Differences Between Christmas & Easter Cactus
- Origin. Both types of cactus originated in the same part of the world, the forests in Brazil, but each type's kind of forest differs.
- Leaves. Holiday cacti have no true leaves; instead, each of their stems consists of a chain of leaflike sections with a bloom at the end.
- Water Requirements. ...
- Blooming. ...
What is the difference between Christmas Cactus vs Easter cactus vs Desert cactus?
What Is The Difference Between Christmas Cactus VS Easter Cactus? The plants known as Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus are three lovely types of blooming holiday plants. Unlike desert cactus, these plants are epiphytes that grow in tropical jungles in trees.
What is the difference between Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus?
The Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus ( Schlumbergera bridgesii) are members of the Schlumbergera family, while the Easter cactus is a Rhipsalidopsis. The former hails from Brazilian rainforests while the latter is from drier forests. Christmas cactus blooms around the winter holidays. The Easter cactus plant blooms late winter to early spring.
When does an Easter cactus Bloom?
Christmas cactus blooms around the winter holidays. The Easter cactus plant blooms late winter to early spring. Both types have flattened stems, called segments, which are lightly serrated on the edges.
What are the different types of holiday cactus?
The plants known as Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus are three lovely types of blooming holiday plants. Unlike desert cactus, these plants are epiphytes that grow in tropical jungles in trees. Although there are many similarities between the three, specific differences will help you tell one from the other.
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What is the difference between a Thanksgiving Christmas and Easter cactus?
The Thanksgiving Cactus has the spikiest stem segments of the three varieties. The Christmas Cactus has less spikey pads with rounder edges, and the Easter Cactus has subtle rounded edges on its stem segments. Easter Cacti can also sometimes have small hairs on their leaves, Marino says.
What are the three types of Christmas cactus?
Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus. The three common holiday cacti, named for the time of year the blooms appear, include Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus, and Easter cactus. All three are easy to grow and have similar growth habits and care requirements.
How can you tell a Christmas cactus?
2:104:43How to tell the difference between a Christmas Cactus & Thanksgiving ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipActually has the Scarlet edging going downwards in a teardrop shape as you can see it's moreMoreActually has the Scarlet edging going downwards in a teardrop shape as you can see it's more teardrop shaped rather than completely rounded. And that's how you can tell the difference between.
What's the difference between a holiday cactus and a Christmas cactus?
If the color of the pollen is yellow, you more than likely have a Thanksgiving cactus, and if it's pink, you've got a Christmas cactus.
Do I have a Christmas or Easter cactus?
The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped. The Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertnerrii) has very rounded edges which are centralized on the leaf. All of these three cacti are known as short day plants.
What is the rarest color of Christmas cactus?
Red Aspen Christmas Cactus Some gardeners prefer single Christmas Cactus such as 'Red Aspen. ' This rare hybrid is highly sought-after for its frilly, reddish-purple blooms.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
Water the Christmas Cactus from the bottom so the water can get down to the plant's roots. Keep pouring water into the soil until water is dripping through the holes in the bottom of the pot. This soaks the soil. Once the soil is completely soaked, make sure that there's no standing water underneath the pot.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Regardless of which one you have, they can re-bloom more than once a year. Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference: Guide To Watering Indoor Plants.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
100 yearsThe Christmas cactus is everywhere during the holiday season, with good reason. It's a blooming succulent that is easy to care for, has gorgeous blooms, and when properly tended can live up to 100 years! That's right! This plant can survive for decades, adding color to your holidays for generations.
Why is my Christmas cactus blooming in February?
Blooms requires two things: cooler temperatures and long nights. These cacti are short-day plants, which means that blooms are triggered by long dark cool nights. They need between 14-16 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 8 hours of daylight for between 3 - 6 weeks to set flower buds.
Why is Christmas cactus turning red?
Red or purple-tinged foliage and wilting are two common symptoms of a magnesium deficiency, which is a common ailment in Christmas cacti. It occurs mainly during the winter months when feeding and watering are restricted and cold temperatures slow the plant's nutrient uptake.
What does a Christmas cactus symbolize?
Symbolism. Schlumbergera does not have any official meaning, but because this succulent can live for 20 to 30 years as a houseplant, we think it makes a good symbol for loyalty.
What colors do true Christmas cactus come in?
You can find Christmas cactus in a wide variety of colors, including pink, red, scarlet, orange, gold, cream, and white -- as well as bicolors where an individual flower shows multiple shades at the same time. This flowering houseplant is a cinch to grow, which has made it a popular holiday plant for generations.
How do I know what kind of cactus I have?
You can find out by looking at their leaves. Spines on a leaf will be needle-like and sharp, while non-spiny types have soft edges. Some other helpful clues about your cacti plant would be the color and shape of its leaves.
What are the different colors of Christmas cactus?
During the holidays, the stores are filled with acres of blooming Christmas cacti. They flower brightly with blooms in red, pink, yellow, orange, white or purple. The average gardener can't keep their hands from clasping one or more in exotic colors and rushing to the cash register.
How many different colors of Christmas cactus are there?
