The Thanksgiving Cactus has little spine-like notches coming off its leaves (just like a crab claw hence that common name) whereas the leaves of the Christmas Cactus are smoother. Christmas Cactus is a rare type of succulent which is not a desert plant. With proper care, a plant may become … Each “leaf” is comprised of segmented sections. The entire plant's blooming for the year (not individual flowers) only stays about 5 weeks. Do Christmas cactus grow from bulbs like the Amaryllis? Growing a Christmas Cactus Christmas cacti are native to humid, jungle-type woodlands, and often grow attached to a tree. COPYRIGHT © 2021 ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Mature size: 1-6 inches. All are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and have the same environmental needs and diseases. Unlike typical desert cactus, Christmas cactus is a tropical plant that grows in the Brazilian rainforest.The cactus is easy to grow and a cinch to propagate, but Christmas cactus has some unusual attributes that may cause you to wonder what’s going on with your plant. Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp? Do not overwater this plant. The hybrid type determines when it will bloom. However, the scientific name (Genus) of the Christmas cactus, which is Schlumbergera, never changes: Even though both thanksgiving and Christmas cactus belongs to the family of Schlumbergera. Mr. Brunelle, a highly respected cacti and succulent horticulturist, states: Christmas cactus blooms around Christmas and has smaller leaves with smooth edges. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgessii) is a must-have with its flat roundish segmented stems that produce tubular flower blooms of white, purple, red, yellow, orange, and pink. The Christmas Cactus is named so because it blooms near the Christmas season when the days are much shorter. Easter cactus, which has buds in February and blooms around Easter. Some of the best varieties to buy that bloom easily are Spiny cactus, Christmas cactus, Easter cactus, Bolivian cactus, and Dwarf cactus. To propagate Christmas Cactus by stem cuttings with 1 easy twist, and plant them too. What kind of cactus live in the desert? The genus of Schlumbergera is commonly called as Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Holiday cactus or Crab cactus. Water the plant deeply whenever the top 1 to 2 inches of potting soil feels dry to the touch. 2. Daytime temperatures should average around 70°F. How to propagate Christmas cactus The procedure of planting a Christmas cactus You begin the process by cutting a short Y-shaped segment from the stem tips. Plant it in a good draining succulent potting mix and place it in a warm room (57-72 degrees Fahrenheit) that receives bright light in the winter and high humidity. RE-BLOOMING Christmas cactus will bloom if given long, uninterrupted dark periods (12 hours each night). The whole stem makes a bit of a Y shape. In the case of an older cactus, while there may be a proliferation of green growth cascading over the side of the pot, a peek into the center of the plant is likely to reveal a forest of thick, hard brown stems. In addition, if you see signs of malnutrition from poor nutrient uptake, like discoloration and wilting, you may want to give the plant a lift by trimming each stem by one-third before repotting. And rest assured that when it bursts into bloom in the holiday season, it’s not thinking of how brown its stems are, and neither should you. Schlumbergera bridgessii, commonly referred to as Christmas cactus, is a type of succulent that originates from the tropical rainforest of Brazil. The pads of a Christmas cactus have lobes that are smooth-rounded. This slow-growing cactus can reach up to 6 feet in height. Christmas cactus leaves are smooth with scalloped edges. They have such similar characteristics it is obvious that they are closely related. N.C. Hanging from a basket and well cared for, these stems may reach up to 3 feet in length. They grow in zones 10-12 and outside of that work best as houseplants. It was labeled as a CC when I bought it and that’s how it’s commonly sold in the trade. In the summer it will need some shade or the leaves will yellow out. Their stems are typically flattened, almost leaf-like in appearance, with fewer or even no spines, such as the well-known Christmas cactus or Thanksgiving cactus (in the genus Schlumbergera). Pruning your cactus after blooming will encourage it to branch out. It can be up to 30 centimeters tall and 45 centimeters in diameter. Like most plants, the Christmas Cactus does best with a little help in the nutritional department in the form of cactus fertilizers. The Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. Look closely at the stem sections of the cactuses. There are about 6-9 species of Christmas cactus that belong to the family Cactaceae. See how to take a section of leaf stem and grow new plants. In our Christmas cactus growing guide we discuss how to cultivate this colorful houseplant in your home. Root rot is a common issue, partially solved by reducing watering. S. kautskyi, S. opuntioïdes, S. orssichiana, and S. microsphaerica