The Lobster Claw Succulent (Schlumbergera truncata) is a popular houseplant known for its unique appearance and vibrant, festive blooms. Its distinctive segmented stems resemble a lobster’s claw, contributing to its common name. This plant typically blooms around the holiday season, adding a burst of color to indoor spaces.
Understanding Your Lobster Claw Succulent
The Lobster Claw Succulent, Schlumbergera truncata, is also known as the Thanksgiving Cactus. It originates from humid, shaded forest environments in southeastern Brazil, growing as an epiphyte on trees or rocks. Unlike desert cacti, this epiphytic cactus absorbs moisture and nutrients from the air and decaying organic matter.
Schlumbergera truncata has flattened, segmented stems with two to four pointed, claw-like projections. These segments, or cladodes, produce tubular, asymmetrical flowers in various colors, including red, pink, orange, white, and purple. Blooms typically appear in late autumn or early winter.
Comprehensive Care Guide
Light Requirements
Lobster Claw Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light. Medium indirect light is suitable during spring and summer. As blooming approaches in fall and winter, a brighter indirect light spot is preferred. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch the plant, causing stems to appear pale or yellow. Insufficient light can hinder blooming and lead to leggy growth.
Watering Practices
Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. During the dormant period in late fall and winter, after blooming, reduce watering frequency to about once a month, allowing the soil to dry out more.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, airy, and slightly acidic potting mix is suitable for Lobster Claw Succulents. Due to their epiphytic nature, they do not thrive in heavy, wet soil. An ideal mix includes equal parts peat moss or coconut coir, perlite or coarse sand, and orchid bark, or a commercial cactus and succulent mix. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent water accumulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Lobster Claw Succulents prefer warm, humid conditions. Optimal temperatures are 60-65°F (15-20°C) during blooming and 70-80°F (21-27°C) during the active growing season (April to September). Maintaining humidity above 50% is beneficial, especially when blooming. To increase humidity, mist the plant or place its pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water.
Fertilization
During the active growing season, from spring to early fall, apply a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks. Reduce fertilization in late summer and stop entirely after blooms have dropped until new growth begins in spring. Fertilizing during dormancy can lead to salt buildup and inhibit flowering.
Repotting
Lobster Claw Succulents prefer to be somewhat pot-bound, so repotting is typically needed only every two to three years, or when roots emerge from drainage holes. The best time is in spring, after blooming and before active growth. Choose a container one or two inches larger in diameter to encourage flowering. Use a fresh, well-draining epiphytic cactus or orchid soil mix.
Propagating Lobster Claw Succulents
Propagating Lobster Claw Succulents is achieved through stem cuttings. The best time is during spring and summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem segment of two to three cladodes. Gently twist or cut the segment at a joint using sterilized pruning shears or scissors.
Allow the cutting to callus for several days in a dry, airy location to prevent rot. Once callused, plant the cutting about one inch deep into a pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a cactus or succulent blend. Alternatively, root cuttings in water by placing the cut end in about an inch of filtered water, changing it every few days until roots develop. Place the cutting in bright, indirect light, and keep the soil consistently moist until new roots and growth appear.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
A lack of blooms is a common concern, often due to insufficient light, particularly a lack of continuous darkness (12-14 hours) during fall’s bud-setting period, or inconsistent temperatures. To encourage flowering, ensure bright indirect light during the day, uninterrupted darkness at night, and cooler nighttime temperatures (50-60°F or 10-15°C) for several weeks.
Drooping or wilting stems may indicate overwatering or underwatering. Consistently soggy soil can lead to root rot, causing wilting and mushy stems. Severely underwatered plants may shrivel and droop from dehydration. Check soil moisture before watering and ensure proper drainage.
Leaf discoloration, such as yellowing or browning, can signal problems. Yellowing leaves, especially if mushy, often indicate overwatering or too much direct sunlight. Browning can result from sun scorch or root issues. Pests like mealybugs and spider mites can also cause discoloration, stunted growth, and sticky residue. Inspect the plant regularly for pests and treat with insecticidal soap or isopropyl alcohol.
Safety for Pets and Humans
The Lobster Claw Succulent (Schlumbergera truncata) is generally considered non-toxic to pets and humans. While not typically dangerous, consuming large quantities might lead to mild gastrointestinal upset in pets. It is advisable to prevent pets from excessive chewing on the plant.