Many people encounter what they believe to be a single “Christmas Cactus” plant, only to discover there are distinct species often confused under this common name. While sharing a similar appearance, particularly in their segmented stems, these plants are different. This guide will help differentiate between the true Christmas Cactus and what is often referred to as the “False Christmas Cactus.”
Key Physical Distinctions
Examining the stem segments offers the clearest way to distinguish between these plants when they are not in bloom. The true Christmas Cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera, features flattened stem segments that typically have noticeable scalloped or pointed edges. These segments often connect end-to-end, forming a cascading chain.
In contrast, the False Christmas Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) exhibits more rounded or oval-shaped stem segments. These segments often have a slightly toothed or lobed appearance along their margins. The overall growth habit of Hatiora can also appear more upright initially before developing a cascading form.
Areoles, the small bumps from which new growth, flowers, or roots emerge, offer further clues. On Schlumbergera, these areoles are typically located at segment tips and often bear fine bristles or hairs. Conversely, Hatiora generally has bare areoles, sometimes with minimal wool, located along the edges of its segments.
Flowering Characteristics
The blooms of these plants offer another clear method for identification, particularly due to their timing and structural differences. The true Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera) typically flowers during late autumn into early winter, generally from November to January in the Northern Hemisphere. Its flowers are notably zygomorphic, meaning they are bilaterally symmetrical, appearing as if one side is longer or more pronounced.
These Schlumbergera blooms are often tubular with layered petals, creating a somewhat pendulous appearance as they emerge from the segment tips. The anthers, which produce pollen, tend to protrude noticeably from the flower. Common flower colors include shades of pink, red, white, and purple.
Conversely, the False Christmas Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) flowers in the spring, typically from March to May. Its flowers are radially symmetrical, presenting a star-shaped or funnel-shaped appearance. These blooms are generally more upright compared to the pendulous nature of the true Christmas Cactus flowers. The anthers are usually less prominent, and the color range often includes vibrant reds, oranges, and pinks.
Care Differences
While both plants are epiphytic cacti and share many care similarities, subtle distinctions in their environmental preferences can impact their health and blooming. Both thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat beneath tree canopies. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch their delicate segments.
Regarding watering, both require well-draining soil and prefer to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. During their active growing and blooming phases, more frequent watering is necessary, while during dormancy, watering should be reduced. The key difference lies in their specific temperature triggers for blooming; Schlumbergera requires cooler night temperatures (around 50-55°F or 10-13°C) and shorter daylight hours to set buds, whereas Hatiora can be less sensitive to day length and may bloom with consistent moderate temperatures.
Both prefer a porous, airy soil mix rich in organic matter, often a blend for cacti and succulents with added perlite or bark. High humidity is beneficial for both, especially during drier indoor conditions. Maintaining consistent temperatures and avoiding sudden fluctuations is important for their overall health and successful blooming cycles.
Understanding the Common Names
The widespread confusion between these plants stems largely from the often imprecise nature of common naming conventions in horticulture. Common names often group plants with superficial resemblances, even if botanically distinct, leading to multiple plants being called the same or similar names.
The designation “False Christmas Cactus” indicates the plant is not a true Schlumbergera species, the genus traditionally associated with the “Christmas Cactus” moniker. Instead, it typically refers to species within the Hatiora genus, most commonly Hatiora gaertneri. This plant blooms around Easter, leading to its more accurate common name, “Easter Cactus.” Recognizing their scientific names, Schlumbergera for the Christmas Cactus and Hatiora for the False Christmas Cactus, helps to avoid this common misidentification.