Here’s a shocking revelation: instead of a Christmas cactus, you might have a Thanksgiving cactus! Despite their striking resemblance, they are two distinct plants.
Unfortunately, the fact that these Christmas succulents are sometimes mislabeled at garden centers adds to the confusion. And the fact that they both bloom in late autumn or early winter adds to the confusion. It’s helpful to know which one you have, though. This is how you can tell them apart:
What’s the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus?
The Christmas season has arrived, which means not only holiday decorations but also seasonal plants! This is the time of year when there are a lot of attractive holiday plants to pick from, whether you buy them from a florist or a nursery, or you grow them yourself. The Christmas cactus is one of the most popular plants to give or receive at this time of year. Is it a cactus for Easter or Thanksgiving?
The shape of the leaves is the distinction between the three cacti. On the edges of the leaf of the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata), there are exceedingly sharp and claw-shaped projections. The leaf projections of the Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) are more scalloped or tear drop shaped. The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerrii) features a leaf with highly rounded margins that are centered.
How do you tell if you have a Christmas cactus?
Looking at the shape of the leaves is the most typical way to tell if it’s a Christmas cactus. It’s a good clue if it’s distinct, but there are lots of varieties that will confound even the most seasoned keen-eyed gardener. There’s more to it (below). If the leaves aren’t distinguishable, the blossoms can help.
What do Christmas cactus leaves look like?
Christmas cactus leaves have a more rounded, scalloped edge than other cacti. Each segment’s tip is slightly curled, yet they appear to be practically straight throughout. Flowers: Christmas cactus flowers are often pink or white and bloom around December.
How often do you water a Christmas cactus?
- Water every two to three weeks, but only until the top one-third of the soil feels dry to the touch. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry, for example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil. (Check with your finger!)
- Soak the soil until water runs through the drainage holes in the pot when it is suitably dry. To catch the water, place a tray underneath the pot. Remove any extra water from the tray after 10-15 minutes so that the pot does not sit in water.
- Feed every two weeks with a balanced houseplant fertilizer from spring through early fall. Feed the cactus once a month in the fall and winter to encourage blooming.
- Late in the spring, prune plants to encourage branching and more flowers. Simply cut a few portions off each stem, and the plant will branch out from the wound.
- Place the cut pieces in a gently wet potting soil if desired; they will root easily after a few weeks and make great Christmas gifts!
How to Get Your Christmas Cactus to Bloom
The lower temperatures and longer evenings of autumn bring out the blooms of Christmas cacti and its relatives. This is the general blooming schedule for the three main species of Christmas cacti:
- Thanksgiving cactus are the earliest and most persistent bloomers, blooming from late October to mid-winter.
It’s possible that your cactus isn’t flowering because it’s getting too much sunshine or being exposed to too hot temperatures. Here are some pointers to help you get yours to bloom!
- For at least six weeks, nights must be at least 14 hours long and days must be between 8 and 10 hours. If you have powerful interior lighting that is turned on at night, you may need to cover your cactus or transfer it to a location where it can be exposed to natural light.
- Flower buds form best when the plant is kept between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 15 degrees Celsius).
- By exposing the plant to temperatures of around 45°F (7°C) for several nights in a row, you can jumpstart the budding process.
- Ensure that you water the plant on a regular basis when it is in bloom. If the plant dries out too much, the buds may fall off.
- Don’t worry if the cactus loses its buds throughout the winter; it will bloom the next year!
What plant looks like a Christmas cactus?
Epiphyllum, or the Orchid Cactus, is recognized for its beautiful and vibrantly colored blossoms. Imagine them blooming in their natural home in the rainforest, up in the tree tops! Here’s where you may learn more about them: Epiphyllum.
Why is my Christmas cactus wrinkled?
When a Christmas cactus starts to wilt or shrivel, it’s usually because it’s been kept too damp. Drought stress can result in withered leaves as well. The roots are suffering in both circumstances; in the first, they may be harmed by fungal diseases that occur when the soil does not drain properly. The roots may have dried out in the latter case.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Is It Possible For A Christmas Cactus To Bloom More Than Once A Year? Yes. Christmas cactus, unlike many other succulents, can bloom again in the spring if given the right conditions.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
With good cause, the Christmas cactus may be found all over throughout the holiday season. It’s a blooming succulent that’s easy to care for, has beautiful blossoms, and may survive for up to 100 years if properly cared for! That’s correct! This plant can last for decades, giving your holidays a splash of color for generations. That’s a fairly good return on investment for a plant as simple and low-maintenance as the Christmas cactus!
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark?
Place the mature plant in a dark room or keep it covered (under a box or bag works good) for at least 12 hours a day in late September or early October.
What colors do Christmas cactus come in?
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are popular fall and winter flowering houseplants native to Brazil. They come in a range of colors, including red, rose, purple, lavender, peach, orange, cream, and white. Schlumbergera species are epiphytes that grow on tree branches in shaded rain forests, and their pendulous stems make them ideal for hanging baskets.
Thanksgiving cactus bloom around Thanksgiving, about a month before Christmas cacti bloom, when grown under standard night duration conditions. The Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri; synonym Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) is another member of the group sold as holiday cacti, with pink or red flowers that bloom predominantly in the spring and occasionally throughout the year. The Thanksgiving cactus is most commonly found for sale during the winter holiday season due to its bloom timing. If the plants are nurtured at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, flowering can extend up to 8 weeks.
Examine the shape of the flattened stem segments, known botanically as phylloclades, to distinguish between Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus. These stem segments of the Thanksgiving cactus have 2 to 4 saw-toothed serrations or projections along the borders. The Christmas cactus has more rounded stem edges. Because neither of these festive cacti has genuine leaves, photosynthesis takes place within the green phylloclades.
The hue of the pollen-bearing anthers is a second way to identify between these two Schlumbergera species. The Thanksgiving cactus has yellow anthers, whereas the Christmas cactus has purplish-brown anthers.