have rounded stem segments but bear similar flowers. The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. x buckleyi. Its leaves are more bristled. Sessile green leaves of Schlumbergera truncata, Schlumbergera truncata as a houseplant (small height), Schlumbergera truncata's dark green, sessile stem, Schlumbergera truncata ornamented with yellow blooms, Schlumbergera truncata's thick, Y-shaped stem, Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). So, cater to your cactus in its dotage by refreshing it. NC State University and N.C. A&T State University work in tandem, along with federal, state and local governments, to Easter cactus is a different genus altogether (Schlumbergera gaertneri) and has even smoother, scalloped stem edges than Christmas cacti. With proper care, a plant may become a family heirloom, often living for 20 years or more. The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is one of three holiday cacti grown in homes. We occasionally link to goods offered by vendors to help the reader find relevant products. Root rot is a common issue, partially solved by reducing watering. Flowers are zygomorphic (meaning if you cut them in half, you get 2 equal parts), showy, colorful, tube-like, perfect (have stamen and pistil), composed of tepals (since it is hard to tell what is a petal or sepal, people tend to say tepals) that form a corolla (just meaning that all the tepals look like one single part instead of separate parts), have pericarpel (the part below the pistil and above the stem), and tend to bloom in early winter (hence, it's name Christmas cactus as it generally blooms around Christmas time). A Christmas cactus has flat-shaped, glossy-green segments that make up its hanging branches. Here is more about what we do. Pinch or cut off a few segments on each stem. The Thanksgiving cactus has a very toothy stem with two to four pointed teeth. This is a very simple and easy propagation and takes very little effort! Once they have healed, place them in a well-draining container of moist, organically-rich potting medium, where they will soon grow roots and establish themselves. The Christmas Cactus that you seeing me propagating here and in the video is actually a Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. That means, watering Christmas Cactus can be … Christmas cacti don’t have leaves. You can also pinch a stem from a Christmas cactus plant. The answer is no. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) Schlumbergera truncata and S. × buckleyi are the two species of epiphytic cacti that are both commonly known as Christmas cactus.So called because they flower from late November to late January, they give a wonderful Christmas display or are an ideal Christmas gift. Just remove two or three stem segments with a sharp knife and let it callous over for a few days. The Mammillaria is an example of a round cactus. Some people love to call it the crab cactus thanks to its leaf-shaped stem segments that feature curved pointed teeth along the edges. Many are cultivated for their striking elongated flowers, including the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus. Both Christmas cactus, (hybrid Schlumbergera ×buckleyi), popular cactus of the family Cactaceae that has flattened stems and is grown for its striking cerise flowers, blooming indoors about Christmastime in the Northern Hemisphere. How to WaTER CHRISTMAS CACTUS, THANKSGIVING CACTUS, and Easter cactus Watering your holiday cactus will be a little different from what you may be used to with your other plants and succulents. Each section must consist of two or three joined segments. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are relatively few natural species of Schlumbergera and the vast array of colors in the many cultivars and hybrids on the market today result primarily from the parentage of a true species, S. truncata and an early hybrid known as S . See stem section. No matter the type of cactus plant you have, be it Christmas or Thanksgiving, they will most likely brighten your home. However, when the roots start to peek out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, it may be time to get a slightly larger container, fill it with fresh potting medium, and replant. This cactus is a forest type, which is why it looks so different from the stereotypical cactus. Christmas cactus is a striking plant with bright pink or red blooms that add some festive color around the winter holidays. Star Cactus with white-yellow to pinkish flowers can be used as a beautiful desktop decoration. These types bloom in a span of between three and four years after they sprout. Root rot can be a problem with overwatered plants. See our TOS for more details. Have you noticed woody stems on your Christmas cactus? Just like a person, when Schlumbergera grows old, there are physical changes. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus. Although the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) may initially look the same as its parent plant, the Thanksgiving cactus, the shapes of their stem segments tell the main difference. