Holiday cacti are a delightful addition to any festive season, bringing vibrant blooms that brighten up our homes. However, distinguishing between the three main types—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti—can be a bit tricky. Each has unique characteristics that set them apart. Let’s dive into the details to help you identify and appreciate each one.

1. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

• Bloom Time: Typically blooms from late November to early December, aligning with the Thanksgiving holiday.
• Stem Segments: The segments, known as cladodes, have pointed, serrated edges resembling crab claws, which is why it’s sometimes called the “Crab Cactus.”
• Flowers: The flowers are asymmetrical and can come in various colors, including red, pink, white, and yellow.
• Pollen Color: The anthers (pollen-bearing parts) are yellow.

Lifespan: With proper care, Thanksgiving cacti can live 20 to 30 years, though some well-maintained plants may thrive for 40 years or more.

• Care Tip: Provide bright, indirect sunlight and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering.

2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi)

• Bloom Time: Blooms from mid to late December, coinciding with the Christmas holiday.
• Stem Segments: Cladodes have rounded, scalloped edges without the pointed teeth found in the Thanksgiving cactus.
• Flowers: The flowers are more symmetrical and tend to hang down, displaying shades of red, pink, and sometimes white.
• Pollen Color: The anthers are purplish-brown.

Lifespan: Christmas cacti are renowned for their longevity, often living 50 years or more. Some plants have been known to survive over 100 years, becoming treasured heirlooms.

• Care Tip: Keep in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight and maintain consistent moisture levels in the soil, especially during bloom time.

3. Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

• Bloom Time: Blooms in the spring, around Easter time, typically between March and May.
• Stem Segments: Segments are more rounded with slight scallops and may have small bristles at the edges.
• Flowers: The blooms are star-shaped and can be red, pink, or white.
• Pollen Color: Similar to the Christmas cactus, the anthers are purplish-brown.

Lifespan: Easter cacti typically live 20 to 30 years but can last up to 40 years or more with attentive care.

• Care Tip: Place in a bright spot with indirect light and water sparingly, letting the soil dry slightly between waterings.

Key Identification Tips:

• Bloom Timing: The easiest way to differentiate is by noting the bloom period: Thanksgiving cacti bloom first, followed by Christmas cacti, and then Easter cacti.
• Stem Examination: Look closely at the edges of the stem segments. Pointed, claw-like edges indicate a Thanksgiving cactus, while rounded, scalloped edges suggest a Christmas cactus. Easter cacti have more rounded segments with possible bristles.
• Pollen Color: Observing the color of the anthers can also help; yellow for Thanksgiving cactus and purplish-brown for Christmas and Easter cacti.

Understanding these distinctions not only satisfies curiosity but also aids in providing the appropriate care to ensure each cactus thrives and blooms beautifully during its respective season.

Credit Garden Gate Magazine

Why Do Holiday Cacti Live So Long?

Holiday cacti owe their impressive lifespans to their natural habitat in the tropical forests of Brazil, where they thrive as epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants). This resilience translates to their longevity when cared for as houseplants. With consistent attention to light, temperature, and watering, these plants can outlive most other houseplants.

Caring for Generations of Blooms

Holiday cacti can live long enough to become a cherished part of your family history. They’re the gift that keeps on giving, offering beautiful blooms year after year. If you’re lucky, a well-cared-for cactus might even bloom twice in one year!

Pro Tip: Repot your holiday cactus every 2-3 years, using a potting mix suitable for succulents and cacti, to ensure a healthy root system and vibrant blooms.

By recognizing the unique characteristics of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti—and providing the right care—you can enjoy these festive beauties for decades to come! 🌵🎉

Photo by JennTM, Wikimedia Commons, via CC BY-SA.

Holiday cacti can be planted outside, but it depends on your climate and the care you provide. These tropical cacti—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti—are native to Brazil’s rainforest, where they thrive in shaded, humid conditions. Here’s what you need to know if you want to grow them outdoors:

Climate Requirements

• Hardiness Zones: Holiday cacti can be grown outside year-round in USDA Zones 10-12, where temperatures rarely drop below 40°F (4°C).
• Frost Sensitivity: They are highly sensitive to frost. In cooler climates (zones 9 and below), these plants should be kept in pots so they can be brought indoors during colder months.

Best Outdoor Growing Conditions

1. Shade: Place them in a shaded or partially shaded area. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves.
2. Temperature: Ideal temperatures range from 60-70°F (15-21°C).
3. Humidity: These cacti love humidity. Outdoor conditions with moderate to high humidity are ideal.
4. Soil: Use well-draining soil, such as a mix for succulents or a combination of potting soil and sand.
5. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as holiday cacti are prone to root rot.

Seasonal Care

• Winter: Bring the cactus inside if frost is a risk.
• Summer: Place it in a cool, shaded spot outdoors. This is a great time for them to “vacation” outdoors and prepare for blooming.
• Bloom Cycle: Cooler night temperatures in fall (around 50-55°F/10-13°C) help trigger blooming. If growing outdoors, this can happen naturally.

Common Challenges Outdoors

1. Pests: Watch out for slugs, snails, and other pests.
2. Sunburn: Protect from intense sun exposure, especially during midday.
3. Overwatering: Rainy climates can cause soggy soil, so consider keeping the plant in a pot for better control.

Pro Tip: Potted Outdoors

Even in frost-free zones, many gardeners prefer to grow holiday cacti in pots outdoors for flexibility. You can move the pot around to protect it from extreme weather or to optimize light exposure.

With the right care, holiday cacti can thrive outdoors and reward you with stunning blooms! 🌵🌸

Pollinator Attraction

1. Flower Shape and Accessibility:
   • Holiday cacti flowers are tubular, making them more suited for long-tongued pollinators like hummingbirds.
   • Bees may find it harder to access nectar and pollen due to the flower’s structure.
   • Butterflies, especially smaller species, might visit for nectar but are not the primary pollinators.
2. Bloom Timing:
   • Holiday cacti bloom indoors or during cooler months when bees and butterflies are less active, especially in colder regions. This limits their interaction with these pollinators.

What Pollinators Might Visit?

• Hummingbirds: They are the most likely pollinators, as the tubular flowers and bright colors (red, pink) are a natural attraction for them.
• Small Bees or Flies: In outdoor settings or warmer climates, some small bees may collect pollen if the flowers are accessible.

Enhancing Pollinator Interest

If you want to attract bees or butterflies to your holiday cactus outdoors:

1. Grow it alongside pollinator-friendly plants: Add companion plants like lavender, marigolds, or zinnias to draw in bees and butterflies.
2. Outdoor Placement: Place the cactus in a bright, shaded spot where natural pollinators can easily spot it.
3. Encourage Bloom Timing: Outdoor blooming during warm months (e.g., spring for Easter cactus) increases the chances of pollinator visits.

Conclusion

While bees and butterflies aren’t typically drawn to holiday cacti as their primary pollinators, you may spot a few visitors in the right conditions. If you’re looking for plants to support pollinators, consider adding other nectar-rich, open-flowered species to your garden. 🌸🐝🦋