Learn about this beautiful blooming holiday houseplant and how to tell the difference between the Thanksgiving and the Christmas cactus.
This beauty is not a desert cactus, but originates from South America in the rain forest. It’s an epiphyte which means it grows on other plants, in this case trees. It’s not a parasite but rather lives on the rainfall and air and other debris that accumulate near it. I’m sure that is why this plant makes a great houseplant. It doesn’t require strong light but prefers indirect lighting.
The scientific name for the Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Here’s the interesting news. When I was looking up the scientific name for this plant I realized that I did not have a Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Instead, I believe this plant is Schlumbergera truncata also known at the Thanksgiving cactus.
Thanksgiving cactus – Schlumbergera truncata
Upon further research I found that the majority of plants sold as the Christmas cactus are actually the Thanksgiving cactus. Outside of the fact that the Thanksgiving cactus normally blooms around Thanksgiving, or the third week of November here in the US, there is another key feature that distinguishes the two. The stem or what looks like the leaf segments on the Thanksgiving cactus have distinct pointed edges, while the true Christmas cactus is more scalloped and round as shown below.
Schlumbergera x buckleyi via spablab on Flickr
So, if you know anyone who has had a “Christmas cactus” and it always blooms too early, you may now know the reason why.
Here it is getting ready to bloom in October. I find that this plant likes cool temps, enjoys being pot bound and indirect light. Also, it should be allowed to dry out between watering. If you are a traditional red lover no worries. This plant comes in red, peach, white, cream and purple.
Lastly, according Birds and Blooms Magazine a properly cared for cactus can live for over 145 years. That’s quite a good bang for your buck.
Christmas Cactus
Marilyn Jacoby
How often should a Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus be watered?
Patti Estep
It can vary depending on the conditions you have it in. I water mine once a week thoroughly making sure that it drains well when I do. You don’t want it to sit in water. You may find that once a week is too much. Just make sure it’s pretty dry before watering. I think people kill plants (myself included) by over-watering more than under-watering. Of course if it’s drooping that probably means it’s time to water.
Rene Box
Very interesting post! I have four of the Thanksgiving cactus in four different colors that came from cuttings from my mom. She will be surprised, as I was, to hear that they are not true Christmas cactus. Thanks for the post.
Patti Estep
Hi Rene,
I think many of us are in the same boat, but the plant is just as lovely. Mine is bloomed in October and is blooming again now and a love having something bloom inside this time of year.
Carole
I love everything about this plant, it’s one of the few house plants that continues to catch my attention. Can’t figure out if it’s the bloom or the unique greenery that interests me the most. Great information, this will help if I ever break down and actually purchase one for our Tiny Home.
Patti Estep
Hi Carole,
This is a good one because it doesn’t take up too much room and is very adaptable and easy to grow. Plus the flowers are awfully pretty. It usually blooms a couple times a year for me.
Imelda Clifton
Hi Patti
I was interested to see the plant “Christmas Cactus”
Where I live in New Zealand this plant is reasonably common. It flowers in March/April which is Autumn here. I had an apricot one but have seen pink as well. I asked a few people what it was called but no one seemed to have a name except “some sort of succulent”
Unfortunately when I shifted house it was neglected for a while and it died. It grows easily from cuttings tho
Imelda
Rose
Hi Patti,
Really great information!
They can last a very long time, I inherited a Christamas Cactus from a friends Grandmother, it was already 30 years old when I received it, I had it for 20 years. If you take really good care ot it, you might have to put it in your will:-)
Patti Estep
Hi Rose,
That’s too funny. We should all be so lucky to have plants in our will!
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Pamela @ FlowerPatchFarmhouse.com
I have both Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus, the leaves are distinctly different. I have a friend who has one that is over 50 years old. It was her Grandmothers. It is huge and gorgeous! I have started some cuttings from it.
Susan M
I did’t realize there was a Thanksgiving cactus! Mine always bloomed early. Thanks for sharing. This is such a petty winter blooming plant!
Patti
Thank you Susan. Some people suggest that the true Christmas Cactus is somewhat rare but I think you can coax it to bloom a little later if you give it the cold treatment at the right time. We’ll see how I fare next year but really I wouldn’t mind having it bloom at Thanksgiving either. Have a great holiday!