Thanksgiving Cactus Plant: Care and ID Tips
Are Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus the same thing? Learn more - with helpful photos!
If you've ever admired a burst of colorful blooms around the holidays and wondered what kind of cactus could possibly flower in winter, you’re not alone. The Thanksgiving cactus plant often sparks confusion - not just because of its name, but because it's frequently mistaken for its holiday cousins.
Are Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus the same? It’s a common question, and to make things even more puzzling, the Easter cactus sometimes gets thrown into the mix too.
But don’t worry - we’ll show you exactly how to tell them apart, complete with side-by-side pictures of Thanksgiving cactus vs. Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus vs. Easter cactus so you’ll never second-guess your plant again.
The Thanksgiving cactus plant in full bloom.
The Thanksgiving cactus plant, known botanically as Schlumbergera truncata, hails from the cool, misty rainforests of Brazil. Unlike the typical cactus you might picture baking under a desert sun, this species grows high up in trees or clinging to rocks, soaking up humidity in its lush, tropical home.
Forget spines and needles - this cactus has smooth, fleshy, segmented stems that resemble leaves, not thorns. Those flattened segments, known as cladodes, are easy to recognize by their jagged, pointed edges that look like tiny claws - one of the key traits that sets it apart from its rounder, softer-looking relatives.
Adding to its charm, the Thanksgiving cactus plant bursts into bloom from November through January (and sometimes again in spring!), showing off trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, white, and even golden yellow. The November through January bloom time helps to distinguish it from the Christmas cactus, which begins flowering a few weeks later.
Another helpful clue? Its upright, more rigid growth habit. While Christmas cacti tend to droop with a cascading, trailing form, the Thanksgiving cactus stands a little taller, with a more structured silhouette.
Still wondering, are Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus the same? You're not alone - but we've got you covered.
First, we’ll take a closer look at Thanksgiving cactus plant care, including its light and water requirements, soil preferences, fertilizer, and common issues to watch out for. We'll also share tips on where to buy healthy plants and how to get your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom. Then, we’ll dive into helpful ID photos and side-by-side comparisons that highlight the subtle but important differences between these festive favorites.
Thanksgiving Cactus Care
A Thanksgiving cactus is very easy to care for and does well as an indoor houseplant.
It prefers bright, indirect light - make sure to avoid direct sun, or the stems will “sunburn” and turn purple.
Water every 1-2 weeks, when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely, and make sure the pot has drainage holes.
Pruning isn’t necessary unless you would like a bushier plant. Prune in late winter, when flowering has finished, by pinching off the stem segments with your fingers, or cut them off using sharp, clean scissors.
The Thanksgiving cactus plant prefers to be root-bound. Being root-bound means that a plant's roots have grown so densely within its pot that they have limited space to expand.
This often results in the roots circling around the pot or becoming tightly packed.
The Thanksgiving cactus tends to bloom more heavily when it's root-bound because the restricted root space signals the plant to focus on reproduction rather than growth.
This stress encourages the cactus to produce more flowers, which are essentially its means of propagating seeds.
When caring for a Thanksgiving cactus, avoid frequent repotting. Instead, repot it only every 3–5 years or when absolutely necessary, such as when the plant has outgrown its pot or the soil has degraded. This balance ensures the plant stays healthy while still encouraging abundant blooming.
When cared for correctly, Thanksgiving cacti can be extremely long-lived plants, often living up to 100 years and getting passed down through family generations!
A Thanksgiving cactus with vibrant orange-tipped flowers.
Thanksgiving Cactus Soil
In their native habitats, Thanksgiving cacti are epiphytes, growing on trees or rocks rather than directly in the Thanksgiving cactus soil mix we use in a pots. Epiphytic plants cling harmlessly to other surfaces and draw nutrients from air, rain, and fallen debris.
To recreate those conditions indoors, give your Thanksgiving cactus a well-draining, free-flowing potting mix - about 80 % cactus potting soil blended with 20 % perlite - to keep roots airy and happy.
Always choose a container with drainage holes to avoid soggy soil and root rot, and let the mix dry slightly between waterings. By focusing on proper drainage and the right Thanksgiving cactus soil, you’ll set your plant up to thrive for seasons to come!
