Home » Blog » Thanksgiving Cactus or Christmas Cactus? Identify, Care, and Bloom Times Thanksgiving Cactus or Christmas Cactus? Identify, Care, and Bloom Times November 12, 2024 Christmas, Christmas, Holidays, Seasonal Thanksgiving cactus has become synonymous with “Christmas cactus” due to its availability and abundance during the holiday season. The Christmas cactus itself (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is less common in commercial nurseries, partly because it has a shorter blooming period and fewer color options than the Thanksgiving cactus. As a result, people frequently purchase the Thanksgiving cactus believing it to be the Christmas cactus, creating a long-standing mix-up.Origins and BackgroundBoth Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where they grow as epiphytes on trees or rocks. Unlike many cacti, which thrive in dry, sunny deserts, these holiday cacti are adapted to humid, shady environments. They’ve been cultivated for their colorful, tubular flowers, which bloom at specific times of the year, coinciding with Thanksgiving and Christmas.Thanksgiving Cactus vs. Christmas Cactus: Key Differences and Care TipsHouseplants that flower indoors during the colder months add warmth and cheer to any home. Among these, the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti stand out as holiday favorites. They look remarkably similar, but these two plants are different species with distinct characteristics and unique care needs. Recognizing the differences between them can help ensure you provide the right conditions to keep them blooming year after year.The main reasons people tend to confuse the two are their close relationship and similar appearance. However, subtle differences in bloom times, leaf shape, and flower structure set them apart.Illustrations and photo by Leslie F. Halleck1. Bloom Time The bloom times of the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are one of the most obvious distinctions. Thanksgiving Cactus: Typically, the Thanksgiving cactus blooms from mid-November to early December. Hence, its name reflects the timing, as it often blooms around the Thanksgiving holiday. Christmas Cactus: This cactus generally blooms a few weeks later, with blossoms appearing from late December to early January, aligning more closely with Christmas. That said, bloom times can vary depending on individual growing conditions, such as temperature, light exposure, and watering schedule. Some Christmas cacti may even bloom a little earlier or Thanksgiving cacti a bit later, which can sometimes blur this distinction. 2. Leaf Shape One of the most reliable ways to tell these two plants apart is by examining the shape of their leaves. Both species have flattened, segmented stems, but the edges are different. Thanksgiving Cactus: The segments, or “leaves,” have pointed, claw-like projections along the edges, giving them a serrated appearance. This is why the Thanksgiving cactus is sometimes called the “crab cactus” due to the sharp, hooked shape of each segment. Christmas Cactus: The Christmas cactus has smoother, rounded leaf edges with slight scalloping but no pointed teeth. The segments are more elliptical, with a softer look compared to the Thanksgiving cactus. This difference in leaf shape makes it easier to distinguish between the two, especially when they’re not in bloom. 3. Flower Shape and Color The flowers of these holiday cacti are stunning, with multiple layers of petals and vibrant colors. However, there are small differences in flower shape and orientation between the two. Thanksgiving Cactus: Its flowers are more asymmetrical and tend to be more tubular, with petals that curve backward. They are also typically more vibrant, with colors ranging from pink and red to purple, orange, and even yellow. Christmas Cactus: The Christmas cactus flowers are symmetrical, with petals that radiate evenly around the center of the flower. The colors are generally softer and include shades of pink, red, and white. Although both plants have beautiful blooms, the Christmas cactus tends to have a more traditional “Christmas” aesthetic, which is why it’s often used as a holiday decoration.Natural Light and Temperature NeedsBoth Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are accustomed to the dappled sunlight and cool temperatures of their native Brazilian rainforests, but subtle differences exist in their preferred light and temperature conditions.Thanksgiving Cactus: This plant prefers a bit more light than the Christmas cactus, so placing it near a window with indirect sunlight is ideal. During the summer, it can even be moved outside to a shaded spot to simulate its natural environment. Thanksgiving cactus thrives in cooler temperatures of around 60-70°F during the day and prefers temperatures around 50-55°F at night to encourage blooming.Christmas Cactus: Similar to the Thanksgiving cactus, the Christmas cactus enjoys indirect light but can be a bit more sensitive to temperature fluctuations. It prefers slightly warmer nighttime temperatures of around 55-60°F during its blooming period. Exposure to cooler temperatures in the fall can also stimulate blooming, but this cactus is more sensitive to cold drafts, so it should be kept away from open doors and windows during winter.Watering and Humidity RequirementsDespite their names, both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are not “true” cacti, as they are native to humid rainforests. Their care requirements differ significantly from desert cacti and align more closely with tropical plants.Thanksgiving Cactus: This plant prefers a moderate watering schedule. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, but avoid letting it sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot. During its active growing and blooming seasons, it benefits from slightly more water.Christmas Cactus: Similarly, the Christmas cactus enjoys a bit more humidity than most indoor plants. Regular misting or placing it near a humidifier can help it thrive, especially during winter when indoor air tends to be dry. Like the Thanksgiving cactus, it should be watered moderately, with more frequent watering during its blooming period and reduced watering after the blooms fade.Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?Both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are low-maintenance, long-lived plants that make beautiful additions to your home. Choosing between the two largely depends on your preferences for bloom timing, leaf shape, and availability, since you typically only see Thanksgiving cactus in stores. The Thanksgiving cactus may be a better choice if you want blooms closer to Thanksgiving, while the Christmas cactus is ideal if you prefer flowers during the Christmas season.With proper care, either plant can thrive for decades, becoming a cherished holiday tradition in your family. Whether you choose one or both, these festive plants will brighten your home and help you enjoy the holiday spirit all season long.Plant, Grow, Bloomwith Van Putte Gardens