Friends and family deal vacation cacti every year , but how do you bang if you have aThanksgiving cactus plantor a Christmas one ? When equate a Thanksgiving cactus vs. Christmas cactus , it ’s easy to see why people are unsure . These cacti are closely related and are difficult to tell apart . Even their bloom bet likewise ! So , how are you supposed to know which type of cactus you have ? Does it even matter , or do these exchangeable plants have the same needs ? We ’ll answer these enquiry and more in this elementary guide to vacation cactus plants .
What is a Thanksgiving cactus?
The Thanksgiving cactus , orSchlumbergera truncata , isactually a succulentand not a cactus . The just fashion to distinguish this plant from a Christmas cactus is by inspecting the leave-taking . The leaves of a Thanksgiving cactus are much pointier than those on a Christmas cacti . In improver , each section has serrated side with pointed spines . These toothed edges are potential why this works is also known as “ Crab Claw Cactus . ”
You might also be capable to spot the difference between these plant life because of their bloom . While the flowers are very similar , a few minor detail will help oneself you figure it out . First , Thanksgiving cacti bloom around , you guess it , Thanksgiving . heyday can appear at the ends of each segmented “ branch , ” or they can bloom between segments . They amount in cherry , pinkish , peach , empurpled , orange , or blanched . With all of this said , the good way to tell the dispute is by seem at the anther of the bloom . On a Thanksgiving cactus , these are chicken — on the snotty-nosed side , they ’re pinkish or brown on a Christmas cactus .
The Thanksgiving cactus like partial tad . However , you could offer them more lighter when they blossom , and they ’ll still thrive . The “ cactus ” in their name might suggest otherwise , but when it issue forth to watering , they prefer soil that stay moist for a more drawn-out geological period , and they do n’t like to dry out completely between waterings . To ensure the plant has enough food to bring on a caboodle of pretty blooms , you ’ll want to bring home the bacon it withplenty of fertilizerduring the growing season .
What is a Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus , orSchlumbergera bridgesii , has a much softer feeling to its parting than its Turkey Day cousin . The segments on a Christmas cactus have scalloped edges , and the final stage almost look like they go directly across . The blooms of a Christmas cactus show up around Christmas time , but they can also seem around March and May . They are either pinkish or blanched , and you ’ll want to count for those pink or brown anther to secure you have a Christmas cactus .
The Christmas cactus loves partial sun or diffused light , so a window with a thin window treatment would be perfect ! It ’s adaptable to most grunge conditions , but it prefers its dirt to stay damp . While the name cactus might make this confusing , it is technically a tropical foliage plant that loves water . Still , the Christmas cactus can handle some drouth .
In early spring and summertime , this flora will want a boost of fertilizer , and you’re able to ply it with a water - soluble option or slow - release bead . However , be sure to contain fecundate once you see flower bud , and then resume once the plant life has finished bloom .
A bonus holiday cactus: The Easter cactus
Here ’s another incentive vacation cactus for you to consider : the Easter cactus ! While the Easter cactus looks very similar to the Thanksgiving and Christmas ones , it is n’t part of the Schlumbergera family at all . It ’s technically classified asRhipsalideae gaertneri , and you may severalize it apart from the other holiday cacti because of its flatter , star - shape rosiness and extra smooth , rounded leaves with fewer ridges .
As its name implies , it blooms in the early give calendar month from March to May , produce red , orange , over-embellished , and white flush . The Easter cactus is triggered to bud by ironical dirt conditions and cool temperatures .
Which plant should you choose?
decide on which works to opt as a gift for friends or category is only a matter of orientation . These plants are wanton to worry for , blossom during a time of twelvemonth when most plants are dormant , and look so alike that it ’s hard to tell them asunder . However , if it matters to you that you give the plant life on the right holiday that it ’s named after , we advocate taking our tips and trick with you to the store . If you’re able to tell the remainder on your own , you’re able to be certain that you ’re not a victim of incorrect labeling .
How long do Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti live?
With proper tutelage , both Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus can live for quite a while ! Both plant life have the same lifespan , so there ’s no need to worry about which plant life will survive longer . On modal , a well - cared - for vacation cactus can experience for 20 to 30 age . Some have been reported to subsist even longer .
While have such a long lifespan can seem intimidating ( that ’s a long committedness to make ) , these plant are so gentle to care for and so forgiving of trip that you should n’t worry too much about it . Instead , focus on enjoying your plant for as long as you have it . If you happen yourself getting tired of caring for your holiday cactus , they make majuscule gifts !