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Thanksgiving Cactus Fertilizer
During spring and summer, it's important to support the growth of your Thanksgiving cactus plant with regular feedings, using the correct type of fertilizer. An all-purpose, water-soluble indoor plant fertilizer - like Jack’s Classic All Purpose 20-20-20 - is a solid choice, offering a balanced mix of essential nutrients (not a sponsored endorsement - just a personal favorite that’s worked well!).
Dilute the fertilizer according to package directions and apply it once per month. Using a consistent Thanksgiving cactus fertilizer routine encourages healthy foliage, strong root growth, and vibrant seasonal blooms. Feeding during the active growing season ensures your plant has everything it needs to flourish.
Feeding your Thanksgiving cactus plant with the right fertilizer boosts healthy growth and sets the stage for vibrant, eye-catching blooms.
Thanksgiving Cactus Problems
One of the most frequent problems I see with the Thanksgiving cactus plant is that they often come in decorative foil wrappers, which many people leave on. While these wrappers may look festive, they prevent the plant from getting the proper drainage it needs.
When the foil wrapper is left on, water cannot drain away properly and it accumulates in the pot, leading to root rot, wilting, and yellowing leaves. To avoid these issues, it’s crucial to remove the foil wrapper immediately!
You can either place the plastic pot on a saucer to catch excess water, or if you want a more polished look, repot the cactus immediately into a decorative pot with drainage holes that sits on a saucer to protect your furniture.
Why Is My Thanksgiving Cactus Turning Purple or Red?
Light: Too much direct sun can cause purple discoloration. Thanksgiving cacti prefer bright, indirect light - move out of harsh sunlight if needed.
Nutrients: A phosphorus deficiency can change leaf color. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.
Temperature: These cacti like cooler temps when resting. Keep them away from heating vents or hot direct sun to avoid stress and discoloration.
Watering: Over- or underwatering can affect leaf color. Water every 1- 2 weeks when the top inch of soil is dry. Use well-draining soil (80% potting mix, 20% perlite) and pots with drainage holes.
The leaves of this Thanksgiving cactus are turning purple. Time to assess the plant’s location, watering and fertilizing schedule!
Why Is My Thanksgiving Cactus Wilting and Drooping?
Overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot and wilting. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Underwatering: Dry soil can make the plant limp. Water thoroughly at the sink until it drains out the bottom. Water more often if needed.
Poor drainage: No drainage = soggy roots. Repot into a container with drainage holes.
Wrong soil: Heavy soil holds too much moisture. Use a well-draining cactus mix.
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of nutrients can cause drooping and poor growth. Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
Root-bound: A crowded root system makes it harder to absorb water. Repot every 3–5 years.
Low light: Too much shade can weaken your plant. Bright, indirect light is best.
Why Is My Thanksgiving Cactus Dropping Buds?
Temperature swings: Cold drafts or heat from vents can cause buds to drop.
Inconsistent watering: Over- or underwatering stresses the plant and leads to bud loss.
Low light: Not enough light during bud formation can cause buds to fall off.
Relocation stress: Moving the plant can trigger bud drop.
Natural cycle: Some bud drop is normal near the end of the blooming season.
Why Is My Thanksgiving Cactus Turning Yellow?
Overwatering: Too much moisture can cause root rot and yellow leaves. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Underwatering: Too little water can also cause yellowing. Water more frequently if the soil stays dry too long.
Poor drainage: No drainage traps water and leads to yellowing. Use a pot with drainage holes.
Nutrient deficiency: Low nutrients, especially nitrogen, can cause yellowing. Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
How To Make a Thanksgiving Cactus Bloom
The Thanksgiving cactus is a reliable bloomer, rewarding you with gorgeous flowers year after year. Many people find that their Thanksgiving cactus reblooms without any special effort.
Whether or not your cactus flowers every year depends largely on the conditions in your home, including temperature, lighting, and its proximity to a window.
Some lucky folks simply keep their cactus in the right spot without realizing it, and voilà - blooms appear. But if your plant seems stubborn, don’t worry—there are tried-and-true methods to help coax those buds into action.
If you want to guarantee blooms, a little intervention might be in order (though some techniques sound more like elaborate pranks on your poor cactus!).
The key is giving your plant 6- 8 weeks of cooler temperatures, ideally between 55–65°F, combined with 14 hours or more of continuous darkness each day.
