If you’re looking for a plant to add a touch of holiday cheer to your home, you may be wondering how to tell Thanksgiving cactus from Christmas cactus. Here are a few tips to help you tell these two plants apart.
The two plants are very similar in appearance, but there are a few key distinctions. Christmas cactus has flat, segmented leaves, while Thanksgiving cactus has scalloped, curved leaves. The Christmas cactus blooms red, pink, or white flowers, while the Thanksgiving cactus blooms yellow or orange flowers. The Christmas cactus is native to Brazil, while the Thanksgiving cactus is native to Mexico.
Is it a Thanksgiving cactus or Christmas cactus?
The Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus are two different species of cactus. The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges while the Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first and then arch.
Cactus identification can be tricky, but there are some key characteristics that can help you out. First, take a look at the stem shape and size. Then, look at the shape and number of ribs. The color and texture can also give you some clues. Another key factor is the spines. Take note of their color and the number growing from one spot. Finally, look for any segments or offspring. Flowers can also be a helpful identifier, but not all cacti have them.
How do I identify my holiday cactus
Here are a few identification tips for cacti:
-Look at the shape of the leaves to identify your cactus.
-Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) has pointy projections on the sides of the leaves, like crab claws.
-Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesti) has scalloped or teardrop-shaped projections on the leaves.
Though it is not a true cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus is easily recognizable by its serrated green leaves that resemble crab claws and red or magenta, tube-like blooms. These blooms give the plant a flower-within-a-flower appearance. Native to Brazil, the Thanksgiving cactus is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants. In its natural habitat, the Thanksgiving cactus often grows on tree branches, getting the moisture and nutrients it needs from the air and rain.
How to tell the difference between Easter Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus?
The Thanksgiving cactus has the spikiest stem segments of the three varieties, and its pollen is yellow. The Christmas cactus has less spikey pads with rounder edges, and its pollen is pink. The Easter cactus has subtle, rounded edges on its stem segments.
Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) bloom from late fall to mid-winter and are often mislabeled as Christmas cacti. Christmas cacti (S x buckleyi) bloom from early winter to mid-winter. Easter cacti (S gaertneri) bloom from later winter to mid-spring.
How to tell the difference between Christmas cactus and false Christmas cactus?
If you are looking for a true Christmas cactus, there are a few things to look for. The stems should dramatically arch downwards with a closed habit. The margins of the stems will be rounded with small visible points or nubs. The flowers should be more rounded than the imposter and will follow the direction of the stem and point down.
Adding any one of these rare cactus plants to your cacti collection will make it extraordinary! The Ruby Ball (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) is a bright red cactus that is nearly spherical in shape. The Totem Pole (Lophocereus schottii var monstrosus) is a tall, slender cactus with stripes of green, yellow, and white. The Bizanguita (Turbinicarpus alonsoi) is a small, round cactus with orange flowers. The Orange Cob (Lobivia famatimensis cristata) is a large, mound-shaped cactus with orange flowers. The Living Rock (Ariocarpus Fissuratus) is a small, flat cactus that is covered with white, fluffy hairs.
Which cactus is rarest
Over-collecting of the rare Knowlton’s miniature cactus (Pediocactus knowltonii) is putting this species at risk of extinction. Found only in New Mexico and Colorado, USA, this tiny pink-flowered cactus is critically endangered due to habitat loss and over-exploitation by collectors. Urgent action is needed to protect this species and its habitat.
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular holiday plant that is known for its beautiful flowers. The leaves of the Christmas cactus are more rounded and scalloped than the leaves of other cacti, and the flowers are usually pink or white. The Christmas cactus blooms in December, making it a perfect plant for the holiday season.
How many times a year does a holiday cactus bloom?
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. If you want your Christmas cactus to bloom more than once a year, you need to mimic their natural conditions as closely as possible. water them regularly during the growing season, fertilize them monthly, and give them a rest period in the fall and winter when they go dormant. With the right care, your Christmas cactus can bloom multiple times a year and bring you joy for many seasons to come.
The Christmas cactus is a popular holiday plant that can last for many years with proper care. native to Brazil, the plant thrives in warm, humid conditions. It is important to keep the plant in a cool, dark location for at least six to eight weeks before buds begin to form. Once buds have formed, the plant can be relocated to a brighter location. It usually takes up to 12 weeks for blooms to appear.
How old does a Thanksgiving cactus have to be to bloom
If you want to see blooms on your Thanksgiving cactus again, you may have to wait patiently for a year or two. Growers often force the plants to bloom just prior to selling them during the holiday season, which can cause them to skip a year or two of blooming. However, with some patience, you should be able to enjoy the blooms again in time.
If you want your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, you need to provide it with the ideal conditions. The plant needs bright daylight followed by fourteen hours of darkness in a cool environment with temperatures between 60 and 68°F.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
You may see them labeled as Holiday Cactus, but they can actually bloom more than once a year. Check out our guide to watering indoor plants for more information.
Although they are called Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, they might not always bloom during those times. It all depends on the day length and temperature. So, if you have a Thanksgiving cacti, it might bloom at Halloween and if you have a Christmas cacti, it might bloom closer to Thanksgiving.
Conclusion
There are a few key differences between Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus. Perhaps the most obvious distinction is the shape of the leaves. Thanksgiving cactus leaves are more pointed and have serrated edges, while Christmas cactus leaves are rounder with smooth edges. Another difference is the blooming period—Thanksgiving cactus blooms earlier in the fall, while Christmas cactus typically blooms closer to winter. Finally, the two plants prefer different growing conditions: Thanksgiving cactus does best in full sun or partial shade, while Christmas cactus prefers shady areas.
While there are several ways to tell Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus apart, one of the most reliable is by looking at the shape of the leaves. Thanksgiving cactus leaves are more pointed, while Christmas cactus leaves are more rounded. Another way to tell them apart is by the blooming season. Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms earlier in the fall, while Christmas cactus blooms later in the winter.
