Last updated on August 25th, 2023 at 11:44 am
Generally, there are 3 types of Christmas cactus. For the gardener, it’s important to understand the differences between Christmas cactus varieties, as different species do have unique care requirements that may not be suitable for all climates and gardening styles.
The holiday season brings many of us together to celebrate loved ones and the spirit of giving, but it also comes with a tremendous amount of pressure. With family, friends, and coworkers asking you what they can do to help you out this year, the pressure can be overwhelming if you don’t know how to handle it well.
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of the most popular types of Christmas cactus, with its long and elegant finger-like projections that look like it’s wearing jewelry.
Another gorgeous type of Christmas cactus is the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), which also has fingers, but these start out green and then turn red or yellow as the plant matures.
If you’re not sure what types of Christmas cactus to buy, this article will give you all the information you need so that no one will ever ask you what types of Christmas cactus you want this year!
Types of Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)
Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that is native to Brazil. It has a wide variety of colors including pink, red, purple, and white. The plant blooms in the winter, which is why it is called the Christmas cactus.
Christmas cactus care is relatively easy. The plant prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry. A high-quality potting mix with organic material will also help keep the plant healthy.
As for fertilizing, one application per month of slow-release fertilizer is sufficient. Pinching back or cutting off the tips of new growth is also helpful because it promotes branching.
If you are unsure what type of flowers your Schlumbergera bridgesii has, there are many resources online that can assist you in determining this.
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
The Thanksgiving cactus is a popular type of Christmas cactus. It’s easily recognizable by its flattened, segmented stems that are often green or red in color. This cactus is native to Brazil and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
To keep your Thanksgiving cactus healthy, water it when the soil is dry and fertilize it monthly during the growing season. When you’re ready to move your plant outside for the summer, place it in a shady area where it will receive at least four hours of direct sunlight each day.
In fall, when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius), move the plant back indoors and provide bright light. During this time, make sure to continue watering every 2-4 weeks and fertilizing every 2-4 months.
Schlumbergera Gaertneri (Easter Cactus)
The Easter cactus is a beautiful plant that blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. It’s a great plant for beginners because it’s easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention. When choosing a pot for your Easter cactus, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent the roots from rotting.
You’ll want to water them once every 2-4 weeks and keep them in a warm place with indirect sunlight. In order to get the best bloom possible, you’ll need to fertilize during their active growing season which is usually during April-June and September-November.
If you’re not able to fertilize them then, don’t worry! They will still produce flowers just not as many or as brightly colored.
Christmas cactus care indoor
The Christmas cactus is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to care for and blooms around the holidays. The key to keeping your Christmas cactus healthy is to give it bright, indirect light and well-drained soil.
Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilize it once a month during the growing season. Be sure to protect your plant from drafts, as they can cause the flowers to drop.
If you live in an area with very cold winters, place the pot in a room that stays above 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). If you live in an area with warm winters, place the pot outside in spring and move it back inside before night temperatures get below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
Christmas cactus colors
The Christmas cactus is a beautiful plant that comes in many different colors. The most popular colors are pink, red, and white, but there are also some rarer colors like blue and purple. No matter what color you choose, your Christmas cactus will brighten up any room.
Christmas cactus flower
The Christmas cactus flower is a beautiful plant that blooms around the holidays, it is a beautiful addition to any holiday décor. There are three main types of Christmas cactus, each type has its own unique flowers and care needs.
The flowers come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. These flowers thrive in warm, humid climates.
Christmas cactus vs Easter cactus
Most people think that Christmas cactus and Easter cactus are the same plants. While they are both in the genus Schlumbergera, they are actually two different species. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is native to Brazil, while Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri) is native to Bolivia and Argentina.
Care-wise, they are also quite different. Christmas cacti prefer bright, indirect light and should be allowed to dry out between waterings. For best results, keep it on a sturdy surface with good drainage.
They do not like direct sunlight or cold drafts. Do not place your Christmas cactus near a heating vent or other source of direct heat as this will cause it to lose its color and bloom less frequently. There are different types of Christmas cactus so you can experiment with which type you prefer!
Christmas cactus vs thanksgiving cactus
The Christmas cactus and the thanksgiving cactus are two different plants. The Christmas cactus is a member of the Schlumbergera genus and the thanksgiving cactus is a member of the Rhipsalidopsis genus.
The Christmas cactus is native to Brazil and the thanksgiving cactus is native to Mexico. The main difference between these two types of plants is their blooming time.
The Christmas cactus blooms in winter, while the thanksgiving cactus blooms in autumn. So how do you know which type of plant you have? You can tell by its flowers.
If your plant has long tubular-shaped red flowers then it’s probably a Christmas cactus. If your plant has clusters of orange or yellow flowers that bloom in late fall then it’s probably a thanksgiving cactus.
Both plants need moderate watering about once a week. It’s also important to note that the Christmas cactus should be kept in cooler temperatures for four weeks before blooming.
How to care for Christmas cactus
Water your Christmas cactus when the soil is dry to the touch. Be sure to not overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Place your plant in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering. Feed your plant every other week with a half-strength fertilizer solution.
You may need to repot your Christmas cactus annually or biennially, depending on how quickly it grows. It’s important to use only fresh potting mix and keep any insects away from the plants.
How to care for thanksgiving cactus
Thanksgiving cactus thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and prefer to be on the drier side. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your plant, and be sure to empty any water that collects in the saucer beneath the pot.
Fertilize your cactus every other month with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
These plants are relatively easy to care for, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and other pests. Be careful not to overwater these plants as this will encourage root rot, too much humidity will also encourage rot.
How to make thanksgiving cactus bloom
If you want your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, you need to give it the right amount of light and water. It’s also important to fertilize your plant and keep it in a cool, dry place. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Give your plant the right amount of light. Thanksgiving cacti need 12 hours of light per day to bloom. You can place them near a south-facing window or use artificial lighting.
- Water your plant regularly. Make sure the soil is moist but not wet. Check with your fingers; if they’re wet, it’s time to water again.
- Fertilize with a liquid fertilizer every two weeks from April through September and every four weeks from October through March.
- Keep the plant in a cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), dry location during the winter months – this will encourage blooming when spring comes around again!
How to care for Easter cactus
The Easter cactus is a fairly easy plant to care for. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize twice a month with a water-soluble fertilizer.
When it blooms, cut off any dead flowers so that new ones can grow in their place. Watch out for scale insects or mealybugs. Treat them with an insecticide spray or horticultural oil according to package directions if they are present.
Cut back on watering from fall through spring; only water sparingly as needed. Provide winter protection by moving plants indoors during cold weather and bringing them back outside in early spring once temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
