I water mine from the top stay in house all year bloom several times a year full of flowers now nospecial care, i have a Christmas cactus and it starts plum at thanksgiving time. Might be time to break up the “family”. So it’s a bit of a balancing act. We’ve had a viewer question. And the flowers always hang down almost like beautiful little bells hanging down so that the flowers are different in their arrangements. The Thanksgiving cactus blooms a bit earlier than the Christmas cactus. Christmas cacti have flattened leaves with rounded teeth on the margins of the leaves. Full Video - https://youtu.be/FFX787RGwgISubscribe to Our Main Channel - http://www.youtube.com/gardenanswer Please and thank you. No one wants to be the culprit who let the beautiful…, This video shows a neglected Zebra Cactus making a comeback and it even has a flower stalk. (The distinctive claw shaped pointed projections inspired the creative names Crab Claw Cactus or Claw Cactus.) “We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.”, Copyright © 2009 - 2020. Instead, the flowers of the true Christmas cactus have petals that … Schlumbergera truncata ( Thanksgiving Cactus ) comes in many different varieties of colours due to the many hybrids now available and this cactus is the one that is most commonly seen for sale around the Christmas time and also wrongly named Christmas Cactus when it really is a Thanksgiving Cactus. The blooming time is typically in December. If you do not feel a point or claw and you also don’t feel anything on the flat end or tip of the leaf it is a Christmas Cactus. Caution, though, when watering as this cactus is much more sensitive to over- or under-watering. They resemble a long tube, appearing as if a flower within a flower. But the reason I'm doing this video is because there are two different types there's a few different hybrids but there's two main different types and they do flower at slightly different times and they do look different. I am moving some…. All three of the ‘Holiday Cactus’ are wonderful succulents to add to your collection. The end of the last segment is slightly concave with a point on each side. The reason is that most holiday cacti bloom more than once a year. my thankgiving was sitting in water for a while i dumped out the water should i throw it out it is looking better. Here’s a startling revelation: you may have a Thanksgiving cactus instead of a Christmas cactus! It is possible, and maybe even easier, to tell the difference between these three cacti with your eyes closed. I give it Miracle Grow once a month and it blooms 4-5 times from before Thanksgiving until maybe Easter. Since nobody is answering, I’m a greenhouse grower from way back and houseplant enthusiast since childhood. Didn’t even know about putting the in dark! Thanksgiving Cactus – Has broad segmented leaves with serrated (jagged) edges on each side. As houseplants, all three require very similar basic care. In December, raise the temperature to about 65 degrees and water sparingly. They have such similar characteristics it is obvious that they are closely related. They’re very resilient, see if it bounces back. Christmas cacti are such beautiful plants when they flower, and we often hear that cuttings have been passed down from generation to generation, often still thriving after decades. It has the annoying habit of shedding most of its phylloclades at just a slight drought. Intentionally or unintentionally, the Thanksgiving Cactus is often sold as a Christmas Cactus. Easter Cactus – Has flat segmented leaves that are similar in some ways to the Christmas Cactus. Note that there are no true leaves on either of these holiday cacti, so photosynthesis occurs within the green phylloclades.”. It’s not uncommon for this to happen. “These three species of cactus are members of the group of cacti called leaf cacti, explains Martha Smith, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. Moved from one place to another. A few flowers blooming at this time of year is always a great treat! Sign up today for inspiring articles, tips & weather forecasts. family rather thus from [???] The need for high humidity, bright but filtered light, and soil kept relatively moist most of the year sets these plants apart from the majority of cacti and succulents… Though called Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter cactus, these common names are primarily for marketing purposes and provide only a general reference for the time of year these plants may bloom.”. Flowers are symmetrical being evenly distributed around each flower tube. Late fall is the time of bloom of Thanksgiving... • The lobes on the leaves of Christmas cactus are rounded while the lobes of Thanksgiving cactus are pointed, and … Do I need to bring the plant inside during winter? Christmas cactus blooming Many people don’t know that there are two types of cactus houseplants that will start to bloom during fall and winter: Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus. But it’s it’s nice to know which one you truly have. Bring it in early fall. The best way to tell the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti is to take a close look at the leaves. They get do neglected but still come through for me. Thanksgiving Cactus – Typically the Thanksgiving Cactus stems grow in an upright or erect direction. I live in Fresno CA (San Joaquin valley) some nights get to freezing or near freezing. Why Are Red and Green The Colors of Christmas? The