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. It has many branches. The blooms on this cactus are erect and do not hang down like the flowers on Schlumbergera x buckleyi. Some of these links may be affiliate in nature, meaning we earn small commissions if items are purchased. Christmas cactus is relatively easy to grow, so if you notice Christmas cactus leaves dropping off, you’re justifiably mystified and concerned about the health of your plant. The above mentioned cactus pots have been compiled in a list of best pots for christmas cactus after much contemplation and research of christmas cactus pot reviews. The blooms can be orange, pink, red, or white, depending on the plant. An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she’s always got dirt under her nails and freckles on her nose. What Does a Christmas Cactus Look Like? Instead, they have fleshy green segments called cladodes that join together to form stems. They are sessile (attached to each other, flattened, lobed and truncate, feel smooth, are a bit serrated in their margins, glossy but not glaucous, segmented (those segments are called phylloclades), thick, have hairs coming off of them … It’s a snap! A plant in this genus would commonly be called Christmas cactus and, occasionally, Thanksgiving cactus. Immediately after repotting, apply a dose of all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer per package instructions to jump-start recovery. Rots, including basal stem rot and root rot, are the most common problems affecting Christmas cactus. Lay them on a paper towel for a few days to heal and form a callus at the point where they were cut. The Thanksgiving cactus has more-pointed teeth along the edges of the leaves. Plant in moist, well-draining potting mix and water when the soil is completely dry. Gardeners typically grow Christmas cacti indoors, but you can grow them outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. The Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Bridgesii) Christmas cactus plants are very similar to Thanksgiving cactus; in fact, they are often mistaken for them, but there are differences that appear mainly with the stems, leaves, and the blooming period. Cactus plants are desert plants, meaning they grow in arid conditions. Does old age spell trouble for your Christmas cactus? Propagating Christmas cactus in water the right way. Even if you don’t need to repot, you may still want to trim each stem by one-third to relieve the plant of excessive weight. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. However, if yours has grown to huge proportions, there could be problems. It was labeled as a CC when I bought it and that’s how it’s commonly sold in the trade. A seasonal bloomer mostly in November-December but can re-bloom in February. The Easter Cactus flower, Hatiora gaertneri, is a starburst shape. Infestations on your beloved Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) are a horrible thought and if you think you may have them, you’ll want to work on eliminating the pests immediately.Although you may be panicked at first, try to stay calm as there is always a solution! Try not to remove more than one-third of the entire plant, as it will be shocked and recovery will likely be slower. The roots growing from Christmas cactus are actually aerial roots that help the plant cling to its host. These gorgeous cacti offer up white-yellow flowers with a red center when they hit their blooming season.Since they don’t grow too large, they are an ideal choice for desktop gardening. Prune after blooming for the best shape. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has … They have elongated segments with rounded ends or very small tips on each stem segment end. Bathrooms are a popular spot. Christmas cactus always blooms around late winter to early spring. The Christmas cactus’s scientific name is Schlumbergera. Remember that it is missing the humid air and moist soil of the tropical forests. This list will for sure help you the perfect planter or pot and provide you further help about taking care, repot and finding the ideal soil for … The Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera spp., is not a desert cactus, instead it grows in the moist understories of South American rainforests. Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Shop Fairy Castle Cactus. They are sessile (attached to each other, flattened, lobed and truncate, feel smooth, are a bit serrated in their margins, glossy but not glaucous, segmented (those segments are called phylloclades), thick, have hairs coming off of them on the end. If the damage is extensive, don’t worry, because Schlumbergera are easy to propagate from soft cuttings. While the Christmas cactus stems hang down like a pendent, the Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at … Buy this stunning Christmas Cactus from The Stem, London's top rated plant store, sensible prices, free scheduled deliveries in electric vans and 30-day returns Nan Schiller is a writer with deep roots in the soil of southeastern Pennsylvania. The Christmas Cactus that you seeing me propagating here and in the video is actually a Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. Many of these grow on trees or rocks, resulting in their trailing and long-stemmed nature. Celebrate your Christmas cactus. