Christmas Cactus vs. Thanksgiving Cactus vs. Easter Cactus

Are you looking to add colorful, seasonal cacti to your indoor or outdoor garden collection? If so, you may have encountered the three cacti: Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter.

While these plants share some similarities, they are actually from different genera and have distinct differences in their leaves, blooms, and overall shape.

In this article, we’ll help you tell the difference between these holiday cactus varieties and guide you on how to care for them. So, let’s dive in!

How to Tell the Difference Between the Holiday Cactus Varieties

Investing in the seasonal cacti is the best way to add a pop of color to your indoor garden set-up or outdoor plant collection.

While the Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving cactus share similar features, they remain unique plants.

Here is how you can differentiate between these holiday season plants, as the Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus flowers tend to bloom simultaneously.

But before we get to the telltale signs, let’s look at some background history of these holiday plants.

Holiday Cactus History

flowering cactus

The history of holiday cacti, including Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), and Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri), is fascinating and involves a combination of botanical exploration, hybridization efforts, and commercial cultivation.

  1. Discovery and Exploration: The Schlumbergera genus, which includes Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti, is native to the cloud forests of Brazil. European botanists and collectors, particularly those from France and Germany, played a crucial role in discovering and bringing these plants to Europe in the 19th century.

  2. Introduction to Cultivation: Initially, holiday cacti were primarily of interest to botanical enthusiasts and collectors. The unique flowering characteristics and the ability to thrive as epiphytes in the rainforest canopy made them intriguing additions to botanical gardens and private plant collections.

  3. Hybridization Efforts: As the popularity of these holiday cacti grew, particularly in Europe, botanical gardens and horticulturists started experimenting with hybridization to create new varieties with different colors and forms. This process aimed to enhance the ornamental qualities of the plants.

  4. Introduction to the United States: The journey of holiday cacti to North America began when a segment of a Christmas cactus was sent from Europe to a U.S. botanical garden in the late 1800s. From there, cultivation and propagation efforts expanded, making these cacti more widely available.

  5. Commercial Production: The real surge in popularity occurred in the 20th century when commercial growers recognized the appeal of seasonal cacti as indoor flowering plants. These cacti gained recognition as attractive, low-maintenance houseplants that bloom during specific holidays, contributing to their common names.

  6. Differentiation of Varieties: Over time, distinctions between Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus became more prominent. In contrast, they share similarities, such as the flattened stem segments and vibrant flowers; their unique characteristics, flowering times, and leaf structures allowed for proper classification.

  7. Cultural Significance: These cacti have become symbolic plants associated with specific times of the year, often used as decorations during Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter. Their popularity as gifts during the holiday season has further cemented their place in festive traditions.

  8. Continued Hybridization and Varieties: Ongoing efforts in hybridization continue to produce new varieties with different colors, shapes, and sizes. Growers and enthusiasts value the diversity within each holiday cactus category.

Today, holiday cacti are widely cultivated worldwide and enjoyed for their historical significance, beauty, and adaptability as indoor plants.

They remain a beloved part of holiday traditions and continue to capture the interest of plant enthusiasts and collectors.

Differences Between Christmas Cactus vs Easter Cactus vs Thanksgiving Cactus

Leaves

flowering cactus leaves

Identifying the different holiday cactus varieties, such as Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus, can be challenging for some due to their similar appearance.

Nonetheless, subtle differences in their characteristics can help you distinguish between them. But a note is that the Christmas and Thanksgiving varieties belong to the same genus.

Leaves

The easiest way to know if you have a Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter cactus is through the leaf shape. Still, it helps to take a closer look.

Christmas Cactus Plants

The leaf segments of the Christmas cactus are distinctive and play a crucial role in identifying this popular holiday plant.

  1. Flattened Stem Segments: The primary feature of the Christmas cactus is its flattened stem segments with broad leaves. Unlike traditional ones with spines, the Christmas cactus has smooth, leaf-like stems composed of segments.

