Dear UCCE San Bernardino County Master Gardeners,

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, you may be wondering what the difference is between the Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus. Both are popular this time of year and are not the same species although they are both in the genus Schlumbergera and native to tropical regions of Brazil.

The species name for the Thanksgiving cactus is truncate while the species name for the Christmas cactus is bridgesii. While both are most renowned for their pink flowers, hybrids also host white, red, yellow, and purple flowers. So what is the main difference between the two? If you suspect it is related to their bloom periods, you’re right. True to their common names, Thanksgiving cacti bloom near Thanksgiving in late fall, about a month before the bloom period of Christmas cacti. Because the initiation of flower buds necessitates cool temperatures and longer nights, Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus are happiest outdoors away from artificial light until temperatures dip into the 40s. At that point bring them indoors and place them in a cool place away from any and all light between 5 pm and 8 am. Water them once a week.

Another important element for success for both species is to maintain as even an indoor temperature as possible and avoid placing the cacti near heating vents which can result in temperature fluctuations. Following this plan, your Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti should bloom right on time. If they’re a little slow, begin the short day treatment coupled with cool temperature treatment sooner.

I hope you all enjoy a wonderful holiday with family and friends.

Remember that there is no class Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Janet