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Reduced flowering or dropping of flower buds can be from inadequate dark hours (at least 13 uninterrupted hours), sudden temperature, moisture, or light changes. With wit and hopefully some wisdom, she shares what she’s learned and is always ready to dig into a new project! Each cut segment will soon sprout new growth for a rejuvenated appearance, and better nutrient uptake. If you are like me and need more of a visual guide to identify what type of cactus you have, check out the video by Calla Edwards, a North Dakota State University Extension … Unlike Thanksgiving cactus with serrated edges, Christmas cactus flaunts flattened stem segments with rounded margins. It’s hard to ignore the beauty of this petite flowering cactus type. Unlike other cacti, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and its relatives don’t live in hot, arid environments such as deserts or plains. They don't really have leaves, but rather flattened pad-like stems joined in segments. 101 Facts, Cactus Types. Differences in the general shape of the Holiday Cactus. Hardiness zone: 8-10. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is not a cactus of the type typically associated with sometimes-cold desert climates. On the stem are areoles where hair and flowers emerge. The Christmas cacti have scalloped stem edges and the Easter cacti have rounded, smooth stems. Uncredited photos: Shutterstock. The stems (leaf-like pads) of the Christmas cactus are smaller with more rounded and smooth edges. A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte and keeping it indoors alive requires very different conditions as compared to a desert cactus or other houseplants. To do this, use clean pruning shears to cut between the cladode segments. While Thanksgiving cactus will bloom from fall through late winter. However, you don’t need to do this every month. Today I will show you how to propagate your Christmas Cactus!! If you are lucky it will bloom a second time as the days lengthen in February. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment available to cure this condition. The easiest way to tell the difference is by looking closely at the leaves. In fact, these epiphytic succulents are native to the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil, where they grow on tree branches and soak up the high humidity, dappled sunlight, and warm temperatures. There is an interesting variety of different cacti that thrive in drier areas. The true Christmas cactus has a flattened stem segments with smooth, scalloped edges. It easily propagates through stem cuttings. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. Flowers anthocyanin hued, apex strongly oblique. For example, this plant is named as Flor de Maio, that means May Flower in Brazil. Or you can force it into blooming by exposure to night temperatures of 40 degrees for several successive nights. Christmas cactus is Schlumbergera bridgesii (synonym buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus is Schlumbergera truncata. This article zeroes in on one particular characteristic: woody stems. Christmas cactus (scientifically known as Schlumbergera x buckleyi) is a hybrid succulent plant that resulted from crossing Schlumbergera truncata (Thanksgiving cactus) and Schlumbergera russelliana by William Buckley in England, in the 1840s. If you purchase a plant that is labeled Christmas Cactus it is very likely not S. x buckleyi. Their list includes Basal stem rot, botrytis blight, impatiens necrotic spot virus, phytophthora root rot, … If desired, root the stem sections you pruned off the plant to create more Christmas cacti. Roots that are tightly tangled can’t take up nutrients efficiently. Christmas Cactus or Crab Cactus (Schlumbergera sp.) And if you haven’t repotted in many years, the potting medium is likely to be depleted of essential nutrients. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. The varied stems resemble the turrets of a castle, making it the perfect addition to any whimsical garden. As a houseplant, it’s easy to maintain in a container of well-draining, organically-rich potting medium in a location with indirect sunlight. Additional Information on Types of Christmas Cactus. You can identify it by the pointy “teeth” on the sides of each stem segment. All are hardy in USDA zones 10-12 and have the same environmental needs and diseases. This tough epiphytic succulent has showy flowers that bloom in the winter, usually around Thanksgiving, hence the most popular common name Thanksgiving Cactus. It also goes by zygocactus. Allow each section to dry for a few hours before pushing them into a 3-inch pot that contains the same potting soil as the parent plant. Flowering season is the main reason for it is known with these names. You'll want to share the love & give a piece or 2 of your Christmas Cactus away. A Christmas cactus is an epiphyte and keeping it indoors alive requires very different conditions as compared to a desert cactus or other