More Ways to Tell a Christmas Cactus from a Thanksgiving Cactus. Many of the plants available for sale are hybrid crosses of Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) that come in a rainbow of exotic colors including orange, purple, yellow, red, pink, white, and two-tones.
What is the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and an Easter cactus?
This cactus has flat, thinner leaves that are small and scalloped. The Thanksgiving cactus has pointier, broad leaves. It is sometimes referred to as the “ crab claw cactus” because of its distinctive pointed leaves. And the Easter cactus leaves are flat, round, and scalloped on the edges. The leaves also have fine hairs.
Where does the Easter cactus come from?
The Easter cactus is from the Hatiora family . This succulent is also from Brazil but from the drier forests, which is why you’ll see the difference in watering later on. Unfortunately, little is documented about the discovery of the Easter cactus. Still, it is likely to be around the same time as the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus.
Why are the Thanksgiving cactus called the Thanksgiving cactus?
Because they bloom in late fall, these plants have been named the Thanksgiving cactus.
Why is the cactus named after the holiday?
This cactus blooms in the coldest time of year, which is why it is named after the holiday.
How many species of Schlumberger cactus are there?
There are six species of Schlumberger, many of which are designated holiday names. Each is named after the period in which they bloom in the Northern Hemisphere. The Thanksgiving cactus blooms slightly earlier than the Christmas cactus. But in their native lands, they both flower from April to May, so they are not called by either name.
Where do Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti come from?
The Christmas and the Thanksgiving cacti are from the Schlumbergera family, so their history is very similar. They are both tropical cacti from the rainforests in Brazil. Allen Cunningham discovered them in the early 19th century, and the genus was named after an exotic botanist called Frederic Schlumberger.
How to tell seasonal cacti apart?
The overall plant shape of each seasonal cacti is also a way to tell them apart from each other.
What is the shape of the Easter cactus?
There are slight scallops on the edges of the leaves but the shape is much subtler than the Christmas Cactus.
What is the difference between a Christmas cactus and a Thanksgiving cactus?
The blooming time is typically in December. The Christmas Cactus has purplish-brown anthers. In contrast the Thanksgiving Cactus has yellow anthers.
How long do cacti live?
It’s common to hear of these plants being passed on from generation to generation and sometimes living over 100 years! Although true cacti, these plants are native to rain forests and epiphytic meaning they grow on other plants and derive moisture and nutrients from air and rain. The need for high humidity, bright but filtered light, and soil kept relatively moist most of the year sets these plants apart from the majority of cacti and succulents… Though called Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter cactus, these common names are primarily for marketing purposes and provide only a general reference for the time of year these plants may bloom.”
What cactus has a flat, wide, and flat leaf?
Christmas Cactus – Has wide and flat segmented leaves that are smaller and rounder than the other two cacti. The edges of the leaves have small indentations (scallops) in contrast to the Thanksgiving Cactus leaves that have outward pointed claws.
How to tell if a cactus is a Christmas cactus?
If you feel a distinct point or claw it is a Thanksgiving Cactus. If you do not feel a point or claw and you also don’t feel anything on the flat end or tip of the leaf it is a Christmas Cactus. If you do not feel points or claws but you do feel numerous small soft bristles on the tip end of the leaf it is an Easter Cactus.
How many points are there on each side of a Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving Cactus – Has broad segmented leaves with serrated (jagged) edges on each side. The serrated edges form into points. There are 2-4 points on each side.
Where do Christmas cactus grow?
All three cacti are epiphytes, growing naturally in trees in the rainforests of Brazil. They have such similar characteristics it is obvious that they are closely related. Both the Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus fall under the genus Schlumbergera . The Easter Cactus (sometimes called Whitsun Cactus) is classified under the genus Hatiora.
What is the difference between a Christmas cactus and a Schlumbergera truncata?
Aside from the leaf differences between holiday cactus, both have tubular, brightly colored flowers.
What color are the flowers on a Christmas cactus?
Christmas cactus flowers are drooping with purple-brown anthers. Thanksgiving cactus blooms grow horizontal to the stems and have yellow anthers.
Do Easter cactus have the same flowers as Christmas?
As already mentioned, the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus have differing leaves but the same flowers. Easter cacti, however, have smoother leaf edges with no notches, and need a much longer cool and low light period to form flowers. Easter cactus plants have flat, star shaped flowers, easy to set apart from the other holiday cacti’s elongated blooms.
Do I have a Christmas Cactus or Thanksgiving Cactus?
Fall and winter bring out the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus stock. While all typically bloom in the cooler seasons, they are not the same cactus. If you wonder, “do I have a Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus?” the question is a reasonable one. The Easter cactus is somewhat different from those two varieties. Differentiating among the three is relatively simple with a few tips.
What is the difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and a Christmas cactus?
The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlum gera truncata) has very pointed and claw shaped projections on the edges of the leaf. The Christmas cactus (Schlumgera bridgesti) has leaf projections which are more scalloped or tear drop shaped.
How long does it take for a Christmas cactus to bloom?