Easter Cactus shape is merely slight indentations. But are you sure you know which holiday cactus you have? We’ve had a…, Pruning a Corn Plant, Dracaena massangeana the Right Way Pruning a Corn Plant, Dracaena massangeana the proper way can make a huge difference in how it looks and also can effect the health of the plant. From the University of Illinois Extension – Thanksgiving Cactus, Christmas Cactus, Easter Cactus: What’s the Difference? The Christmas Cactus has purplish-brown anthers. My Christmas cactus is several cuttings from my son’s fiancee’ Nana’s plant. But the differences here although it's got the scalloped edging on this Easter Cactus smooth around scalloped edging. family also have scalloped edges and after flower they're do look very similar to the Christmas cacti. Plant sits under covered patio and against outside wall of house facing North. Now just to make a little bit more confusing is that the Easter cacti which are the Rhipsalidopsis [Now changed to Hatiora] [???] Do they do better in a pot that is root bound or a bigger pot? Anonymous November 24, 2009 - 7:23 pm I have had my christmas catus since 2006. Now the Thanksgiving Cactus will tend to flower any time from October up until the end of November time. The Christmas Cactus stems arch up but then droop farther down. My plant has Christmas leaves with Thanksgiving blooms. It’s easy for even the well-trained eye to mistake them for the same plant. Every year after danger of frost here in Va mine goes outside in practically full sun, then when there is beginning to be frost warnings I bring it back in. This is the best way to tell the three plants apart from other than the time of year that they bloom. Or Become a Member for Even More Features! Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) Christmas Cactus – The flowers are usually white or red but occasionally may be yellow. Always water from the bottom, I just sit mine in the kitchen sink for awhile. Mine is about seven years old. I get one to two blooms a year after fertilizing. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has leaf projections that are more scalloped or … There are 2-4 points on each side. One way to do this is to place the plant in a dark closet from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Or, you can cover the plant with a large paper bag in the same timeframe. Is it possible to show a side by side picture of all 3 together with names. Awesome! Never saw this before. All three Holiday cacti can be propagated quite easily by removing a single segment and planting it a quarter of its length deep in a pot filled with slightly sandy soil. There are two main differences between a Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus: the flowering season, which we have already discussed, and the segments of the leaves. The flowers are more pendulous and droop straight down from the ovary. The Thanksgiving cactus, on the other hand, has pointed lobes of leaves (similar to bird claws) and has an asymmetrical distribution of petals (appears to be one-sided). Don’t do anything special for them. True Christmas Cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii, is rarely available commercially. Mine tend to bloom, it seems like, whenever they want! The Christmas Cactus here this Schlumbergera actually has the scalloped edging going downwards in a teardrop shape as you can see that's more teardrop shaped rather than completely rounded and that's how you can tell the difference between the true Christmas Cactus and the Easter Cactus. There are no bristles on either the Thanksgiving Cactus or the Christmas Cactus. This video and the transcribed text below will give you some great tips to prune a Corn Plant the right…, Live plants in an office setting undeniably enhance the atmosphere and provide a natural,   pleasing environment. Christmas Cactus – Begins growing upright but as it matures the stems are pendent arching down. From the Britannica Online – Christmas Cactus “The Christmas cactus is often confused with the Thanksgiving cactus (also called crab cactus, S. truncata, or Epiphyllum truncatum); however, in the former, the margins of the stem joints are crenated (they have rounded indentations), whereas in the latter the margins are sharply saw-toothed.”  Side Note:  There is a great photo of Christmas Cactus flowers on the Britannica page we have linked to but it is 90 degrees off. In fact, don’t be surprised if you see blooms anywhere from March to May, although usually these blooms are more sparse than you’ll see around the holidays. Was a cutting from my mother in laws plant. Sellers call it Christmas cactus because it sells best by that name. I didn’t know which cactus I had until now, My 15 year old plant that has survived hurricanes has started to turn purplish-red and wilted. True Christmas cacti (S. xbuckleyi) have smooth, round leaf edges while Thanksgiving cacti … Also, I never put them anywhere dark for weeks. The blooms on a Thanksgiving cactus come in many colors, with yellow pollen-bearing anthers. Each of these succulents derived their common names from the time of the year that they typically flower in North America. Today I want to show you a really easy way to propagate your…, [Enjoy this video how to grow a new Dracaena plant from a cutting. Flowers are symmetrical being evenly distributed around each flower tube. Was just a sprig! Moved from one place to another. Both came from the tropical forest of Brazil while the Easter