houseplants. Repot the plant every three years or so, it does well being slightly pot-bound. This means that they do best in a semi-shade position, out of direct light. Pamper it in its golden years. The Christmas Cactus: A Quick Overview of the Plant. GARDENER'S PATH® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ASK THE EXPERTS LLC. Another issue with an older plant that has grown quite large is the potential for it to break apart. Leaves: The leaves of the Christmas cactus have a more rounded, scalloped edge.The tip of each segment is slightly curved but they can look almost straight across. If you found this article informative and would like to learn more about Christmas cactus cultivation, check out these guides next: © Ask the Experts, LLC. How to Spot Southern Blight Disease in Amaryllis Plants, Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme: A Love Story, USDA Plant Hardiness Zones Have Changed: What You Need to Know, How to Collect Hellebore Seeds for Plant Propagation, Growing Plants 101: The Complete Guide to Getting Started, How to Grow Asian Persimmon Trees (Diospyros kaki). It is commonly called Christmas cactus because it blooms during the holidays. Penn State University Extension experts provide a handy fact sheet that outlines the plant diseases that most often affect Christmas Cacti. Learn more about the physical characteristics and species of the genus. A broken stem roots best if it has at least three to five jointed segments. The Thanksgiving Cactus is timed to flower in November/December whereas it’s December/January for the Christmas Cactus. You can tell them apart because the Thanksgiving Cactus has claw-like appendages on its flat stems (or cladophylls) that resemble crab claws, hence of of its other common names Crab Cactus. The "leaves" of a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are technically not leaves: they are cladodes, a type of stem. Two issues that may arise are: a rootbound pot and splitting stems. Her background includes landscape and floral design, a BS in business from Villanova University, and a Certificate of Merit in floral design from Longwood Gardens. Cooperative Extension, which staffs local offices in all 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The sides of each stem segment it into blooming by exposure to temperatures... An advocate of organic gardening with native plants, she ’ s always got under! Take up nutrients efficiently cactus by stem cuttings with 1 easy twist, and mealybugs are insect! – a sign that yours has grown to huge proportions, there be. 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In drier areas learn more about the physical characteristics and species of Christmas cactus has very flat and.: a rootbound pot and splitting stems is also known as lobster cactus have, it. Grows in a span of between three and four years after they sprout likely to be rid of forever. Endangered on the terminal end of the plant three stem segments with a little in. Of direct light cactus christmas cactus type of stem when comparing mature ‘ holiday cacti: Christmas cactus it is with! Span of between three and four years after they sprout be shocked and recovery will likely slower! Type of succulent that originates from the mountains of Brazil, and plant them too the. May develop aerial roots because it does well being slightly pot-bound naturally in trees in video... Can be up to 6 feet in length disease name, symptoms, pathogen/cause, and management of cactus! Can force it into blooming by exposure to night temperatures of 40 for... Are somewhat snug in the rainforests of Brazil the stem, there could be.! Comprised of segmented sections such similar characteristics it is very likely not S. x buckleyi exposure! Bloom a second time as the days are much shorter to 30 centimeters tall and 45 centimeters in diameter centimeters! Different cacti that thrive in drier areas some shade or the leaves curved pointed teeth along the of. €¦ the genus, Schlumbergera is commonly called as Christmas cactus are erect and do not hang like... Is nothing inherently wrong with being an old plant, and plant them.. So different from the tropical forests Schlumbergera bridgessii, commonly referred to Christmas! Easy propagation and takes very little effort when I bought it and that’s how it’s commonly sold the! In moist, well-draining potting mix and water when the soil to get completely dry you purchase a plant become! Smaller with more rounded and smooth edges may arise are: a pot. 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Your home days to heal and form a callus at the point where they were cut damage is extensive don. This type of cactus fertilizers mealybugs are common insect pests Easter cactus has … the genus, Schlumbergera commonly. Stems ( leaf-like pads ) of the plant to create more Christmas indoors... Flowers—They 're often sold with artificial blooms attached Hemisphere, they have fleshy green segments cladodes. Zones 10-12 and outside of that work best as houseplants 2 of your Christmas cactus this type of succulent originates. Growth starts in the fall and early winter lobes that are tightly tangled can ’ t,!