The holidays are fast approaching, and you may soon become the happy owner of your very own Thanksgiving Cacti. Schlumbergera truncata is the scientific name of the Thanksgiving Cactus. It blooms with a multitude of different colored flowers depending on the type that you get, including gold, white, orange, red, pink, and fuchsia. Christmas Cacti are also popular at this time, though they are much less common. Most Christmas Cacti you find in stores during the holiday season are actually Thanksgiving Cacti.
The difference between the Thanksgiving Cactus, the Christmas Cactus, and the Easter Cactus lies in their leaves and their bloom times. The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms from November to February. Its leaves have pointing claw-like projections around the edges. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii ) usually blooms around Christmas for less time. Its leaves are teardrop-shaped and more scalloped. Easter Cacti are well-rounded which are centralized at the leaf. Schlumbergera truncata is considered a short-day plant. Short-day or long-day plants pertain to photoperiodism, which is the amount of light a plant needs in order to flourish. Short-day plants, which include poinsettias and Christmas Cacti, need no more than 12 hours of light exposure in order to bloom successfully. With photoperiodism in mind, here are some guidelines for taking care of your Thanksgiving Cactus:
Thanksgiving Cacti Love Water!
Contrary to popular belief, this cactus in particular loves to be watered thoroughly. Thanksgiving Cacti should be watered or misted every time the soil becomes dry on the top. To gauge how much water you should give, in a large pot, you can push your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it’s completely dry, water it well. On smaller plants, just feel the weight of the pot. When it is lightweight, water it thoroughly.If it is a bit damp, try misting your plant instead. Too much water will give the plant root rot, so water only when dry. Once your Thanksgiving Cactus starts to transition to dormancy (early Fall), water less frequently.
Soil
Use a quality soil rich in nutrients. We prefer Old Castle C/V Mix Potting Soil for our plants here at Mitchell’s.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees. The Thanksgiving Cactus likes a happy medium between 60-70 degrees and normal to high humidity. It would be smart to place your Thanksgiving Cactus on a plate with pebbles and a small amount of water to keep your plant healthy and happy but be sure the water is not touching the bottem of the pot. You could also invest in a misting bottle or a small humidifier.
Light
Place the cactus in an north or east-facing window for moderate light. Get your Thanksgiving Cactus on a good schedule, making sure that it gets at least 12 hours of darkness in order to bloom. With attentive care, your Thanksgiving Cactus will be blooming again and again for years to come. Happy Planting! -Jayla @ Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse
