The Difference Between A Thanksgiving And Christmas Cactus (& How To Care For Each)

When it comes to holiday houseplants, the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii or Schlumbergera russelliana) are popular picks that often get mistaken for one another. Both belong to the same family and boast vibrant flowers that can brighten up your home during the colder months and are excellent plants for happy holidays. However, they have subtle differences in appearance and bloom timing. Whether you're looking to add a festive touch for Thanksgiving or Christmas, knowing how to distinguish and care for each cactus can help ensure a season of healthy blooms. Here's how to tell them apart.

One of the main differences between these two holiday cacti is how their flowers bloom. The Christmas cactus typically blooms in shades of orange, pink, burgundy, and white, while the Thanksgiving cactus offers a variety of colors as well, including purple, white, red, or pink. It even occasionally surprises with yellow blooms! The shape of the flowers also sets them apart: Christmas cactus flowers tend to hang down, while Thanksgiving cactus flowers face upwards or outwards and are often more asymmetrical and even a bit curved. 

And, as their names suggest, these cacti bloom at slightly different times. The Thanksgiving cactus usually starts blooming in late November, just in time for Thanksgiving, while the Christmas cactus blooms closer to the Christmas holiday season in mid- to late December. Be aware that some plants sold as Christmas or holiday cacti are actually sterile hybrids of the Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus, referred to as Schlumbergera x buckleyi. It has the same blooming conditions as the other type of Christmas cactus.

If you want a thriving Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus, you should know that they have similar care needs and enjoy the same kinds of conditions — as does the hybrid version. They prefer bright, indirect light, as too much direct sunlight can turn their leaves yellow. Both plants also need well-draining soil, like a cactus or succulent mix, to keep their roots healthy.

As with many plants popular during the holiday season, watering requires a bit of seasonal adjustment. From spring through late summer, keep your Christmas cactus well-watered — just enough to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. Make sure the pot has good drainage so that water doesn't sit in the pot and cause the roots to rot. As fall approaches, you'll need to reduce watering to encourage blooming. This change in routine mirrors the plant's natural habitat conditions. In the fall, water less frequently and allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Keep doing so until you see flower buds start to form. Once buds appear, you can resume a more regular watering routine.

Both cacti enjoy a humid environment, so think about using a water mister or a humidifier. They also thrive in moderate temperatures: a range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. A dip in temperature can signal to the plant that it's time to bloom, but below 40 degrees Fahrenheit and you'll need to protect your plants. They can be grown outdoors in zones 10 through 12.