The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera truncata) has very pointed and claw shaped projections on the edges of the leaf. The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped.
What is the difference between a Christmas cactus Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus?
The main difference between Thanksgiving Cactus, Christmas Cactus, and Easter Cactus is the time of bloom. As their common names suggest, a Thanksgiving Cactus can bloom in late fall, one month before the Christmas Cactus. The Easter Cactus starts producing flower buds in February.
Can you plant Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus together?
Christmas/Thanksgiving/Easter cactus – there are different kinds – all like to be pot bound, that is, shoved in there tightly. So, putting two together would be fine. Just don’t overwater!
Is there another name for Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is also known as Thanksgiving cactus, holiday cactus or crab cactus. The crab name refers to the leaf-shaped stem segments that have curved, pointed teeth or claws along the edges. The Easter cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi) has rounded edges on its leaf segments.
How do I get my Thanksgiving cactus to bloom for Christmas?
- Cool Air: Give your holiday cactus chilly air (50 to 55 F at night) for 6 to 8 consecutive weeks. The easiest way to do this is to place plants outdoors on a porch or other sheltered spot. …
- Darkness: Holiday cactus plants need 13 (or more) hours of darkness each night.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
Under the right conditions, a Thanksgiving cactus will bloom once a year during the late fall. How Long Do Thanksgiving Cacti Live? Holiday cacti are often passed down through generations because they have an incredibly long life. A Thanksgiving cactus can live up to 100 years with proper care.
What are the three types of Christmas cactus?
Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus. The three common holiday cacti, named for time of year the blooms appear, include Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus. All three are easy to grow and have similar growth habits and care requirements.
How often should you water a Thanksgiving cactus?
To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out during “resting periods,” or in other words, when it is not producing blooms. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
What kind of pots do Christmas cactus like?
ANSWER: Christmas cacti are well suited to clay pots due to their quickly-draining nature. Clay is a porous material, which provides good air circulation and conductive conditions.
Do Christmas cactus like coffee grounds?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do!
Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. … Give your plant its coffee ration either by mixing the dried grounds in its water or by scattering them on the soil.
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Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
Are Christmas cactus real cactus?
The plant is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as the name infers. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable quantity of water in the leaves. Christmas cacti are not only popular holiday gift plants, but they are also the subject of frequent debate among gardeners.
What family does the Christmas cactus belong to?
The plant is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerant as the name infers. However, it is a succulent plant and can store a reasonable quantity of water in the leaves. Christmas cacti are not only popular holiday gift plants, but they are also the subject of frequent debate among gardeners.
Should I mist my Thanksgiving cactus?
High temperatures, excessive heat fluctuation, and dry air are not ideal for a holiday cactus, so if your home is excessively dry because of a wood stove or another form of dry heat, make sure to mist the leaves to create humidity around the plants.
How many times does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas Cactus are extremely popular when November and December roll around. I happen to like them even when they’re not in bloom and think they make fine houseplants. But wait, did you know that they can repeat flower? Mine started re-blooming in February, so yes, Christmas Cactus do flower more than once a year.
How long do Thanksgiving cactus blooms last?
Because of its bloom time, the Thanksgiving cactus is most predominately encountered for sale during the winter holiday season. Flowering can last up 7 to 8 weeks if the plants are kept at 68 ºF.