Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus: grow, care, and getting them to bloom
The Christmas cactus might be familiar to many from Grandma's windowsill. These days, the Thanksgiving cactus is more common—yet just as worthy of nurturing. Get tips for caring for Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti and making them bloom!
The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) look so much alike that it’s not always clear which plant you’re looking at.
Compared with the Thanksgiving cactus, the Christmas cactus has looser segments and tends to be the larger plant overall. If you don’t have another cactus for comparison, you can also tell them apart by bloom time: Christmas cactus flowers around Christmas, while Thanksgiving cactus blooms in fall and, with luck, again in spring.
Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti are cared for the same way. Propagation and getting them to bloom follow the same steps, too.
Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus growing
Temperature
Both the Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus are happy at normal room temperature year-round. To set buds, set the plant in cool temperatures in autumn at about 10–15°C (50–59°F). You can do this by moving it to a sheltered spot on a balcony or outdoors. Remember to bring it back inside if frost is in the forecast.
You can also keep the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus outside all summer in a protected, partially shaded place. They don’t enjoy blazing sun. As summer cools into autumn, the plant naturally gets its chill period.
Light
A bright room and a spot with partial sun suit the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus best. In spring, the sun can be intense, so shield the plant from the harshest heat. A bright east- or west-facing window is ideal for both cacti.
Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus: care and getting them to bloom
Watering and feeding the Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus
Water both fairly generously from spring through autumn. Keep the potting mix evenly moist so only the surface dries between waterings. Add fertilizer to the water every few weeks.
After the plant has flowered, water more sparingly. Don’t let the plant sit dry for too long, though—the segments shouldn’t shrivel.
Getting Christmas and Thanksgiving cactus to bloom
Besides a cool period, these cacti also appreciate gentle handling. Once buds have formed, avoid moving the plant around—the buds may drop. Placement in a drafty area can cause bud drop, too.
Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus: propagation and repotting
- Propagate a thriving Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus from stem segments. Twist off cuttings 2–4 segments long and let them dry for a couple of days.
- Insert the cutting into cactus potting mix, or set it in a glass of water to root.
- For a fuller plant, pot at least three cuttings together in one container.
- Once your rooted cuttings have grown on for a few years, move the plant to a pot a couple of centimeters (about 1″) larger. Always use cactus mix that’s nicely airy.
