergera is very similar to the 
Zygocactus in plant growth and culture except 
that the flowers are symmetrical and have nar- 
rower petals on very short flower tube. Flowers 
close at night but are open for several days in 
succession. Most of them appear at Easter time 
thus giving rise to the name Easter cactus. We 
can supply Schlumbergeras only as available. 
SCHL. RUSSELLIANA (see Christmas Cac- 
tus) is thought by many to be the true Christ- 
mas Cactus flowering from December through 
March and differing somewhat from the Easter 
Cactus, Schlumbergera Gaertneri. 
SCHL. GAERTNERI. Flowers of bright 
crimson. The plant may have long soft spines 
at the apex of the links. Joints are not as large 
as in Makoyanum. Limited. Rooted cuttings 
75c each. 
SCHL. MAKOYANUM. Large links with 6 
to 8 areoles along the side edges; soft spines are 
wanting or are usually not readily visible at 
the apex. Flowers are a cardinal shade of red. 
Limited. Rooted cuttings 75c each. 
SCHLUMBERGERA seedlings—are closely 
similar to parent. Rooted cuttings 75c. 
SCHLUMBERGERA GAERTNERI 
