{"id":1393,"date":"2023-02-27T17:19:08","date_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:19:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.growflowersnow.com\/?p=1393"},"modified":"2023-02-27T17:19:08","modified_gmt":"2023-02-27T16:19:08","slug":"are-thanksgiving-cactus-and-christmas-cactus-the-same","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.growflowersnow.com\/are-thanksgiving-cactus-and-christmas-cactus-the-same\/","title":{"rendered":"Are thanksgiving cactus and christmas cactus the same?"},"content":{"rendered":"

No, Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus are not the same. They are two different species of cactus that bloom at different times of the year. The Thanksgiving cactus blooms in late fall or early winter, while the Christmas cactus blooms in mid-winter.<\/p>\n

There are actually a few different types of cacti that are commonly referred to as Christmas cacti or Thanksgiving cacti, but the two most popular types are the Schlumbergera truncata and the Schlumbergera russelliana. While these two types of cacti are in the same genus, they are not the same plant. The Schlumbergera truncata, which is also sometimes called the Bogotá cactus, is native to Brazil. The Schlumbergera russelliana, on the other hand, is native to southeastern Brasil. Both of these plants are popular as holiday gifts and decorations, but they do have some notable differences. For example, the Schlumbergera truncata typically has flowers that are white or pale pink, while the Schlumbergera russelliana usually has flowers that are a brighter pink or red color.<\/p>\n

How to tell the difference between Easter Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus? <\/h2>\n

The three main varieties of cactus are the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti. Each variety has different features that you can use to tell them apart. The Thanksgiving cactus has the spikiest stem segments of the three, 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.<\/p>\n

There are three main types of “holiday cacti” available:<\/p>\n

\"Are
You might like<\/strong>What kind of soil for christmas cactus?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) bloom from late fall to mid-winter and are often mislabeled as Christmas cacti.<\/p>\n

Christmas cacti (S x buckleyi) bloom from early winter to mid-winter.<\/p>\n

Easter cacti (S gaertneri) bloom from later winter to mid-spring.<\/p>\n

Why is it called a Thanksgiving cactus <\/h3>\n

The Thanksgiving cactus is a beautiful plant that blooms around the Thanksgiving holiday. This plant is a great way to add a splash of color to your home during the colder months.<\/p>\n

\"Are
You might like<\/strong>Why are the leaves on my phalaenopsis orchid turning yellow?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

To get your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, you’ll need to mimic the shorter days and cooler nights of autumn. The ideal conditions for flower bud formation include bright daylight followed by fourteen hours of continued darkness in a cool environment with temperatures between 60 and 68°F. Once the buds have formed, you can expect them to open within six to eight weeks. Enjoy your beautiful blooms!<\/p>\n

Should I remove spent blooms on a Thanksgiving cactus? <\/h2>\n

To keep your cacti looking its best during and after the Christmas season, deadhead all the spent blooms. This also encourages the plant to continue blooming. Once Christmas is over, you can continue to enjoy your cacti until it finally stops producing flowers.<\/p>\n

Dropping buds can be a result of overwatering, temperature extremes or lack of light. Your plant was given special treatment to make it bloom at Christmas, and it was provided with perfect growing conditions during this time. Somewhere in transit, or perhaps in your home, it encountered less than ideal conditions.<\/p>\n

What triggers a Christmas cactus to bloom? <\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Are
You might like<\/strong>Can african violets survive in the bathroom?<\/span><\/div><\/a><\/div>

This step is important because it tricks the cactus into thinking that winter is coming. Reduced light exposure causes the plant to produce more chlorophyll, which makes the cactus turn a rich, deep green.<\/p>\n

How do you force Thanksgiving cactus to bloom <\/h3>\n

If you want your holiday cactus to bud, your best bet is to put it in cool temperatures for six to eight weeks straight. This means leaving the plant outside overnight, where temperatures should ideally be between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If it gets too cold (below 40 degrees), though, you’ll need to bring the plant inside.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for a plant that will bloom more than once a year, a holiday cactus is a great option. These plants are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a wide range of environments. However, it’s important to know how to water your holiday cactus properly, as too much or too little water can lead to problems. Our guide to watering indoor plants can help you ensure your holiday cactus stays healthy and blooms for years to come.