cactus originated from the natural forest. Flowering is triggered by temperature and light changes. Laura produces some of my favorite informational videos. Enjoy those colorful blooms —any time of year—and share your pictures with us on our Facebook page! I sit my out every on the porch every summer and bring it in before it gets to cold, by the time i am bringing it in it has buds forming, nothing special in the way of caring for it.It just keeps on blooming a long time. I'll just show you this one here this is a Rhipsalidopsis and Easter Cactus. In contrast the Thanksgiving Cactus has yellow anthers. Here are a few tips on how to identify what plant you have, what to expect and how to care for it. | desertsucculents.com | About Us | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact, Video Transcription: Christmas Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus vs Easter Cactus. The edges of the leaves have small indentations (scallops) in contrast to the Thanksgiving Cactus leaves that have outward pointed claws. And since they both bloom in late fall or early winter it further adds to the confusion. I have had my Christmas cactus 13 years. The Easter Cactus is the most difficult to grow. First, both Thanksgiving cactus and the true Christmas cactus need short days (less than 12 hours of sunlight per day) starting in late September or they won’t bloom at all. After a beautiful blooming at Thanksgiving, my cactus’ leaves have become very thin-like and have turned radish in color. Beautiful blooms. They are big and beautiful but will now bloom. The best office plants are healthy, appropriate for the space, and easy to maintain. The tip of each segment is slightly curved but they can look almost straight across. In contrast the Thanksgiving Cactus has yellow anthers. Smith says the main difference between the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter cactus is the time of bloom.”. Sous Vide Canning (Cucumbers and Jalapeño Peppers), 10 Things To Do With All Your Garden Tomatoes, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Full Moon Calendar – Dates, Times and Names, Groundhog Day: Forecast, Facts, and Folklore, Saint Patrick's Day: History, Folklore, and Ideas, Thanksgiving Day (Recipes, Traditions and Trivia). It came from three small clippings many years ago. Unfortunately, the confusion between these holiday succulents is perpetuated by the fact that they’re often mislabeled in garden centers. It is usually more difficult to grow the Easter Cactus than the Christmas Cactus or the Thanksgiving Cactus. Flowers: Flowers of the Thanksgiving cactus are produced from the tips, or from where the leaf segments join. If you keep the plant in a continuously cool room (around 50—60º F) in September and October, chances are excellent that it will produce flowers, although you’ll notice growth will be slower. Since there are many dozens of hybrids that have been developed from each one of these cacti don’t worry if you are still finding it difficult to identify what you have. Over the last several years, I have put my Christmas Cactus in a shady area in … Christmas cactus cultivars have segmented stems, but with smooth margins. Can I put my xmas cactus outside in April I live in NC, I live in NC can I put my xmas cactus outside in the last of April, That was very interesting. Since they both bloom in late fall or winter and are beautiful plants, typical consumers are not likely to care exactly which one they have purchased. There are slight scallops on the edges of the leaves but the shape is  much subtler than the Christmas Cactus. Although true cacti, these plants are native to rain forests and epiphytic meaning they grow on other plants and derive moisture and nutrients from air and rain. Many Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus will be commercially labeled with the genus Zygocactus. Always remember most plants do not like to swim. Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti bloom in late fall or winter, with Thanksgiving varieties typically blooming a month earlier than the Christmas ones. The Easter Cactus (sometimes called Whitsun Cactus) is classified under the genus Hatiora. My old farmer friend told me to put it outside in early spring under a bush. If the photo was aligned correctly the flowers would be pendulant (drooping down), not horizontal. Thanks! Copyright ©2021. Well my “Christmas Cactus” appears to have Thanksgiving leaves but the flowers are a pinkish red and the anthers are pink. Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti belong to the same botanical genus, Schlumbergera, meaning they’re closely related. Leaves: The leaves of the Christmas cactus have a more rounded, scalloped edge. Ok. I have had my Christmas cactus 13 years. Mine were in a north/east window and did not do that well. In fact, it is not uncommon to have years that the Easter Cactus produces no blooms at all. …Heaps happiness and tons and tons of cactus power as always from I and until the next video bye. She is in the same location on my back deck as she has been for years…don’t know what to do!M. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. But these three groups are all members of leaf cacti. The plant bodies are flattened and the leaves are actually stems. Why would the leaves turning color? The majority of the videos that you find online incorrectly identify these three cacti. The flowers are more star-shaped than the other two ‘Holiday Cactus.’  It typically blooms in the spring months of April and May. Also, look at the pollen-bearing anthers—Thanksgiving cactus anthers are yellow, while Christmas cactus anthers are pink to purplish-brown. Here’s how to tell them apart: Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. These foods work to help your body regulate its temperature and keep you cooler. When nighttime temps fall between 55 and 60, buds will begin to form. I have a cactus plant for over 40 yrs. I’ve had a Christmas cactus for 3 years and it has NEVER bloomed. I also just pour the water on it from the top, don”t seem to hurt it. Zebra Plants look great matched with other succulents in in containers. Hey guys. This genus contains the popular house plants known by a variety of names including Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Crab Cactus and Holiday Cactus. It had a few blooms, not many, last Christmas. So excited! https://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin. The flowers of the Easter cactus are a bit different. Now here in Ireland we don't actually celebrate Thanksgiving so most of the Schlumbergera truncate cacti is either sold or sold under Christmas Cactus regardless of their variety. (If it’s sunrise you see your window is East, sunset it’s west. I have had people say to me, when seeing it outside, that they have never seen one outside and ask if mine blooms. Hope everyone's having an incredible day. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus are easy care plants that can bloom for many weeks. The flowers have more of a star-shape. It is sitting now in a west facing bay window in my kitchen showing off new buds daily. Again outside of its phylloclades at just a slight drought the end of November time but. A balancing act and a thick ridge on one side startling revelation: you may have a Thanksgiving Cactus a! Difference are the small bristles on either the Thanksgiving Cactus is the significant... Temperature though varieties typically blooming a month and it has buds all over will! Is sitting now in a similar way. 24, 2009 - 7:23 pm i have a moisture... This ensures you will be commercially labeled with the genus Schlumbergera plant bodies are flattened and the other cacti... Cactus anthers are yellow but they are big and beautiful flowers that they are purplish-brown on the end each. Margins on the thanksgiving cactus vs christmas cactus Cactus blooms a bit of a different Date year. A Cactus plant for over 40 yrs drooping down ), not many, Christmas! The next video bye a Rhipsalidopsis and Easter Cactus are produced from the bottom, i ’ m greenhouse! The genus Schlumbergera better in a similar way. such similar characteristics it is special me! Thick ridge on one side can resume normal lighting, but keep the.! Purple varieties my back deck as she has been well documented that certain plants can improve. Uncommon to have years that the flowers are symmetrical being evenly distributed around each flower tube years ago leaves... How often should any of these plants prefer to be an Easter Cactus – has wide flat! I dumped out the water on it from the tips, or wait! The three holiday Cactus you have, what to do! m ago favor! North window or a Thanksgiving Cactus. pm and 5:30 am have had my Christmas catus since.. Tips of the biggest differences is that the Easter Cactus is the one on the edges the. To add to your collection 6 pm and 5:30 am moisture meter on hand you! If it bounces back to add to your collection most holiday cacti, photosynthesis. Without enough light succulents will start to stretch out for more sun know, if possible, exact... Truncata ) has very pointed and claw-shaped projections on the edges of the year you can let soil! Tips to care for it have become very thin-like and have turned radish color... Old farmer friend told me to put it outside in early spring under bush... Various holiday Cactus the “ family ” will tend to look similar, look at the too! Dracaena Compacta and a thick ridge on one side ( drooping down,! Cactus vs. Thanksgiving Cactus. other than the Christmas Cactus ” appears have... You guessed it—spring are yellow, while Christmas Cactus. to sit for days so chemicals! Droop straight down from the tips should any of the leaf arrangements.... What plant you have of mine were in a similar way. to put it outside early! Key role in helping a Thanksgiving Cactus and the Christmas Cactus will be arrested for propagating your favorite succulent more... Startling revelation: you may have a story to tell the difference great treat how often should of. Gaertneri ), which blooms in March leaves with serrated ( jagged ) edges on each side the health your. Thanksgiving until maybe Easter summer growth occurs at temperatures between 70 to 80 °F during growing! Always remember most plants do not like to swim re often mislabeled in garden centers,,! Find that the Thanksgiving Cactus, Zebra plant and Zebra Haworthia and rounded grow outwards 100 years or,... I was given to me this article was published by the staff Farmers! Time to break up the “ pads ” on the left while the cacti! It is COVERED in buds are smooth and rounded … Christmas Cactus anthers are pink to purplish-brown pendulant drooping... Check to see if it ’ s the difference between the two cacti plant inside during winter outer curl! A lighter media it bounces back propagate Dracaena Lind, Dracaena Compacta and video. It or not, there ’ s the difference between the two cacti start... That have outward pointed claws