What Are the 3 Types of Christmas Cactus to Grow at Home?

The Christmas cactus is a beloved houseplant that brings festive cheer to homes during the holiday season. Known for its striking blooms and easy-care nature, this plant is a staple in many households. However, not all Christmas cacti are created equal.

In fact, there are three main types, often confused with one another: Thanksgiving Cactus, Christmas Cactus, and Easter Cactus. Each type has unique features, blooming times, and care needs.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the characteristics, differences, and care requirements for each type of Christmas cactus to help you identify and nurture your plant for years of stunning blooms.

1. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Characteristics

The Thanksgiving cactus is often mistaken for its Christmas counterpart due to their similar appearance. However, the Thanksgiving cactus has distinct features:

• Leaf Shape: The leaves (technically stems) are flat and have sharp, pointed edges or “teeth” along the margins. This gives them a jagged appearance.
• Blooming Time: True to its name, the Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in late November, right around Thanksgiving.
• Flowers: The flowers are tubular, with petal segments that curve backward, giving a starburst-like appearance. Colors range from pink and red to white, yellow, and purple.

Growing Requirements

• Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.
• Water: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65–75°F but needs cooler nights (50–55°F) to encourage blooming.
• Soil: Well-draining soil, such as a cactus mix or a potting mix with added sand or perlite, is essential.

Fun Fact

The Thanksgiving cactus is native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees, absorbing moisture from the humid air.

2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

Characteristics

The true Christmas cactus is a holiday favorite, prized for its delicate blooms that often coincide with Christmas celebrations.

• Leaf Shape: The leaves are smoother than those of the Thanksgiving cactus, with rounded edges instead of sharp teeth.
• Blooming Time: The Christmas cactus typically blooms in late December, making it a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings.
• Flowers: Its flowers are similar to the Thanksgiving cactus but slightly less symmetrical, with a more flowing, soft appearance. Colors include red, pink, white, and sometimes peach or orange.

Growing Requirements

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect sunlight. A north or east-facing window works well.
• Water: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Reduce watering after the blooming period to allow the plant to rest.
• Temperature: Needs cooler nighttime temperatures (around 50–55°F) to trigger bud formation.
• Humidity: As a tropical plant, it appreciates higher humidity levels. Use a humidity tray or mist the leaves occasionally.

Fun Fact

Christmas cacti can live for decades and are often passed down through generations as family heirlooms.

3. Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

Characteristics

The Easter cactus is a spring bloomer, making it unique among the holiday cacti. Its vibrant blooms herald the arrival of warmer weather.

• Leaf Shape: The leaves are flat with scalloped edges and lack the sharp teeth found on the Thanksgiving cactus.
• Blooming Time: The Easter cactus blooms from late March to early May, aligning with the Easter holiday.
• Flowers: The flowers are star-shaped and symmetrical, with petals radiating outward. They come in shades of red, pink, orange, and white.

Growing Requirements

• Light: Bright, indirect light is best, but it can tolerate slightly lower light levels than the other two types.
• Water: The Easter cactus is more sensitive to overwatering than the others. Let the soil dry out more thoroughly before watering.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F. Cooler temperatures in late winter help encourage blooming.
• Soil: A well-draining potting mix is essential to prevent waterlogging.

Fun Fact

The Easter cactus is native to Brazil’s subtropical forests, where it grows in rocky crevices and tree nooks.

Differences Between the Three Types of Christmas Cactus

Feature	Thanksgiving Cactus	Christmas Cactus	Easter Cactus
Leaf Shape	Pointed, jagged edges	Rounded, smooth edges	Flat, scalloped edges
Blooming Time	Late November	Late December	Late March to early May
Flower Shape	Tubular, starburst-like	Tubular, flowing	Star-shaped, symmetrical
Native Habitat	Tropical rainforests of Brazil	Tropical rainforests of Brazil	Subtropical forests of Brazil

General Care Tips for Holiday Cacti

Though each type has specific needs, the following care tips apply to all three holiday cacti:

1. Provide the Right Light

All three types thrive in bright, indirect light. During their active growing season, place them in a spot with filtered sunlight. If they’re outdoors, keep them in a shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.

2. Water Wisely

Overwatering is a common issue. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, ensuring the pot has drainage holes. Reduce watering after blooming to allow the plant to rest.

3. Encourage Blooming

Holiday cacti need a period of cooler temperatures (50–55°F) and shorter daylight hours to initiate bud formation. Place them in a cool, dark room for 6–8 weeks before their expected bloom time.

4. Repot Periodically

Repot every 2–3 years in spring, using a pot slightly larger than the current one. Use a well-draining mix to mimic their natural epiphytic environment.

5. Fertilize During Growth

Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Stop fertilizing during the resting period after blooming.

Conclusion

The Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti may look similar, but their unique features, blooming times, and care requirements make each one special. By understanding the differences between these holiday favorites, you can ensure your plant thrives and rewards you with stunning blooms year after year.

Whether you’re decorating your home for the holidays or adding a splash of color to your springtime decor, these versatile plants are a joy to grow and cherish. Which type of holiday cactus will you add to your collection next?