Holiday Cactus Types

Holiday Cactus Types

Holiday cacti are beloved for their vibrant blooms which brighten up our homes during various festive seasons. These beautiful plants, often mistaken for one another, belong to different species and are named for the holidays around when they typically bloom. In this blog, we’ll dive into the distinct characteristics of the Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, and Easter Cactus, so you can better appreciate and care for each variety.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

The Christmas Cactus is perhaps the most well-known of the holiday cacti. These plants are native to Brazil and have been a festive favorite for decades, often passed down through generations as heirloom plants.

Characteristics:

  • Bloom Time: Late November to early January, coinciding with the Christmas season.
  • Flowers: Tubular flowers with pointed petals, typically in shades of pink, red, white, or purple.
  • Stem Segments: Flattened segments with rounded, scalloped edges.
  • Growth Habit: Tends to grow in a more pendulous or trailing manner, making them ideal for hanging baskets.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the blooming season. Reduce watering after blooming.
  • Temperature: Prefers cooler temperatures (60-70°F) to stimulate blooming.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Often confused with the Christmas Cactus, the Thanksgiving Cactus also hails from Brazil and is commonly called the “fall cactus” due to its earlier blooming period.

Characteristics:

  • Bloom Time: Late October to late November, aligning with Thanksgiving.
  • Flowers: Similar to the Christmas Cactus but often appear earlier and may have more vibrant colors.
  • Stem Segments: Flattened segments with sharp, pointed teeth along the edges.
  • Growth Habit: More upright growth compared to the Christmas Cactus, though it can also trail with age.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light.
  • Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering after blooming.
  • Temperature: Requires cooler temperatures (50-59°F) for about six weeks prior to the expected bloom time to induce flowering.

Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

The Easter Cactus is distinct from its fall and winter-blooming cousins. Originating from the rainforests of Brazil, this cactus brings a splash of color to springtime celebrations.

Characteristics:

  • Bloom Time: March to May, coinciding with Easter.
  • Flowers: Star-shaped blooms in vibrant red, pink, white, or purple.
  • Stem Segments: Flattened segments with rounded edges and tiny bristles at the joints.
  • Growth Habit: More compact and upright, though older plants may start to trail.

Care Tips:

  • Light: Bright, indirect light. Can tolerate more direct sunlight compared to Christmas and Thanksgiving Cacti.
  • Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings during active growth. Reduce watering in the dormant period (fall and winter).
  • Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 70-80°F during the growing season; prefers cooler temperatures (50-60°F) in the winter to set buds.

Key Differences Between Holiday Cacti

Understanding the differences between these varieties can help you choose the right plant for your home and provide the best care possible.

  • Blooming Seasons:
  • Christmas Cactus: Late November to January.
  • Thanksgiving Cactus: Late October to November.
  • Easter Cactus: March to May.
  • Flower Shapes:
  • Christmas Cactus: Tubular flowers with pointed petals.
  • Thanksgiving Cactus: Similar to Christmas Cactus but may bloom earlier.
  • Easter Cactus: Star-shaped flowers.
  • Stem Segments:
  • Christmas Cactus: Flattened segments with rounded, scalloped edges.
  • Thanksgiving Cactus: Flattened segments with sharp, pointed teeth.
  • Easter Cactus: Flattened segments with rounded edges and tiny bristles.
  • Growth Habits:
  • Christmas Cactus: Pendulous or trailing growth.
  • Thanksgiving Cactus: More upright initially, can trail over time.
  • Easter Cactus: Compact and upright, older plants may trail.

Conclusion

Holiday cacti are a delightful addition to any plant enthusiast’s collection. By understanding the unique characteristics and care requirements of the Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, and Easter Cactus, you can enjoy their stunning blooms year-round. Whether you’re looking to add some festive cheer to your home or gift a loved one with a beautiful plant, these holiday cacti are sure to bring joy and beauty to any space. Happy gardening!