Thanksgiving vs Christmas Cactus: How to Tell Them Apart
Look at the stem segments. Pointed teeth mean Thanksgiving cactus, rounded scallops mean Christmas cactus, and smooth segments with bristles mean Easter c...
Published by ThriveThyme
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The Short Answer
Look at the edge of one flat stem segment.
- Pointed teeth: Thanksgiving cactus. Each segment has 2 to 4 sharp, upward-pointing teeth (Iowa State).
- Rounded scallops, no points: Christmas cactus (Iowa State).
- Smooth, with slight ripples and small brown bristles at the tips: Easter cactus (Iowa State).
Iowa State Extension adds that most plants sold as "Christmas cactus" are really Thanksgiving cactus or hybrids. Hybrids can look in between.
Try the picker on the Holiday Rebloom Desk. It names your plant and adds it to your bloom plan.
Side by Side
| Thanksgiving cactus | Christmas cactus | Easter cactus | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Schlumbergera truncata | Schlumbergera x buckleyi | Schlumbergera gaertneri |
| Segment edge | Pointed, claw-like teeth | Rounded scallops | Smooth, bristles at tips |
| Pollen (anthers) | Yellow | Pink to purple | Golden yellow |
| Flower | Asymmetric, bends at the base | Hangs down, no bend at the base | Star shaped, symmetric |
| Usual bloom | Mid November to late December | Late November to early February | March to May |
Bloom times are from Iowa State. Pollen and flower shape are from Colorado State and Arizona extension.
Does It Matter Which One I Have?
For Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus, care is the same. Both set buds with long nights of 14 hours or more, or with cool nights of 50 to 59 F, for about 6 weeks (Clemson, Minnesota). Thanksgiving cactus just blooms about a month earlier under natural nights (Clemson).
Easter cactus is different. Iowa State says it needs 3 to 4 weeks of 14 to 16 hour nights at 60 to 70 F in fall, then 4 to 6 weeks of nights at 47 to 55 F, then normal warmth and longer days. It will not bloom for Christmas.
Care That Fits All Three
- Bright, indirect light, not full summer sun (Iowa State, Clemson).
- 60 to 70 F indoors (Iowa State).
- A well-drained mix and a pot with drain holes. They bloom best a little root bound (Minnesota).
- Keep the soil evenly moist while budding and blooming. Let it dry more between waterings the rest of the year (Iowa State).
Pets
The ASPCA lists Christmas cactus and Easter cactus as non-toxic to dogs and cats. See pet-safe houseplants.
Next Steps
- Get buds set on the Holiday Rebloom Desk.
- No buds or dropping buds? Read why a Christmas cactus will not bloom.
- Light and water for your window: Christmas cactus care.