The Guide to Holiday Cacti

Holiday cacti are beloved houseplants that brighten indoor spaces with their stunning seasonal blooms. However, many people mistakenly refer to all of them as Christmas cacti, despite their distinct differences in bloom time, leaf structure, and care requirements. In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncata), and Easter cacti (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri), helping you identify and care for these unique plants properly. Additionally, we’ll highlight lesser-known holiday cacti and hybrids that bloom in different seasons.

1. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi)

Bloom Time: Late November to early January (but can rebloom unexpectedly) Leaf Structure: Rounded, scalloped edges Flowers: Hanging, symmetrical, typically in shades of red, pink, white, or purple Care Tips:

• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Thrives in well-draining soil with moderate moisture
• Requires cool nighttime temperatures and 12-14 hours of darkness in the fall to initiate blooming

Why is My Christmas Cactus Blooming at an Unexpected Time?

• Daylight & Temperature Changes: If exposed to shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures (50-60°F/10-16°C), it may trigger an off-season bloom.
• Stress or Recovery from Dormancy: A period of dryness or a recent move can encourage unexpected flowering.
• Genetic Variation: Some Christmas cacti bloom sporadically or have hybrid traits that lead to multiple bloom periods.
• Fertilization Timing: A recent phosphorus-rich fertilizer application may promote blooms.

2. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Bloom Time: October to late December (but sometimes reblooms in early spring) Leaf Structure: Pointed, serrated edges resembling crab claws Flowers: Asymmetrical, projecting outward; available in red, pink, white, orange, or yellow Care Tips:

• Prefers bright, indirect light
• Requires similar care to the Christmas cactus but can tolerate slightly warmer temperatures
• Requires short days and long nights in early fall to encourage blooming

Why is My Thanksgiving Cactus Blooming in Spring?

• Cool Temperatures in Winter: If the plant experienced cool temperatures (50-60°F/10-16°C) during winter, it might initiate a second bloom cycle.
• Daylight Changes: A period of increased or reduced exposure to light can trick the plant into reblooming.
• Stress Response: If it didn’t fully bloom in fall, it might be making up for it now.
• Hybrid Influence: Many Thanksgiving cacti are hybrids and may naturally have two bloom cycles per year.

3. Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

Bloom Time: March to May (but may flower unexpectedly at other times) Leaf Structure: Smooth, slightly notched edges Flowers: Star-shaped, symmetrical, often in pink, red, or white Care Tips:

• Requires slightly more humidity than its Schlumbergera relatives
• Prefers consistent watering but should never be waterlogged
• Needs a cooler period in late winter to stimulate bud formation

Why is My Easter Cactus Blooming at an Unexpected Time?

• Temperature Changes: Easter cacti are sensitive to shifts in temperature. A drop below 60°F (16°C) for a few weeks can trigger blooming.
• Light Exposure: If it has received less light during winter and then suddenly more in spring, it may bloom outside its usual cycle.
• Dormancy Period Influence: If it didn’t get its typical cool-down period, it might bloom later than usual.
• Fertilization & Stress: A sudden boost of nutrients or a brief period of stress (such as being too dry) can promote an off-season bloom.

4. Lesser-Known Holiday Cacti & Hybrids

While Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cacti are the most well-known, there are other related species and hybrids that bloom seasonally:

Schlumbergera Hybrids (Intermediates)

Many holiday cacti sold today are hybrids between Schlumbergera truncata (Thanksgiving cactus) and Schlumbergera x buckleyi (Christmas cactus). These may bloom at different times depending on genetics and growing conditions.

Rhipsalidopsis rosea (Spring/Easter Cactus Relative)

This species is closely related to the Easter cactus but has softer, more delicate flowers that appear in early spring.

Whitsun Cactus

In some European regions, the term Whitsun cactus refers to an Easter cactus that blooms around Pentecost (Whitsunday)—which falls 50 days after Easter.

Rare Schlumbergera Species

Collectors sometimes grow rare wild Schlumbergera species, including:

• Schlumbergera russelliana – A parent species of modern Christmas cacti, blooming in late winter.
• Schlumbergera orssichiana – A less common species with larger flowers that bloom in summer.
• Schlumbergera opuntioides – Features spiny stem segments and is unusual compared to traditional holiday cacti.

Other Epiphytic Cacti That Bloom Seasonally

Other epiphytic cacti from the same family may bloom seasonally, including:

• Epiphyllum species (Orchid Cacti) – Bloom in late spring or summer.
• Disocactus species – Some flower in late winter or early spring, overlapping with Easter cacti.
• Hatiora salicornioides (Drunkard’s Dream) – A unique, bottle-shaped epiphytic cactus that sometimes flowers in early spring.

How to Tell Them Apart

If you’re unsure which holiday cactus you own, the easiest way to determine its type is by looking at the leaf shape:

• Rounded, scalloped edges? Christmas cactus
• Pointed, claw-like segments? Thanksgiving cactus
• Smooth with slight notches? Easter cactus

Final Thoughts

While all three holiday cacti share similar care requirements, their distinct differences in bloom time, leaf shape, and flowers make it important to recognize and label them correctly. Beyond the traditional three, lesser-known species and hybrids add to the diversity of these fascinating plants. By understanding their unique characteristics—and why they might bloom unexpectedly—you can better care for these beautiful plants and enjoy their stunning flowers throughout the year. So next time someone calls every blooming cactus a “Christmas cactus,” you can help set the record straight!