Enjoy these general care tips and facts. The care is the same and I will show you what the difference is too. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Even though S. truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus, it is the one that is usually sold as Christmas cactus. 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How to grow this easy-to-find “Thanksgiving Cactus,” and how to tell it apart from the rare “Christmas Cactus… Repot every three or four years in spring, using Cactus & Succulent … Bring it back inside before the first frost. 70-75°F/21-24°C days and 60-70°F/16-21°C nights. Examine your plant for any signs of insects, disease, or distress. I’m referring to the magnificent Schlumbergera truncate, pictured above. That means if you live in a region with no frost, you can leave the cactus outside to experience just what is naturally occurring. Their flowers are broader and look … Stems will shrivel or wilt if the roots are too dry. Fill in around the sides with the mix adding in compost if you have it. The Thanksgiving holiday cactus is an easy to grow interior plant. If you find anything suspicious, isolate your plant from other houseplants and investigate the problem. They are in-fact, two different plants in the genus Schlumbergera, with very similar care requirements. You can identify its Christmas cousin by its smooth, scalloped stems and later bloom time. Thanksgiving cactus plants are brought into bloom by greenhouse growers to sell before the holiday. Many cultivars are available to choose from. Why did this plant bloom so early and how do I take care of it in the future? The care for Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus is the same. Flowers emerge from the ends of the stems so you'll get more blooms this way. This is a relative of the Christmas Cactus, which likes the same tropical treatment. Once the plant begins to bloom, however, you should water it regularly and let the topsoil dry out between waterings, as with other succulents. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. It will bloom beautifully next year. Holiday cacti prefer bright indirect light, but can adapt to lower light situations. If this happens, don't worry. 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 … Even though it is called “cactus”, this one’s a tropical, not a desert plant. Care We know how unfriendly winter can be, and your cactus needs to be taken care of with caution. Prune it. Instead, keep reading for complete care instructions, tips for propagation, and more. Schlumbergera truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus. Its leaf segments are square shaped with pointed hooks on one end and along the sides like pincers, giving rise to its common name “crab cactus”. Slip a plain nursery pot into the cachepot to cover it up. Cut the stem off between segments (the place where they're joined together by a midrib). In its native habitat, this rain forest cactus is epiphytic, making its home on trees. And there is still another one known as the Easter cactus, which blooms in the spring. Be sure it's in a shaded location. Tent over the cutting with a plastic bag and remove it for an hour each day to let in air. Time for another grandma plant post! Water thoroughly when soil is completely dry, unless the plant is in bloom. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Okay, it … You'll get a fuller plant by pruning. It also goes by zygocactus. If this happens, don't worry. Growing Thanksgiving cactus to blooming stage will take a couple of years. Its deeply indented stems look like crab claws, In late fall, this tropical cactus bears big, beautiful. The flowers of the Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus both open somewhat similar to the flowers on a fuchsia plant. Its deeply indented stems look like crab claws, giving it a second common name, Crab Cactus. There are several types of cacti that are connected in some way to the holiday season. Christmas cactus is a popular tropical houseplant offering bold, colorful blooms. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! A pot that's too big will hold too much water. Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus are not different names for the same plant! 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 southeastern Brazil. These tropical plants should not be allowed to dry out; however, excess water at the roots can cause rotting and fungal issues. Spring is the best time to prune it back. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. Christmas Cactus, (Schlumbergera Bridgessii), and Thanksgiving Cactus, (Schlumbergera Truncata), are not even true cacti! Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus belong to the same family of plants, but they bloom at different times. Christmas cactus is not only easy to care for but propagates easily too, making it an exceptional candidate for holiday gift giving. With proper care, you can learn how to avoid common Christmas cactus problems, learn why there are leaves falling off Christmas cactus, and how to make your Christmas cactus bloom. 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. Why did this plant bloom so early and how do I take care of it in the future? Okay, it might not always be a grandma plant, but all of the gorgeous holiday cactus plants I’ve encountered have been from grandmas. Here are just a few... 'Peach Parfait' and 'Twilight Tangerine' have peach and orange blossoms, respectively...'Red Radiance' is dark crimson...'Majestic' is purple. Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. Pruning your Christmas cactus, or Thanksgiving cactus will make it branch out, and grow more segmented stem leaves. 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. Read on for Thanksgiving holiday cactus information that will keep you growing and giving away these plants for a lifetime. Varieties of Christmas Cactus. Stems will shrivel or wilt if the roots are too dry. Christmas Cactus, (Schlumbergera Bridgessii), and Thanksgiving Cactus, (Schlumbergera Truncata), are not even true cacti! The leaves are broad and flat with slight serrations on the edges in the Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus, which has smoother edges. It is called a leaf cactus but is not a true cactus. These popular plants, which include Easter and Thanksgiving cacti, often come from the nursery bursting with … Flower buds are likely to drop off if the plant is moved or suddenly exposed to temperature changes. They are attractive plants commonly sold and given as gifts around the holidays but are also easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Once buds set, 70-75°F/21-24°C days and 60-70°F/16-21°C nights. I loosen the root ball a bit if it’s tight with a gentle massaging. 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 … If you have been lucky, you might have received a Christmas cactus as a gift around the winter holidays. This is why these succulents are referred to as “Crab Claw Cactus.” Always make sure to water the soil, not the actual leaves. Blossom drop: If your Christmas cactus is exposed to any type of stress, the plant will likely drop its blossoms. 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. Don't toss those cuttings -- propagate them for more plants. They do not look like a cactus, but in reality, this is a member of the cactus … This popular, winter flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. 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. In many homes, they come … Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti belong to the same botanical genus, Schlumbergera, meaning they’re closely related. The best time to prune a holiday cactus is in spring through summer or right after it has bloomed. Don’t fall into the trap of constantly repotting into a bigger pot. Never repot a plant that's in bloom; wait till it has finished blooming. 