In the United States, two popular holiday cacti are the Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera truncata) and the Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii). Both of these plants bloom indoors around the holidays, adding festive decoration to the home. But how can you tell them apart?
The Christmas cactus has flattened, notched, leaf-like segments, while the Thanksgiving cactus has scalloped, toothed segments. The flowers of the Christmas cactus are typically pink, while those of the Thanksgiving cactus are usually white. The Thanksgiving cactus blooms later in the season than the Christmas cactus.
How do I know what kind of cactus I have?
Cactus identification is important for those who want to grow these unique plants. There are many different species of cactus, and they can vary widely in appearance. Here are some key characteristics to look for when identifying a cactus:
Stem shape and size: Cacti can have either round or flattened stems, and they can vary widely in size. Some species of cactus have very short stems, while others can grow quite tall.
Shape and number of ribs: The ribs on a cactus can be either flat or raised, and they can vary in number from just a few to over a hundred.
Color and texture: Cacti can be either green or blue-green in color, and their stems can be either smooth or hairy.
Spines, their color, and the number growing from one spot: Cacti have spines that protect them from predators and help them to retain water. The spines can be either white, yellow, or brown in color, and they can grow in clusters or singly.
Presence of segments or offspring: Some cacti have segmented stems, while others produce offsets (or “babies”) that can be used to propagate the plant.
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The Thanksgiving cactus is a plant that is commonly used to decorate homes and offices during the Thanksgiving holiday. This plant is easily identified by its serrated green leaves that resemble crab claws, and its red or magenta, tube-like blooms that look like a flower within a flower. Despite its name, the Thanksgiving cactus is not a true cactus, but an epiphyte—a plant that lives on other plants.
What does a real Christmas cactus look like
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that is native to Brazil. It gets its name from the fact that it blooms around the Christmas holiday. The leaves of the plant are a deep green color and are covered in small hairs. The flowers of the plant are usually pink or white and have a very strong fragrance.
The three main types of holiday cacti are the Thanksgiving cacti, Christmas cacti, and Easter cacti. The Thanksgiving cacti bloom from late fall to mid-winter, while the Christmas cacti bloom from early winter to mid-winter. The Easter cacti bloom from later winter to mid-spring.
Is it Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus?
The Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus are two different species of cacti. The Christmas cactus has flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges, while the Thanksgiving cactus has very toothy stems with two to four pointed teeth. The Christmas cactus’ stems hang down like a pendent, while the Thanksgiving cactus’ stems grow upright at first and then arch.
If you’re trying to identify a Schlumbergera cactus, one of the easiest ways to do so is by looking at the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) has pointy projections on the sides of the leaves, while the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesti) has scalloped or teardrop-shaped projections.
How old does a Thanksgiving cactus have to be to bloom?
If you have a Thanksgiving cactus that did not bloom during its second year, don’t despair! It is not uncommon for these plants to take a year or two off from blooming. Just be patient and wait for the blooms to return.
If you have a holiday cactus, you may be wondering how to care for it so that it will bloom again. Here are some tips:
– water it regularly, but don’t overwater
– provide bright, indirect light
– fertilize once a month
– allow the soil to dry out between waterings
With proper care, your holiday cactus should bloom multiple times per year. Enjoy!
What triggers a Thanksgiving cactus to bloom
To get your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, you’ll need to give it the ideal conditions for flower bud formation. This includes bright daylight followed by fourteen hours of continued darkness in a cool environment with temperatures between 60 and 68°F. By providing these conditions, you’ll be triggering the plant’s natural flowering process and can enjoy its beautiful blooms come Thanksgiving time!
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful succulent that can add color to your holidays for generations! With proper care, it can live for up to 100 years!
What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom?
To encourage bud set, provide bright light, temperatures between 55 F and 65 F, and 13 hours or more of continuous darkness each day. For flowers during the winter holiday season, long nights should be started in late September or October and continued for eight weeks.
A Christmas cactus can bloom up to two times per year if they’re given the proper care and dormancy conditions. It’s normal for them to bloom in December, and sometimes they will flower again in the spring.
When should you put a Christmas cactus in the dark
This will help the plant to start its dormancy period and prepare for flowering.
Watering from the bottom is the best way to water your Christmas cactus. This method ensures that the roots get enough water and that all of them are reached.
What is the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas?
Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, while Thanksgiving is a North American harvest festival. Although giving thanks is a Christian act, Thanksgiving is not a specifically Christian holiday.
Although the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti typically bloom near the holiday, that is not always accurate. Day length and temperature trigger bloom periods. Therefore, your Thanksgiving cacti might bloom at Halloween and your Christmas cacti might bloom closer to Thanksgiving.
Final Words
The easiest way to tell the difference between a Christmas cactus and a Thanksgiving cactus is by their flowers. A Christmas cactus typically has red or pink flowers, while a Thanksgiving cactus has white or yellow flowers. Another way to tell the difference is by their leaves. Christmas cacti have thinner, more pronounced ridges on their leaves, while Thanksgiving cacti have thicker, more rounded leaves.
If you’re unsure which plant is which, there are a few key differences between Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus. Christmas cactus has pointier, less-rounded leaves and tends to be a bit more colorful. The blooms on a Christmas cactus are also narrower and less plate-like. Thanksgiving cactus, on the other hand, has more rounded leaves and blooms that look like flattened plates. The blooms on a Thanksgiving cactus are also typically white or light pink.
