Key Differences Between Christmas Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus
When it comes to holiday cacti, two varieties often cause confusion: Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). Although they belong to the same genus and share similar holiday cacti care requirements, these two cacti have distinct differences in terms of blooming time and appearance. How to tell if you are having a Christmas cactus or a Thanksgiving one? This post will rule out 4 key differences between the Christmas cactus vs Thanksgiving cactus, starting with the dominating feature, leaf shape.
Identifying the Leaf Shape
The noticeable sign that reveals your holiday cacti type lies in the lead shape. The Thanksgiving cactus features sharp, claw-like projections along the edges of its leaves. The Christmas cactus, however, has leaf projections that are more scalloped or teardrop-shaped. In case you wonder, one more popular holiday cactus, the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) has leaves with smooth, rounded edges, with projections concentrated in the center of the leaf.
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Observing the Growth Patterns
Another way to distinguish between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti is by looking at their growing patterns. The Thanksgiving cactus grows upright, with its stems pointing upwards. In contrast, the Christmas cactus has stems that droop downwards, giving it a more hanging appearance.
Recognizing Flower Colors
The flowers of the Christmas Cactus are often red, purple, or a combination of both and tend to be more tubular in shape. The colors of Thanksgiving Cactus flowers, however, tend to range from pink to red, or white.
Checking the Blooming Time
One more difference is hidden in their names, which you can also interpret as the blooming time. According to their blooming times, the order is as follows:
- Thanksgiving cacti typically bloom between November and December.
- Christmas cacti bloom from January to February.
- Easter cacti bloom in early spring.
Unfortunately, you can see that the blooming time of Thanksgiving cactus vs Christmas cactus is quite close, almost back-to-back. So, if you're feeling confused, you're not alone. It’s hard to identify which cacti are which just by their blooming time, not to mention that many retailers simply label both plants as holiday cacti without specifying the variety.
Care Requirements: Christmas Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus
Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti share quite a few similar requirements in terms of proper care, including lighting, soil, fertilizer, and temperature.
Light Requirements
Both cacti need bright, indirect light. An east- or west-facing windowsill works best for ensuring adequate sunlight. If placed near a south-facing window, it’s important to shield them from intense afternoon sunlight.
Soil Preference
Both types thrive in slightly acidic, well-draining soil, which allows them to absorb essential nutrients while preventing root rot caused by overly moist conditions.
Fertilization
From March to September, both plants should be fed biweekly with a cactus-specific fertilizer to promote growth and ensure timely blooming for the holiday season.
Temperature and Humidity
Both cacti prefer warm temperatures between 70 to 80°F during their growing phase and benefit from increased humidity. To boost humidity, a water-filled container near the plant can be helpful.
Rest Period for Blooming
Starting in mid-September, both plants need cooler temperatures (55 to 65°F) at night to trigger blooming. Without this cooler resting period, they may fail to produce flower buds.
What about the differences in care for Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti? There’s actually only one difference, which lies in watering.
- Christmas cactus requires more frequent watering, typically once a week. It’s important to water Christmas cactus when the soil dries about 2-3 inch deep, and to reduce watering once it finishes blooming.
- Thanksgiving cactus needs less water and can generally be watered every other week. However, the top 2 inches of the soil should dry between waterings, and the soil should remain consistently moist. It’s also sensitive to lime in the water, so warm, filtered water is recommended.
Verdict: Christmas Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus
Both the Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus offer beautiful, colorful blooms that brighten up any home during the holiday season. When choosing between the two, consider your timing preferences and the appearance you want to showcase. With our explanation of the key differences, we are sure you can identify which is which!
