Holiday cacti bloom around the season for which they are named. A. Both grow wild in the mountains of southeastern Brazil, so they prefer things on the cool and shady side unlike the cacti found in desert habitats. Reduce your watering slightly and do not soak the soil, only moisten the top few inches. It could be that the plant is the so-called Thanksgiving cactus. How to grow this easy-to-find “Thanksgiving Cactus,” and how to tell it apart from the rare “Christmas Cactus… It will bloom beautifully next year. If you want to ID your plant, see How to Tell the Difference Between Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus … Many cultivars are available to choose from. Allow the top inch or so of your Christmas cactus to dry out before watering again, but at the same time, you should avoid letting the entire pot dry out. This popular, winter flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus are not different names for the same plant! The Christmas/ Thanksgiving cactus is repotted only every 2 or 3 years, especially after it finishes blooming. Whether called Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter and labelled as Schlumbergera or Rhipsalidopsis, each variety gets the same care and can be encouraged to bloom on schedule with the special tips provided here.. All you do is … Instead, keep reading for complete care instructions, tips for propagation, and more. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) typically blooms between mid-November and late December, sometimes through January. The Thanksgiving holiday cactus is an easy to grow interior plant. Enjoy these general care tips and facts. If you look closely at the pinkish flowers on the succulent, Thanksgiving cacti’s pollen stems are yellow, while Christmas cacti have white pollen. Unlike most cacti, which typically grow in arid environments, Christmas cacti are native to the rain forests of Brazil, where they grow high up within the tree branches. The care is the same and I will show you what the difference is too. This means it doesn’t tolerate soil which is completely dry. If this happens, don't worry. Blossom drop: If your Christmas cactus is exposed to any type of stress, the plant will likely drop its blossoms. Since the … During this time, the ideal night- time temperature should be 50°-60°F ( 10°-15.6°C). Once buds set, 70-75°F/21-24°C days and 60-70°F/16-21°C nights. Repot in early summer when roots fill the pot. Place desired mix in the bottom of the pot so that the root ball is even with the top. The plant should be robust, deep green in color, soil should be moist (press your finger tip in to check) and free of mold. The true Christmas cactus, S. ×buckleyi, blooms a month or so later than the Thanksgiving cactus and is usually in bloom after the holidays are … Be sure it's in a shaded location. A. One of the most important aspects you need to consider when caring for a Thanksgiving cactus is the amount of water you need to give the plant. flowers, which may be red, pink, peach, orange, white, or bicolored. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) has pointed and claw-shaped projections whilst the Easter cactus (Schlumgera gaertneri) will have very rounded edges. Provide plenty of indirect light and room temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. Allow the cut ends to dry for a day; they'll form a callous where they were cut to prevent sap from oozing. Sign up for our newsletter. Repot every three or four years in spring, using Cactus & Succulent … Is it a Christmas cactus or a Thanksgiving cactus or an Easter cactus? It needs to grow in soil that is moist, but it cannot be dripping wet because these plants are used to the tops of the trees where there is less moisture and more sun. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Potted plants need well-draining soil and good drainage. It is called a leaf cactus but is not a true cactus. A pot that's too big will hold too much water. In approximately 3 weeks, the cutting will have rooted and you will have a brand new plant. You'll get a fuller plant by pruning. It could be that the plant is the so-called Thanksgiving cactus. Their flowers are broader and look … Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus belong to the same family of plants, but they bloom at different times. Christmas Cactus, (Schlumbergera Bridgessii), and Thanksgiving Cactus, (Schlumbergera Truncata), are not even true cacti! in early fall is ideal. You can identify its Christmas cousin by its smooth, scalloped stems and later bloom time. Indoor Azalea Care Tips: How to Grow, Water, Prune this Florist Plant, Grow Muehlenbeckia complexa Indoors (Angel Vine, Maidenhair Vine), English Ivy Plant Care - Grow Hedera helix as a Houseplant. Christmas cactus known as Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus. They are in-fact, two different plants in the genus Schlumbergera, with very similar care requirements. Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. I topped mine with succulent & cactus mix, compost & worm compost. After blooms have dropped, stop fertilizing until new growth begins in spring. Late bloomer? Flowers may appear a little later in the season than when you purchased your plant. It is also called Crab Claw Cactus, Claw Cactus, Lobster Cactus, False Christmas Cactus and Holiday Cactus. Christmas cactus ( Thanksgiving Cactus) Learn How to grow Christmas cactus (Thanksgiving cactus), A secret of blooming Christmas cactus, Growing Thanksgiving cactus, christmas cactus care, and more about the Holiday cactus plant.. As an epiphyte, it often has exposed roots and gathers most of its moisture through humidity in the air. Humidity: This jungle native does best with moderate to high humidity, preferably 50% or above. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti are in the genus Schlumbergera and are native to the tropical forests of Brazil. The difference between the Thanksgiving Cactus pictured left, and the Christmas Cactus on the right. The best time to prune a holiday cactus is in spring through summer or right after it has bloomed. It is easy to prune your plant. In its native habitat, this rain forest cactus is. The plants are easy to propagate and multiply. Fill a small clay pot with vermiculite or perlite mixed with potting soil. Whether you train Muehlenbeckia complexa on a trellis, or allow it to trail, you'll love easy-care Angel Vine aka Maidenhair Vine as a houseplant. If in bloom, don’t let the soil dry out. Its deeply indented stems look like crab claws, giving it a second common name, Crab Cactus. Bringing Your Cactus Indoors in Winter. Flowers emerge from the ends of the stems so you'll get more blooms this way. When growing Christmas Cactus, Easter Cactus, and Thanksgiving Cactus you have to give them a hand to help them set new buds in bloom. Prune it. Then place stems upright (the same direction they were growing) in moist perlite. Time for another grandma plant post! Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata) has longer, more pointed leaf segments than Christmas Cactus and of course it tends to bloom around Thanksgiving rather than Christmas. Bring it back inside before the first frost. During the fall and winter, feed the cactus monthly with a balanced houseplant fertilizer. THE CACTUS PLANT I TREASURE MOST comes not from the desert, but from the mountains of Brazil, where it grows, like the orchid, in the crotches of trees. There are several types of cacti that are connected in some way to the holiday season. In many homes, they come … This could be related to the amount of light, or a sudden change in temperature, as discussed in above plant care section. Use a pot just 1- to 2-inches larger. Thanksgiving Cactus Both Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus are called “short day plants” (phototropic plants) meaning the shorter the days (fewer … Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Schlumbergera, also known as Christmas cactus, Holiday cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Easter cactus, or Crab cactus is a very popular and easy-to-care-for succulent. We know how unfriendly winter can be, and your cactus needs to be taken care of with caution. In late fall, this tropical cactus bears big, beautiful flowers, which may be red, pink, peach, orange, white, or bicolored. Want to use a decorative container without drainage holes? Some people tell me they've had their. These tropical plants should not be allowed to dry out; however, excess water at the roots can cause rotting and fungal issues. Growing Thanksgiving cactus to blooming stage will take a couple of years. Remove dead flowers as soon as possible to help the plant continue to bloom. Holiday cactus care: Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus are not different names for the same plant! Get tips for growing English ivy. The care tips apply for both Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus. Thanksgiving Cactus Varieties. You can use any balanced houseplant fertilizer for your Christmas cactus. I’ll continue to fertilize until about October or so. The Thanksgiving Cactus is timed to flower in November/December whereas it’s December/January for the Christmas Cactus. Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Cacti Differences. Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted by half. Time for another grandma plant post! You can identify its Christmas cousin by its smooth, scalloped stems and later bloom time. Holiday cactus care, including both Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus plants, is simple. As an epiphyte, it often has exposed roots and gathers most of its moisture through humidity in the air. These plants are classed as Zygocactus, which some scholars call a misnomer, while others shout it from the roof tops. Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. Thanksgiving Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family. Why? Guide-to-Houseplants.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Christmas Cactus, (Schlumbergera Bridgessii), and Thanksgiving Cactus, (Schlumbergera Truncata), are not even true cacti! Always make sure to water the soil, not the actual leaves. By The Editors That means if you live in a region with no frost, you can leave the cactus outside to experience just what is naturally occurring. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. Cut the stem off between segments (the place where they're joined together by a midrib). Start forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom in late summer to early fall. It’s easy for even the well-trained eye to mistake them for the same plant. The only real problem with the plant is its need to be fooled in order to bloom again the next year. Okay, it … Why did this plant bloom so early and how do I take care of it in the future? Examine your plant for any signs of insects, disease, or distress. Why did this plant bloom so early and how do I take care of it in the future? Read on for Thanksgiving holiday cactus information that will keep you growing and giving away these plants for a lifetime. Most places mistakenly sell Christmas Cactus as Thanksgiving Cactus! Schlumbergera truncata is the parent of many hybrid Schlumbergeras. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. Thanksgiving cactus. Copyright © 2008-2021 Guide-to-Houseplants.com. The names are almost as tempting as their spectacular blooms. It irks me to no end that florists commonly mislabel the Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncate, as the Christmas one. When flowering ceases, decrease water and set the cacti in full sun. Florist's azalea care tips for growing azaleas as house plants. This is partly why they make such great houseplants. I sought to find answers on how you can care for your cactus in winter, and I made some pretty exciting discoveries. The care for both of these Schlumbergera is exactly the same To find out which Schlumbergera that you have here is a link to my Blog I have made on this website on How to tell the difference between Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving cactus . A month by month care guide on how I take care of my Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus. If you follow my tips in this post, you will have a beautiful, long-lived houseplant that will bloom for … Give your plant what it wants, and you'll enjoy it for many years. Some people tell me they've had their Schlumbergera truncata for a few decades. growth begins in spring. To bloom, your cactus needs longer periods of darkness, cooler temperatures, and less moisture. It will bloom beautifully next year. Water thoroughly when soil is completely dry, unless the plant is in bloom. (For my last grandma plant post, see my night-blooming cereus care post!) Thanksgiving Cactus Plant Care One of the most crucial aspects of Thanksgiving cactus plant care is water. The Thanksgiving Cactus has little spine-like notches coming off its leaves (just like a crab claw hence that common name) whereas the leaves of the Christmas Cactus are smoother. This post may contain affiliate links. Forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom requires cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours. If you are having trouble forcing your Christmas cactus to bloom and have tried everything above, then you may just have a different plant than you initially … Be sure it's in a shaded location. Keep your holiday cactus in front of a bright, cool window while it's in bloom. The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms about 3-4 weeks earlier than the Christmas Cactus and is popular because some people want to get a jump on their Christmas flowers. Transplantation . Flower buds are likely to drop off if the plant is moved or suddenly exposed to temperature. If you have been lucky, you might have received a Christmas cactus as a gift around the winter holidays. Unauthorized duplication or publication of any materials is prohibited and protected by the DMCA. Christmas cactus is known as Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus. It also goes by zygocactus. Holiday Cactus Care. Those of us who live where temperatures get cold will have to create false conditions indoors to protect them from the cold, but can experience cool temps down to 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 C.) and reduced light, including artificial light. Schlumbergera is a small genus of cacti with six to nine species found in the coastal mountains of south-eastern Brazil.Plants grow on trees or rocks in habitats that are generally shady with high humidity, and can be quite different in appearance from their desert-dwelling cousins.Most species of Schlumbergera have stems which … The leaves are broad and flat with slight serrations on the edges in the Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus, which has smoother edges. How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus so It Will Bloom All Holiday Season Long With a little TLC, this winter plant will flower again and again. They are attractive plants commonly sold and given as gifts around the holidays but are also easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Find out how to water, prune and grow ivy indoors. These plants feature pink, red, white, or yellow flowers on their flatt… Cutting it back in spring will encourage the plant to branch out where the stem was cut. They do not look like a cactus, but in reality, this is a member of the cactus … Water:  Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy while plant is growing. Light Conditions: Thanksgiving Cactus. The care for Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus is the same. Learn how to care for this epiphyte tropical cactus, including how to propagate it and how to encourage blooming! There are a couple of varieties of Schlumbergeria blooming cacti that tend to come into flower during certain holidays. These tropical plants should not be allowed to dry out; however, excess water at the roots can cause rotting and fungal issues. Push the callused end into the mixture and place the pot in bright but indirect light. Temperature: To set flower buds, Thanksgiving cactus needs cool 60-65°F/16-18°C days and 45-55°F/7-13°C nights. Schlumbergera truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus. Don’t let these tropical plants dry out, but be sure that they don’t collect excess water in the root area, either. This is why these succulents are referred to as “Crab Claw Cactus.” Flowers emerge from the ends of the stems so you'll get more blooms this way. Christmas cacti have flattened leaves with rounded teeth with fibrous hairs in the leaf joints. Care of Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. In its native habitat, this rain forest cactus is epiphytic, making its home on trees. If you find anything suspicious, isolate your plant from other houseplants and investigate the problem. Flowering results from shorter, cooler days for 8-10 weeks. Stems will shrivel or wilt if the roots are too dry. Putting your cactus outdoors in early fall is ideal. You can identify it by the pointy “teeth” on the sides of each stem segment. Aside from the ever-popular Christmas cactus, you’ve probably also seen their