  2. Scalloped Edges: The edges of each stem segment are typically scalloped or have rounded teeth. This gives the segments a more decorative and ornate appearance.

  3. Leaf-Like Appearance: The stem segments are often called “leaves” because they resemble typical plant leaves. Each segment can range in length but is generally broad and flat.

  4. Segment Arrangement: The segments are arranged along the stem in an alternating pattern. This creates a distinctive, zigzagging growth habit.

  5. Epiphytic Nature: Christmas cacti are epiphytic in their natural habitat, meaning they grow on other surfaces like trees or rocks. While they don’t behave like traditional ones, they share the succulent characteristic of storing water in their stems.

  6. Variable Colors: The stem segments come in various shades of green, and their color can be influenced by light exposure and overall plant health.

Thanksgiving Variety

The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is known for its distinctive leaf segments, which are technically flattened stem segments.

  1. Flattened Stem Segments: Like others, the Thanksgiving cactus has flattened stem segments composed of chlorophyll and serves a photosynthetic function.

  2. Pointed Claw-Like Edges: One of the distinguishing features of the Thanksgiving cactus is the shape of its stem segments. Unlike the rounded edges of the Christmas cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw-like edges along each segment. These pointed projections give the segments a more angular appearance.

  3. Segment Arrangement: The stem segments are arranged in an alternating pattern along the length of the stems. This creates a characteristic zigzag growth habit.

  4. Leaf-Like Appearance: The stem segments are often called “leaves” due to their flat, leaf-like structure. While not true leaves, these segments serve a similar purpose in photosynthesis.

  5. Epiphytic Nature: The Thanksgiving cactus is epiphytic in its natural habitat, meaning it grows on other surfaces like trees or rocks. This adaptation is reflected in their unique stem structure and growth habits.

  6. Color Variations: The stem segments of the Thanksgiving cactus come in various shades of green, and their color can be influenced by factors such as light exposure and overall plant health.

Easter Cactus Leaves

The Easter cactus is another famous holiday cactus with distinctive leaf segments. Here are the key characteristics of the leaf of the Easter holiday cactus:

  1. Flattened Stem Segments: Like others, the Easter cactus has flattened stem segments with photosynthetic functions. These segments are often mistakenly referred to as “leaves.”

  2. Prominent, Bristle-Like Teeth: One of the most distinguishing features of the Easter cactus is the presence of central, bristle-like teeth along the edges of its stem segments. These teeth give the segments a more jagged appearance compared to the rounded leaves or pointed edges of others.

  3. Segment Arrangement: The stem segments are arranged in an alternating pattern along the length of the stems. This arrangement creates a zigzag growth habit similar to others.

  4. Leaf-Like Appearance: The stem segments resemble leaves in their flat structure but are technically modified stems. The segments are often segmented or divided, giving them a unique appearance.

  5. Epiphytic Nature: Easter cacti are also epiphytic in their natural habitat, meaning they can grow on other surfaces like trees. This characteristic is reflected in their unique stem structure and growth habits.

  6. Color Variations: The stem segments of Easter cacti come in various shades of green, and their color can be influenced by factors such as light exposure and overall plant health.

The Blooms

The blooms of these holiday cacti exhibit differences in terms of shape, size, and sometimes color.

Christmas Cactus Blooms:

  • Shape: Tubular-shaped flowers with pointed petals, and the flowers hang.

  • Size: The flowers are typically more prominent than the Thanksgiving cactus.

  • Color: Christmas cactus flowers come in various shades, including pink, red, white, and sometimes purple.

  • Stigma: The stigma is often exerted beyond the petals, giving the flower a more open and extended appearance.

Thanksgiving Cactus:

  • Shape: Tubular-shaped flowers similar to those of the Christmas cactus.

  • Size: Generally, the flowers are slightly smaller than the Christmas cactus.

  • Color: Thanksgiving cactus flowers can be vibrant and come in shades of pink, red, purple, and white.

