Even though S. truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus, it is the one that is usually sold as Christmas cactus. You will also find a few varieties of Easter Cactus or (Rhipsalidopsis and Hatiora) offered, these have simular requirements but bloom in spring time. There are hundreds of different types of…, This page is not intended to define the many hundreds of scientific words used specifically in botany. Since they both bloom in late fall or winter and are beautiful plants, typical consumers are not likely to care exactly which one they have purchased. And, of course, if your plant naturally blooms at Christmas, that’s another good sign it’s probably the true Christmas cactus. Rather it is an epiphyte, those plants which live on other plants. Not to be confused with the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) which is easy to do. Sometimes you will get a second bloom cycle around March. Note that there are no true leaves on either of these holiday cacti, so photosynthesis occurs within the green phylloclades.”. Once it starts blooming, it is best to leave it in one spot. It is a thermo-photoperiodic plant, the amount of light and darkness determines if and when it flowers. Stems: The "leaves" of a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are technically not leaves: they are cladodes, a type of stem. Christmas cactus flowers bloom around December, and Thanksgiving cactus flowers bloom in November. This is just a quick reference guide to words we have used in our posted content. Difference between Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus. It is almost mandatory to have a soil moisture meter on hand if you want to optimally water an Easter Cactus. The Easter Cactus shape is merely slight indentations. People can have strong opinions about what makes a beautiful succulent arrangement or design. The blooming time is typically in December. The Christmas cactus has smooth segments without the pointed teeth. From the University of Minnesota Extension – Holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus “They can also be very long-lived. Of the three Holiday Cactus most of the identification confusion is between the Christmas Cactus and the Thanksgiving Cactus. All three of the ‘Holiday Cactus’ are wonderful succulents to add to your collection. The Easter cactus has soft bristles at the end of the lobes. The need for high humidity, bright but filtered light, and soil kept relatively moist most of the year sets these plants apart from the majority of cacti and succulents… Though called Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter cactus, these common names are primarily for marketing purposes and provide only a general reference for the time of year these plants may bloom.”. Christmas cactus cultivars have segmented stems, but with smooth margins. Their flowers are broader and look a little like daisies. They are very similar with some minor differences. There are two main differences between Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus, though. Since there are many dozens of hybrids that have been developed from each one of these cacti don’t worry if you are still finding it difficult to identify what you have. Christmas Cactus – The flowers are usually white or red but occasionally may be yellow. Since the 1950’s both the Christmas Cactus and the Thanksgiving Cactus are technically placed under the genus Schlumbergera. There are several things that play a key role in helping a Thanksgiving Cactus to bloom at the right time. From Clemson University – Thanksgiving & Christmas Cacti “To distinguish between the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, look at the shape of the flattened stem segments, which are botanically called phylloclades. With reference to their namesake, Easter cacti typically bloom in spring, around the time of Easter. As houseplants, all three require very similar basic care. 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