WHICH IS IT, A THANKSGIVING CACTUS OR CHRISTMAS CACTUS?

​Christmas cacti are such beautiful plants when they flower, and we often hear that cuttings have been passed down from generation to generation, often still thriving after decades. But are you sure you know which holiday cactus you have? They are often confused.

First, Which Cactus Do You Have?

Here's a startling revelation: you may have a Thanksgiving cactus instead of a Christmas cactus! Although they look very similar, they're two distinct plants. 
Unfortunately, the confusion between these holiday succulents is perpetuated by the fact that they're often mislabeled in garden centers. And since they both bloom in late fall or early winter it further adds to the confusion. But it's nice to know which one you truly have. Here's how to tell them apart:  

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. The leaf segments, called "phylloclade's," are serrated or "toothed," with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. 
This is why these succulents are referred to as "Crab Claw Cactus." The end of the last segment is slightly concave with a point on each side. 
The leaves on the Thanksgiving cactus are "toothed."

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Flowers: Flowers of the Thanksgiving cactus are produced from the tips, or from where the leaf segments join. They resemble a long tube, appearing as if a flower within a flower. They come in a range of colors, mostly pastels, including red, pink, peach, purple, orange, or white, and typically bloom in Thanksgiving. 
The blooms on a Thanksgiving cactus come in many colors, with yellow pollen-bearing anthers. 
Also, look at the pollen-bearing anthers - Thanksgiving cactus anthers are yellow, while Christmas cactus anthers are pink to purplish-brown. 

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

Leaves: The leaves of the Christmas cactus have a more rounded, scalloped edge. The tip of each segment is slightly curved but they can look almost straight across. 

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Flowers: ​The flowers of the Christmas cactus are usually white or pink and bloom in December. But don't be surprised if you also see blooms between March and May on these plants. 

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​I had to do my research on Christmas cactus because, I ordered eight different colors. I had no idea that there is a Thanksgiving cactus as well. Now you have the whole story on Christmas or Thanksgiving  cactus.

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Blessings,
Margarita & Stace