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The difference between the three cacti is found in the shape of the leaves. The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumgera 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 do you tell the difference between an Easter Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus?
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) has pointy projections on the sides of the leaves, like crab claws. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesti) has scalloped or teardrop-shaped projections on the leaves. Easter cactus (Schlumbergera gaertnerrii) has leaves with round edges.
How do you tell if you have a Christmas cactus?
The most common tip for identifying holiday cactus is to look at the shape of the leaves. If distinct, it’s a great clue, but again there are plenty of cultivars that will confound even an experienced keen-eyed gardener. There is more on this (below). If the leaves are not distinct, the flowers also provide clues.
How do I know what kind of cactus I have?
You can tell a cactus’ species by the position of the flowers. Some tend to bloom flowers on the plant’s apex, while others have their flowers growing on the barks or stems. Other flowers like those from the Chin cactus are naked because they grow without any bristles, wool, or spines.
What plant looks like a Christmas cactus?
Zygocactus flowers bloom in October or November, but it often keeps on blooming until well after Christmas leading some to refer to it as a Christmas cactus.
What color is a Thanksgiving cactus?
Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) are popular, fall- and winter-flowering houseplants native to Brazil, and are available in a wide variety of colors including red, rose, purple, lavender, peach, orange, cream, and white.
How many times a year does a Thanksgiving cactus bloom?
Under the right conditions, a Thanksgiving cactus will bloom once a year during the late fall. How Long Do Thanksgiving Cacti Live? Holiday cacti are often passed down through generations because they have an incredibly long life. A Thanksgiving cactus can live up to 100 years with proper care.
Why is my Thanksgiving 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. The cactus does best in winter at temperatures around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Correcting a magnesium deficiency can be done with Epsom salts.
How many varieties of Christmas cactus are there?
There are around 300 hybrid varieties of these cacti, leading to even more species names.
How do I know what type of plant I have?
Take a look at the shape of the leaf when identifying flowers by their leaves. The leaf shape can be round, oval or oblong, lance shaped, or elliptic. The pattern of veins in the leaf can also help you figure out the type of plant you are dealing with.
How do I know what kind of succulent I have?
Here are some of the plant characteristics to look for when identifying succulents: Leaf – shape, size and thickness. Color – of leaves, flowers or stems. Markings or bumps on the leaves. Flower – shape, color, number of blooms and petals. Stem – color, texture, length. Ciliate hairs. Epicuticular wax. Spikes, spines or smooth.
What does a true Christmas cactus look like?
The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. The Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first and then arch.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus not blooming?
To care for your Thanksgiving cactus, allow the soil to dry out during “resting periods,” or in other words, when it is not producing blooms. Water only when the soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can kill the plant. When you see buds, you can go back to normal lighting, but keep plants cool.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Does Christmas Cactus Bloom More Than Once A Year? Yes. Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition.
Are there 3 types of Christmas cactus?
Holiday Cactus Varieties: What Are The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus. The three common holiday cacti, named for 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 I tell if my Christmas cactus will bloom?
Christmas cactus plants should continue receiving dark, cool treatment for at least six to eight weeks, or until buds begin forming. Once buds have formed, it usually takes up to 12 weeks (or less) for blooms to appear. The plant should also be relocated at this time.
What color is a true Christmas cactus?
Christmas Cactus genus name Schlumbergera flower color Purple Red Orange White Pink Yellow foliage color Blue/Green season features Spring Bloom Fall Bloom Winter Bloom special features Good for Containers Low Maintenance.
Can a Thanksgiving cactus live outside?
Thanksgiving cactus is generally considered a house plant. You can grow it outdoors, in partial shade, all year long in the warmer zones – 10 and above. What is this? If your temperatures are colder than this, you should grow crab cactus as an indoor plant.
What do you do with a Christmas cactus after it blooms?
A life after Christmas – What to do with your Christmas Cactus after the season. Keep your cacti looking its best during and after the Christmas season by deadheading all the spent blooms. This also encourages the plant to continue blooming.
Should you deadhead Christmas cactus?
While not necessary for all cacti since some cactus flowers drop from the plant once they are spent, deadheading cactus flowers can promote additional blooms and encourage growth while also tidying up the cactus. Deadheading can be done throughout the growing season while the Christmas cactus is in bloom.
