Schlumbergera truncata

An epiphytic cactus native to southeastern Brazil, it naturally grows on trees. Branching chains of flattened green stem segments have pointed teeth along their edges. Tubular flowers emerge from the segment tips, with several layers of swept-back petals. Cultivated forms flower in many colors. Shortening days and cooler temperatures encourage flower-bud formation, and the plant can be propagated from stem cuttings. It is classified as Vulnerable in the wild. Photographed in Armenia, Colombia.