As the holiday season draws near, adding a festive plant to your home can uplift the spirit of the occasion.
Two standout choices are the Christmas cactus and the Thanksgiving cactus, both celebrated for their beautiful blooms that coincide with the festivities.
Though these cacti look alike and flower around the same time, they possess distinct personalities.
To help you navigate their care and identify the differences, we turned to a plant expert.
Here’s a breakdown of what sets these two cacti apart, along with tips to keep your holiday plants thriving.
HOW TO TELL THEM APART
It can be tricky to distinguish between Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti at first glance.
However, several notable traits can help you recognize each variety.
GROWTH HABITS
The Thanksgiving cactus stands tall and proud, its stems reaching upward.
In contrast, the Christmas cactus has a more graceful, drooping form, with its stems cascading downwards.
LEAF CHARACTERISTICS
Another differentiating factor is the leaves.
Thanksgiving cactus leaves are jagged along the edges, while those of the Christmas cactus are more rounded.
If you observe the stem closely, you’ll notice that the Christmas cactus tends to display smoother edges, lacking the pointed tips of its Thanksgiving counterpart.
CAREGIVING TIPS FOR YOUR HOLIDAY CACTI
Both cacti make for easy-care houseplants, but they do each have specific needs that should be met to ensure their health and beauty.
LIGHTING NEEDS
Thrive in bright, indirect sunlight—both cacti do best when placed on east or west-facing windowsills.
If positioned near a south-facing window, be mindful to shield them from the intense rays of the afternoon sun, which can be too harsh.
SOIL REQUIREMENTS
To keep your cacti happy, they need a well-draining, slightly acidic soil mix.
Standard potting soil can retain too much moisture, risking root rot, so opt for a special cactus mix that promotes drainage and nutrient uptake.
When it comes to hydration, the Christmas cactus likes a regular drink—about once a week.
Originating from tropical environments, it appreciates consistent moisture, particularly when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Adjust your watering routine once flowering has finished.
ENCOURAGING BLOOMING IN YOUR CACTI
For successful flowering of both cacti, a temperature adjustment is necessary.
Warmer temperatures encourage growth, while a cooler environment in late fall and winter (55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) is necessary for blooming.
In addition, these plants thrive on a dark cycle to stimulate flower development.
To aid this process, you can keep them in a dark area or cover them for about 13 hours each night for six to eight weeks before the expected blooming time.
By understanding the unique attributes and specific care requirements of both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, you’ll not only enjoy their beauty during the festivities but also ensure they flourish year after year.
Source: Marthastewart.com