Discover the 6 most popular Holiday Cactus Types to grow indoors and how to take the proper care of them!

Holiday cacti have earned their name due to their blooming season which coincides with popular holidays, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas time! Therefore, their flowering characteristic is the source of their common name.

 

 

Difference between Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus

Many people mistake these two types of cacti for one another. This confusion stems from their shared membership in the same Schlumbergera Cactus family, but they are distinguished and set apart by a difference in their leaves. Additional details can be found in this article.

• Christmas Cactus: These cacti exhibit smooth, scalloped leaf margins, lacking any rough edges. Locating a true Christmas cactus can prove difficult, as many hybrid cultivars exist. Its blooms hang gracefully downwards from the segments.
• Thanksgiving Cactus: Distinguishable by their crab’s claw-like leaves, which feature pointed and serrated edges, these cacti are frequently known as crab cacti.

 

 

Famous Holiday Cactus Types

Unlike the majority of cactus species, these plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and require consistently moist soil, disliking full sun.

 

 

Christmas Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera bridgesii

Flowering Time: Mid-November to January

Recognized as the most popular holiday cactus, it showcases beautiful flowers in hues of yellow, pink, red, white, or purple which lasts numerous days! Maintain warmth and humidity for optimal growth.

 

 

Easter Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera gaertneri (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

Flowering Time: March to April

Also known as Spring cactus, boasting star-shaped blooms which sustain over several days, which makes it a worthy addition to your home! Filtered sunlight is ideal for this plant.

 

 

Thanksgiving Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera truncata

Flowering Time: October to November

Immediately identifiable by its unique foliage, the serrated or toothed leaves contribute to its alternative name, Crab Claw Cactus. It produces elongated, tube-like flowers available in purple, orange, red, pink, peach, or white.

 

 

Miniature Easter Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera rosea

Flowering Time: March to April

Featuring slender, trailing foliage, making it suitable for hanging baskets! Possessing plump, finger-like leaves, this cactus showcases captivating baby-pink flowers!

 

 

True Christmas Cactus

Botanical Name: Schlumbergera buckleyi

Flowering Time: November to January

Dubbed the ‘True Christmas Cactus’ owing to its vibrant, larger, and longer-lasting blooms. Its leaves also differ slightly in shape compared to those of the standard Christmas cactus.

 

 

Orchid Cactus

Botanical Name: Disocactus Ackermannii

Flowering Time: Spring

Originating in southern Mexico, this cactus variety showcases funnel-shaped flowers in a striking red shade. While it flourishes in indirect sunlight, exposure to the bright morning sun proves advantageous.

 

 

Conclusion

In summary, the world of Holiday Cactus Types is vibrant and diverse, with popular varieties such as the Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus, Easter Cactus, Miniature Easter Cactus, True Christmas Cactus, and Orchid Cactus, each bringing unique beauty and charm to indoor spaces. Distinguishing between the Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus is crucial for enthusiasts, as their leaf structures differ significantly. Proper care, which includes providing bright, indirect sunlight and maintaining consistent soil moisture, enhances their blooming potential during their respective flowering seasons. By understanding their specific needs and characteristics, you can effectively nurture these delightful plants and enjoy their stunning blooms during the festive season.