A seldom used bedroom or lower level is the ideal place. The Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus require approximately 6 weeks of short days in order to bloom whereas the Easter cactus requires 8-12 weeks of short days to bloom hence the name Easter cactus. When the buds appear it can be brought into a warmer area for your enjoyment.
When do cactus rebloom?
The Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus may re-bloom again for you in the spring but not as profusely as holiday time bloom. If you want to encourage spring time blooms, simply return the plant to its short day conditions. These plants are relatively disease free unless over watered.
What is the holiday season?
The Holiday season is upon us and that means not only decorations, but holiday plants! This is the time of year when there is an abundance of nice holiday plants to choose from, whether purchased from a florist, nursery or grown at home.
More Ways to Tell a Christmas Cactus from a Thanksgiving Cactus
The Christmas cactus has hanging flowers in shades of magenta and blooms, of course, near Christmas. The range of flowering is late November through early February.
Caring For Your Holiday Cactus
The holiday cactus is not your typical cactus. We are all familiar with the desert cactus but the holiday plant is a forest cactus—an epiphyte that lives in decomposing leaf litter found in the forks and on the branches of trees in tropical rain forests of South America.
How to Keep Holiday Cactus Blooming
The keys to getting your holiday cactus to blossom are short days and cool nights. They need 13 hours of darkness and nights at 50° to 55°F for at least 1 to 2 months before they will set buds. I put some of my plants outside all summer and wait until the nights start to drop below 50°F before bringing them in for the fall and winter.
What is the Difference Between a Christmas Cactus and an Easter Cactus?
The Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are members of the Schlumbergera family, while the Easter cactus is in the Rhipsalidopsis family. The Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti hail from Brazilian rainforests while the Easter cactus is from drier forests.
When do Christmas cactus bloom?
Christmas cactus blooms around the winter holidays. The Easter cactus plant blooms late winter to early spring. Both types have flattened stems, called segments, which are lightly serrated on the edges. The segments are actually the leaves of the plant.
How should I care for an Easter cactus?
Unlike dessert cacti, they need cooler temperatures, even during the day, and will bloom for months in nighttime temperatures of 55 to 60 degrees F. (13-16 C.).
What is the family of cactus?
The cactus family is a perfect example of the spectrum of plants available. The holiday plants such as the Christmas and Easter cactus, are the hybrids of the Brazilian forest cactus. These segmented plants bloom at certain times of the year, which gives them the holiday designations.
How to moisten a plant in a saucer?
Provide some humidity if your home is dry. Place the plant on a saucer filled with pebbles and a little water. The evaporation will moisten the air around the plant.
When do sage plants bloom?
Best bud set occurs when temperatures are 50 F, (10 C.). Water sparingly from October to November. By December, you can move the plant somewhere warmer with a 60 to 65 degree range (16-18 C.). The plant will flower in February to March.
Do Easter cactus have spines?
The plant doesn’t have the same spines as a dessert cactus, but a more undulating form with softer pointed nodes on the edges of the leaves. Getting an Easter cactus to bloom the next year requires a special set of conditions which amount to a form of neglect.
What color are Christmas cactus?
Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus are commonly bright fuschia, but can also come in shades of red, pink, salmon, peach, cream, purple and white.
Why do Christmas cactus bloom so early?
If you've ever wondered why your Christmas cactus blooms too early, it's because it is likely a Thanksgiving cactus! Thanksgiving cactus blooms about a month earlier in the fall than its fellow holiday bloomer. The traditional Christmas cactus has more delicate, breakable foliage and it isn’t as common in the retail floral industry today for that reason. The most obvious way to tell the difference between the two types is to look at the phylloclades, or flattened leaflike stems where photosynthesis occurs. The Thanksgiving cactus has pointy edges; the Christmas cactus has smooth, round edges.
How hot does it have to be for a Christmas cactus to grow?
Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus like bright light but not direct sun. They also prefer night temperatures around 65 degrees (although flower bud formation requires temperatures 10 to 15 degrees cooler). Come summer, put your holiday cactus in a cool, bright room or set it outdoors on a partly-shaded side of the house. You can leave these cacti outdoors until fall temperatures dip to 35 degrees. Easter cactus can be treated similarly, but bring them indoors when temperatures dip to 45 degrees.
How to give a cactus extra humidity?
Add water to a gravel-filled saucer beneath your plant to give extra humidity to holiday cactus, such a this Easter cactus.
How Can You Tell The Difference between…
Why Are They So Hard to Identify?
Differences in The Stems (1) of The Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter Cactus
Differences in The Flowers of The Holiday Cactus
Differences in The General Shape of The Holiday Cactus
- Christmas Cactus – Begins growing upright but as it matures the stems are pendent arching down. Easter Cactus – When comparing mature ‘Holiday Cacti’ the Easter Cactus will be the smaller of the plants. Thanksgiving Cactus –Typically the Thanksgiving Cactus stems grow in an upright or erect direction. The Christmas Cactus stems arch up but then dro...
Other Interesting Differences
Miscellaneous Side Notes
Other Helpful References