The Relentless Gardener: Holiday Cactus and Care

Part One: Just what kind of cactus is it?

Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus or Easter Cactus? Which is which? There are subtle differences in the margins of the leaves. One feature that stands out with Easter Cactus is their flowers represent more of a star shape -the petals are thinner and there are more of them. Naturally, they bloom in the spring but start producing buds in February. Thanksgiving Cactus will bloom one month before Christmas Cactus.

Notice the Thanksgiving Cactus has broad segmented leaves with serrated edges on both sides - 2-4 that come to points. It is called the Claw Cactus or Crab Claw Cactus. The second picture from the diagram with the up-close claw/pointed leaf and the first photo with a flower close-up.

The Christmas Cactus has leaves with edges that have small indentations or scallops that never come to a point because they indent into the leaf and are considered smooth edges. The third photo is with the rose-colored blossom.

Finally, Easter Cactus has very slight indentations or scallops on their leaves but has subtle hairs at the end of each leaf. The last photo is with the star-shaped pink blossoms.

Part 2: Holiday Care

Holiday Cactus Care starts first with understanding the origin of these plants. A small group of about 6 to 9 species under the genus Schlumbergera originate from the rainforest of Brazil. In nature, they can grow to be sizeable shrubs with very woody bases. Their life expectancy can range to almost 100 years old. Schlumbergera includes Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus. They commonly bloom from November to January. With that said, they can be tricked or forced into blooming by regulating the day length and temperature, or what is called thermo-photoperiodic. Both are important requirements for flowering to occur. These plants are often called short-day plants. This means as we enter periods of less daylight and more hours of that trigger the formation of buds. Your cactus requires in-direct bright light.

The second is cooler temperatures which happens as fall approaches. The acceptable temperature range that these cacti need is between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This is not to say that if the temperature drops to the 40s it will not survive, it can. However, the 40's is not the ideal temperature. If you keep your home heated at 68 degrees Fahrenheit, then you can still have blossoms for 7 to 8 weeks. If the temperature is 70 degrees Fahrenheit or a little higher, you may not have blossoms for as long. Do not put your cactus near space heaters, fireplaces, or wood stoves. You do not want the soil to dry out too quickly - even moisture is the key.

These rainforest plants are epiphytic. They live on other plants. Their roots take in moisture from the air and humidity. Orchids do the same. For watering, after the cactus flowers cut back on the watering, do not let the leaves shrivel. While flowering keep the soil evenly moist but well-drained. Not always an easy task. If the plants are in a plastic pot, just remember that plastic does not breathe, but clay pots do and will dry out faster.

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