To create this environment, you could move your Thanksgiving cactus plant to a cool, dark closet or garage, or go the DIY route by placing a box over it every evening - yes, it might feel a little ridiculous, but it works!
After this “neglectful" treatment, buds should start to form, and you can bring the plant back to its usual sunny spot just in time to show off its blooms for Thanksgiving.
To encourage your Thanksgiving cactus plant to set buds like this, give it 14+ hours of darkness each day in a cool space like a closet or garage - it’s the secret to a spectacular flower show!
When Can I Buy a Thanksgiving Cactus?
Each year, starting in late October to early November, the Thanksgiving cactus plant is readily available in plant shops, local nurseries, grocery stores, and big box centers.
Plants are frequently shipped to stores either heavily budded and ready to bloom, or already in bloom.
The Thanksgiving cactus is frequently labeled incorrectly and sold as a Christmas cactus. However, a true Christmas cactus is not as commonly available to purchase in most retail settings due to having fragile, breakable foliage.
You can buy a true Christmas cactus from some garden centers, online nurseries, online marketplaces like Etsy, or plant shops that specialize in succulents and cacti.
Thanksgiving Cactus vs Christmas Cactus
Are Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus the same? Many people confuse Christmas cacti and Thanksgiving cacti, since they have similar appearances and care requirements. However, there are a few key differences between the two that are fairly easy to spot:
Stem segments: The Thanksgiving cactus plant (Schlumbergera truncata) features stem segments with pointed, claw-like edges, giving it a sharper appearance, while the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) has rounded and scalloped edges on the ends of its stem segments.
Bloom time: The Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in late November, aligning with its namesake holiday, while the Christmas cactus starts flowering in late December.
Flower form: Both plants produce similar flowers with subtle differences. Thanksgiving cactus flowers have a more upright appearance, whereas Christmas cactus blooms are pendulous and delicately dangle from the plant.
Thanksgiving Cactus vs Christmas Cactus Pictures
The Thanksgiving cactus has pointy tips on each stem segment.
The Christmas cactus has round, scalloped edges on each stem segment.
Thanksgiving Cactus vs Easter Cactus
Are Thanksgiving cactus and Easter cactus the same? It’s a common mix-up! These two holiday bloomers may look alike at first glance and share similar care needs, but there are a few distinct differences that make it easier to tell them apart once you know what to look for.
Stem segments: The Thanksgiving cactus has segmented stems with pointed, claw-like edges, giving it a sharper and more angular appearance than its Easter cactus cousin Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri . The Easter cactus plant has rounded segments with smooth edges that feel softer to the touch.
Flower form: The flowers of each type of plant are distinct and easy to tell apart due to their unique shapes. Thanksgiving cactus flowers are tubular and symmetrical, while Easter cactus flowers are star-shaped with thinner, more delicate petals that create a layered effect.
Flowering time: Another notable difference when comparing Thanksgiving cactus vs Easter cactus is the flowering time. The Thanksgiving cactus plant starts to bloom in late November while the Easter cactus flowers in March and April.
Thanksgiving Cactus vs Easter Cactus Pictures
The Easter cactus has rounded segments with smooth edges that feel soft to the touch.
The distinctly pointed tips of a Thanksgiving cactus.
Is Thanksgiving Cactus Poisonous to Cats or Dogs?
If you have recently been gifted a Thanksgiving cactus or bought one on impulse, you may be wondering if the Thanksgiving cactus is toxic to cats or dogs, and if it’s safe to have around your furry companions.
The great news is that the Thanksgiving cactus plant is non-toxic and is not poisonous to cats or dogs. So if you are plant obsessed (like me) you can go ahead and get one in every color 😜 I currently have 6 Thanksgiving cactus plants and 4 rescue pets. Don’t judge.
Unlike some other types of cacti that have spines or potentially irritating or toxic sap, Thanksgiving cacti are safe for pets!
However, it's always a good idea to monitor your pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if you have specific concerns or if your pet shows any signs of illness after contact with the plant.
To learn more about plants poisonous to dogs and cats, read “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs?” and “Does your Cat Eat your Houseplants?”, or visit the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.
Tom, our official plant taste tester, gives his stamp of approval - this Thanksgiving cactus plant is safe for cats!
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