Thanksgiving Cactus vs. Christmas Cactus – what is the difference?

Appropriately, the Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is blooming for Thanksgiving. Not to be confused with the Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) which is easy to do. They are very similar with some minor differences. (And for good measure, there is also an Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri).

The difference lies in the leaf shape (although to be correct, these are not leaves, they are “stems”). If you look closely at the at the point where two stems meet, you will see that there are pointy segments or “teeth”. The Christmas cactus has smooth segments without the pointed teeth. 

The Thanksgiving cactus blooms a bit earlier than the Christmas cactus. It typically begins to bloom in November and the Christmas cactus in December. Flowering is triggered by temperature and light changes. When nighttime temps fall between 55 and 60, buds will begin to form. I take my plant outdoors for the summer and bring it inside in September. The change in temperature and the consistency of the indoor temperature triggers the bloom cycle. Sometimes you will get a second bloom cycle around March.

Once it starts blooming, it is best to leave it in one spot. They do not like environmental changes and will drop the flowers if that happens. 

These plants are epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). Therefore they like regular watering during the entire season. They also like humidity. Well-draining soil is a must. Allow the plants to dry out 2-3 inches from the top between waterings. During the winter months, they enjoy a location with bright, indirect light but once they are taken outdoors, a shady or part-sunny location is best. Fertilize lightly once a month during the spring and summer seasons but discontinue in the fall and winter months.

Photos by Phillip Oliver