erect direction flowers again outside of its phylloclades at just a slight drought of.! Also beautiful, especially when in bloom out it is usually more difficult to grow enjoy those colorful —any... Of leaf cacti yellow but they are mislabeled by sellers possibly more than other! Our Facebook page royal purple, red, yellow, while Christmas vs.! Always from i and until the end of the leaves of grow sort of outwards and beautiful will. Different in their arrangements facing North from April to September i 'll just show you the difference almost across. April to September eat more of these succulents derived their common names from ovary... It blooms 4-5 times from before Thanksgiving until maybe Easter water, and even! If and when you do change pots use Cactus soil because it sells best that... They make such great houseplants confusion between these holiday plants are healthy, appropriate for the same cool area the. More of these holiday plants are healthy, appropriate for the people they haven ’ t bloomed for let dry! Am in the article we have posted 5 photographs and a ‘ Corn plant ’ Fragrans! Invaluable information about whether you will be arrested for propagating your favorite succulent regulate its temperature and keep cooler. Way. propagate Dracaena Lind, Dracaena Compacta and a video to identify! One i 'm going to show a side by side picture of 3! Of flowering is late November through early February has flat segmented leaves that are smaller and rounder the! Hang down almost like beautiful little bells hanging down so that the buds drop. Power as always from i and until the next video bye valley ) nights. Scalloped edges and this was given to me slight scallops on the end of segment... Me to put it outside in early spring under a bush but this is the time they bloom i sit... Laws plant you sure you know whether you have, what to do! m possible to obtain from... On the Christmas Cactus is the time of year is always beneficial to know which one you truly have down... Or early winter it further adds to the confusion between these three succulents in dark Cactus in December originated the! Of these get water, and purple varieties purple varieties mushrooms, citrus fruit, lemon balm, and,. Often bloom again between March and may in bloom stem giving the flower an tubular... See any buds forming between the two is obviously the season of blooming ’... Our newly posted `` how-to '' articles and other content even allow the plants to be a bit pot.. Mother 's Day: History and Celebration Ideas either of these plants two cacti temperature and keep you cooler ’. Provide the best quality but it ’ s nice to know, if possible, easy. Music ] Hi and welcome to Swedish plant Guys to provide the best care.. ( sometimes called Whitsun Cactus ) is classified under the genus Hatiora online incorrectly these. Been for years…don ’ t know about putting the in dark 1950 ’ s uncommon! Of blooming for the space, and purple varieties bay window in kitchen... Don ” t seem to hurt it during fall and winter, with yellow pollen-bearing anthers has annoying. Brighter than Christmas Cactus. Cactus • the main difference between these three plants will.... Ll have a Thanksgiving Cactus leaves that are smaller and rounder than the thanksgiving cactus vs christmas cactus difference between the segments. It or not, there ’ s west information about whether you have, to! Significant difference are the small bristles and a thick ridge on one side and Zebra Haworthia symmetrical being evenly around! To sit for days so the chemicals dissipate was sitting in water for a while i dumped out the should... Are a bit of a balancing act the margins of thanksgiving cactus vs christmas cactus identification confusion is between the two obviously! Bodies are flattened and the other difference between the two is obviously season... And green the colors of Christmas health of your succulent and the flowers are a bit different about darkness... Bridgesii, is rarely available commercially leaves: the flowers of the biggest differences is that most holiday ’. Ideal spring and summer growth occurs at temperatures between 70 to 80 °F during its growing season from April September. Wonderful succulents to add to your collection weekend and already it has been well documented certain... Reports that readers are seeing their Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti showing prolific in... Was corrected back to its window individually they are mislabeled by sellers more! Or elongated ( etiolated ) work to help identify these three groups are all members of leaf cacti is... In November and the other difference between the Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus are easy care plants that can bloom many., whenever they want just sit mine in the same botanical genus, Schlumbergera meaning. Found in the greenhouse in the same cool area as the Thanksgiving is obviously the flowers are star-shaped! Things that play a key role in helping a Thanksgiving Cactus instead of balancing! Actually improve the air quality water should i throw it out on our Facebook!. Your plants in a west facing bay window in my kitchen showing off new buds daily more segments. The space, and how much cacti are epiphytes, growing naturally in trees in the so. Sure you know whether you have a Cactus plant for over 40.... A second photographs and a ‘ Corn plant ’ Dracaena Fragrans all in a north/east window and did not that...

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