  • Stigma: The stigma is not as prominently exerted beyond the petals when compared to the Christmas cactus.

Easter Cactus Blooms:

  • Shape: Star-shaped flowers, a notable difference from the tubular flowers of the Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti.

  • Size: The star-shaped flowers are often smaller than Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti.

  • Color: Easter cactus flowers come in a broader range of pastel colors, including pink, lavender, and white.

  • Stigma: The stigma is typically less prominent than in the Christmas cactus.

The Overall Shape

Another way to distinguish between the holiday cactus is the overall shape. You can easily do this when the plant matures, but it does not help when you want to buy a specific one.

The Christmas cactus grows upright or with a pendulum shape, but as the stems extend, it starts to droop. On the other hand, the Thanksgiving cactus does not slump as it continues to grow upright.

While the Easter cactus will hang with time, the Christmas Thanksgiving cactus is more miniature.

Now, let’s look at each one a bit closer.

Christmas Cactus

christmas cactus flowering

The fancy botanical name for the Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera bridgessii. The Christmas cacti bloom from November to December as flowers on the coldest days. Yet, compared to your desert cactus, the care differs. The flowers are tiered, growing up to three inches long.

Seasonal cacti need low light to bright light but not direct sunlight as the leaves burn. Moisture is essential, and placing your plant on a pebble tray will help increase humidity in the air. You can give your plant enough water in the growing period and never allow the soil to dry.

The same applies to overwatering, leading to stem and root rot. Furthermore, your plant needs a few hours of darkness to bloom. It helps to keep your plant away from drafts and reduces the light, moisture, and temperature.

For this reason, provide your plants with up to 14 hours of darkness daily. If it stands on a pebble tray, remove it and cut back on watering until it blooms. Then, give it a month of rest after blooming before you proceed with your regular care to start the cycle again to receive beautiful blooms.

Thanksgiving Cactus Variety

thanksgiving cactus

As the Thanksgiving cactus is identical to the Christmas cacti, the features differ from the Easter cactus. The botanical name is Schlumbergera truncate. You notice buds forming in the blooming period in late fall and flowers during colder days, which typically bloom for up to four months.

Yet, the crab cactus must not receive direct sunlight as it results in purple discoloration. The soil should not dry out, similar to your others. You can provide it with moist soil, not soggy soil, as you risk fungal and root issues.

Another concern is the plants’ blooms easily fall off. The holiday cactus needs the same dormant period as the crab and Christmas cacti. So, it helps to provide your Thanksgiving cactus up to 14 hours of darkness and less water in late summer to early fall.

Also, remove any pebble trays to prevent added moisture, and give your plant a month’s rest before resuming the yearly care cycle to produce those beautiful blooms.

Easter Cactus

easter cactus flowering

The botanical name of the Easter cactus is Hatiora gaertneriYet, it was formally known as the Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri. While all three come from Brazil, the Easter cactus lives in a drier environment, similar to a desert cactus.

Some other common names are crab claw cactus. Beautiful blooms bloom from February to March on the Easter cactus. All three plants have the exact needs, but the spring cactus needs less water. It helps let the soil dry between watering and loves a bit of humidity.

It will also need a new pot every two years in early spring but prefers being pot-bound. While subtle differences exist, you can force it to bloom following the same steps as the Christmas Thanksgiving cactus.

It helps to start with the forced dormancy in October, stopping feeding, less water, and cooler temperatures.

Hot Tip: If you want more decorating ideas with cacti, we hope this article on the best indoor cactus ideas helps.

Conclusion

The tree plants are similar, with subtle differences that distinguish them apart. The best way to tell the difference is through the leaf segments. The best thing we can advise is when you gift seasonal cacti to someone, it is best not to do it for the color punch.

Instead, you can quickly tell them apart when you use the tips.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or reach out to other plant enthusiasts, Plantly is the right place to be!

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