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. The plant should be robust, deep green in color, soil should be moist (press your finger tip in to check) and free of mold. Holiday Cactus Care. flowers, which may be red, pink, peach, orange, white, or bicolored. 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. When flowering ceases, decrease water and set the cacti in full sun. Temperature: To set flower buds, Thanksgiving cactus needs cool 60-65°F/16-18°C days and 45-55°F/7-13°C nights. Most places mistakenly sell Christmas Cactus as Thanksgiving Cactus! Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. Care of Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are epiphytes native to the jungles of South America. Sign up for our newsletter. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. Since the … If you want to ID your plant, see How to Tell the Difference Between Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus … Copyright © 2008-2021 Guide-to-Houseplants.com. 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. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. It is also called Crab Claw Cactus, Claw Cactus, Lobster Cactus, False Christmas Cactus and Holiday Cactus. I topped mine with succulent & cactus mix, compost & worm compost. I’ll continue to fertilize until about October or so. That is, until warm weather invites its return to a shaded, sheltered position outdoors. Thanksgiving cacti have toothed stem segments that are long and narrow, connected by a mid-rib. Alternatively, you can use damp sand. Flower buds are likely to drop off if the plant is moved or suddenly exposed to temperature. Use a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy potting medium, which can lead to root rot. Vibrant, bi-color blooms make Thanksgiving Cactus a must-have houseplant. Cutting it back in spring will encourage the plant to branch out where the stem was cut. Start forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom in late summer to early fall. Some misconceptions exist about how to grow this tropical cactus. They do not look like a cactus, but in reality, this is a member of the cactus family and comes in two varieties. Aside from the ever-popular Christmas cactus, you’ve probably also seen their counterparts, the Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus. Its deeply indented stems look like crab claws, giving it a second common name, Crab Cactus. If you follow my tips in this post, you will have a beautiful, long-lived houseplant that will bloom for … In its native habitat, this rain forest cactus is. They bloom around the changing of the seasons, so light and temperature play a big role. 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. growth begins in spring. Is it even a cactus? Then place stems upright (the same direction they were growing) in moist perlite. 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.. Holiday cactus care, including both Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus plants, is simple. During this time, the ideal night- time temperature should be 50°-60°F ( 10°-15.6°C). The names are almost as tempting as their spectacular blooms. This means it doesn’t tolerate soil which is completely dry. You must protect the plants from temperatures below 50F. Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus are not different names for the same plant! This is a relative of the Christmas Cactus, which likes the same tropical treatment. Water:  Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy while plant is growing. 6. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. Late bloomer? Thanksgiving Cactus is a member of the Cactaceae family. It will bloom beautifully next year. It could be that the plant is the so-called Thanksgiving cactus. Humidity: This jungle native does best with moderate to high humidity, preferably 50% or above. They all have colorful tubular flower and are fairly easy to care for. Time for another grandma plant post! 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 … Holiday cactus care: Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti. 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 ( 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.. changes. Flowers may appear a little later in the season than when you purchased your plant. 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. *** Shipped Bareroot. Although a Thanksgiving Cactus needs fertilizer when actively developing leaves, once the buds appear do not feed the plant. Overwatering can kill the plant. Sellers call it Christmas cactus because it sells best by that name. Putting your cactus outdoors in early fall is ideal. 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. Thanksgiving Cactus Plant Care One of the most crucial aspects of Thanksgiving cactus plant care is water. Aside from the ever-popular Christmas cactus, you’ve probably also seen their counterparts, the Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus. And there is still another one known as the Easter cactus, which blooms in the spring. Keep your holiday cactus in front of a bright, cool window while it's in bloom. Forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom requires cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours. 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 only real problem with the plant is its need to be fooled in order to bloom again the next year. The difference between the Thanksgiving Cactus pictured left, and the Christmas Cactus on the right. Thanksgiving cactus usually blooms from … Christmas cactus known as Thanksgiving cactus or Easter cactus. Provide plenty of indirect light and room temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees F. You can use any balanced houseplant fertilizer for your Christmas cactus. 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. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Holiday cacti bloom around the season for which they are named. 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. Spring is the best time to prune it back, when it begins actively growing again. Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer diluted by half. Holiday cactus likes to be root-bound, and repotting every 2-3 years (even back into the same pot) is plenty. When growing Christmas Cactus, Easter Cactus, and Thanksgiving Cactus you have to give them a hand to help them set new buds in bloom. Potted plants need well-draining soil and good drainage. 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. Thanksgiving cactus. Be sure it's in a shaded location. Fill a small clay pot with vermiculite or perlite mixed with potting soil. 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. Transplantation . Christmas cacti have flattened leaves with rounded teeth with fibrous hairs in the leaf joints. 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 … 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. There are several types of cacti that are connected in some way to the holiday season. The care for Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus is the same. Bring it back inside before the first frost. Dust the end with fungicide and allow it to callus for a week in a dry location. Use it as a cachepot. Thanksgiving Cacti (S. truncata) - Horizontal flowers that bloom from October to early December, and grow zygomorphically with pink pollen. Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus bloom in winter. There are a couple of varieties of Schlumbergeria blooming cacti that tend to come into flower during certain holidays. Repot in early summer when roots fill the pot. 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