Christmas Cactus vs. Thanksgiving Cactus: How to Tell Them Apart
Discover the subtle visual cues that distinguish a true Christmas cactus from a Thanksgiving cactus, as common names and bloom times can often be misleading.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are popular houseplants, known for their vibrant blooms during the cooler months. These plants belong to the genus Schlumbergera and are often sold interchangeably in stores, leading to frequent misidentification. Understanding their subtle differences is straightforward once you know what to look for.
Identifying by Leaf Segments
The most reliable method for telling these two holiday cacti apart is by examining their stem segments, which are actually flattened stems called cladodes that function like leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata, has cladodes with very distinct, pointed projections along the edges. These sharp, claw-like points give the plant a jagged or toothed appearance. This feature is why it is sometimes referred to as the “crab cactus” or “claw cactus.”
In contrast, the Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera x buckleyi, presents a much softer look. Its cladodes have edges that are rounded or scalloped, lacking the sharp points of the Thanksgiving cactus. The segments are smoother and more symmetrical. By observing these leaf-like stems, you can confidently identify your plant at any time of year, even when it is not in bloom.
Distinguishing by Flowers and Bloom Time
When the plants are in bloom, their flowers offer another clear set of clues for identification. The flowers of a Thanksgiving cactus are zygomorphic, meaning they are bilaterally symmetrical and appear asymmetrical from the side. They tend to grow horizontally from the tips of the cladodes, with the petals flaring backward. The pollen-bearing anthers are typically purplish-brown.
Christmas cactus flowers display a more symmetrical, radial form and hang downward like a pendant from the end of the cladodes. The petals are arranged in tiers, creating a fuller, more bell-like shape, and their anthers are usually pink or yellow. While the common names suggest rigid bloom schedules, these can be influenced by growers controlling light exposure. Naturally, the Thanksgiving cactus tends to bloom from late autumn into early winter, while the Christmas cactus flowers closer to mid-winter.
A Note on Easter Cactus
Further complicating the holiday cactus landscape is a third relative, the Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri). Though less common, it is also sometimes confused with its winter-blooming cousins. Its cladodes are distinct from the others, featuring rounded edges with fine, hair-like bristles in the indentations. This gives them a slightly fuzzy appearance at the joints.
The most apparent difference is its bloom time and flower shape. The Easter cactus typically blooms in the spring, from March to May, aligning with its name. Its flowers are also unique, forming a starburst or trumpet shape with very pointed, symmetrical petals.
General Care for Holiday Cacti
Despite their physical differences, the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus share nearly identical care requirements. Both are epiphytic cacti native to the coastal mountains of Brazil, where they grow on tree branches in shady, humid conditions. This means they prefer bright, indirect light rather than the harsh, direct sun that many other cacti thrive in. An east-facing window or a spot with filtered light is often ideal.
The soil should be allowed to dry out moderately between waterings, and they should never be left sitting in a soggy saucer. A well-draining potting mix, often one formulated for succulents or amended with perlite or orchid bark, is beneficial. They appreciate higher humidity and consistent temperatures, away from drafts or sudden temperature fluctuations.