counterparts, the Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus. Unlike most succulents and cacti, Schlumbergeras aren’t native to arid regions, but instead, they thrive in subtropical and tropical climates, more … After flowering, water sparingly until new growth begins in spring. Holiday cactus care: Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. Pruning your Christmas cactus, or Thanksgiving cactus will make it branch out, and grow more segmented stem leaves. By far, the most important aspect of Thanksgiving cactus care is watering. Rather it is an epiphyte, those plants which live on other plants. Although a Thanksgiving Cactus needs fertilizer when actively developing leaves, once the buds appear do not feed the plant. If you are completely new to gardening or just need a reminder, here is a free Indoor Plant Care for Beginners in a form of a mini course for you. Vibrant, bi-color blooms make Thanksgiving Cactus a must-have houseplant. Christmas Cactus Versus Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Tell The Difference The best way to tell the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti is to take a close look at the leaves . Though they’re related to desert cacti, the holiday cacti (Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus belong to the genus Schlumbergera while Easter cactus is in the genus Hatiora ) are native to the relatively cool, mountainous rainforests of … Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. Okay, it might not always be a grandma plant, but all of the gorgeous holiday cactus plants I’ve encountered have been from grandmas. Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus do well in sandy soils that have excellent drainage, and they hate to … The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms about 3-4 weeks earlier than the Christmas Cactus and is popular because some people want to get a jump on their Christmas flowers. You can depend on your plant to flower freely every year, but don't be surprised if it doesn't bloom on schedule after the first year. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Water thoroughly and then allow the top 1/3 of soil dry out before you water again. Stems will shrivel or wilt if the roots are too dry. Soil: Mix 1 part potting soil and 1 part fine-grade fir bark. One of the most crucial aspects of Thanksgiving cactus plant care is water. 70-75°F/21-24°C days and 60-70°F/16-21°C nights. Christmas cacti are similar to Thanksgiving cacti and Easter cacti, with each plant blooming closest to it’s respective holiday. To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out during "resting periods," or in other words, when it is not producing blooms. They all have colorful tubular flower and are fairly easy to care for. Repotting . Even though it is called “cactus”, this one’s a tropical, not a desert plant. Use it as a cachepot. Snip off a stem with 4 to 5 sections and leaves. Is it even a cactus? This is a relative of the Christmas Cactus, which likes the same tropical treatment. They bloom around the changing of the seasons, so light and temperature play a big role. This is why these succulents are referred to as “Crab Claw Cactus.” The flowers of the Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus both open somewhat similar to the flowers on a fuchsia plant. How To Care For Christmas And Thanksgiving Cacti Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are succulents from the tropical forests of Brazil. You must protect the plants from temperatures below 50F. Holiday cacti prefer bright indirect light, but can adapt to lower light situations. I loosen the root ball a bit if it’s tight with a gentle massaging. The flowers of the Easter cactus are a bit different. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy potting medium, which can lead to root rot. Whatever type of plant it is, the Thanksgiving holiday cactus is a proven winner, with blooms that last for 2 to 4 months and an easy-going nature. Varieties of Christmas Cactus. Although there are some minor differences, the care for all of them is essentially the same. Here are just a few... 'Peach Parfait' and 'Twilight Tangerine' have peach and orange blossoms, respectively...'Red Radiance' is dark crimson...'Majestic' is purple. The main difference between Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti is the color of the pollen; although it’s worth noting Thanksgiving cacti have more pointed “teeth” on their stems. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. Don't toss those cuttings -- propagate them for more plants. Consider Schlumbergera's native habitat, were it's perched on a tree branch in the South American jungle...under the canopy of tall trees and vines...bathed in high humidity. These popular plants, which include Easter and Thanksgiving cacti, often come from the nursery bursting with … How to Care for Your Christmas Cactus so It Will Bloom All Holiday Season Long With a little TLC, this winter plant … changes. If this happens, don't worry. 5. Overwatering can kill the plant. Give your plant what it wants, and you'll enjoy it for many years. HOW TO CARE FOR CHRISTMAS AND THANKSGIVING CACTUS . Instead, keep reading for complete care instructions, tips for propagation, and more. Varieties of Christmas Cactus. They are also beautiful, especially when in bloom. In late fall, this tropical cactus bears big, beautiful flowers, which may be red, pink, peach, orange, white, or bicolored. The flowers that appear in fall are similar to fuchsia blooms and come in hues of yellow, white, pink and red. I was also told by a grower that the Thanksgiving Cactus ships easier … Flat with slight serrations on the right flowers as soon as possible to help the is! 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