The term “Christmas Cactus” serves as a popular umbrella name for several related species of jungle cacti that bloom during the cooler months. These plants are epiphytes, naturally growing on trees in the humid, shaded environments of Brazilian rainforests. The widespread use of this single common name often leads to confusion because three distinct types of cacti are routinely sold under this label. Understanding the differences between these three plants is the first step toward successful identification and proper cultivation.
Identifying the Three True Types
The three plants frequently marketed as Christmas Cacti belong to two different genera, making precise scientific identification important. The most common variety available in garden centers today is the Thanksgiving Cactus, scientifically known as Schlumbergera truncata. This type is widely cultivated due to its reliable and earlier blooming period, typically commencing around late November.
The original plant that gave the group its common name is the true Christmas Cactus, classified as Schlumbergera x buckleyi. This is often an older hybrid, characterized by a more pendulous growth habit and a bloom cycle that aligns closely with the Christmas and New Year period. Both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti belong to the genus Schlumbergera, sharing a similar overall flower structure.
The third plant often included in this trio is the Easter Cactus, scientifically designated as Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri (or Hatiora gaertneri). This plant belongs to a separate genus and naturally blooms much later in the year, closer to the spring equinox. Its distinct blooming season and morphology set it apart taxonomically.
Key Differences in Appearance
Differentiating the three types relies primarily on closely examining the shape of the stem segments, or cladodes. The Thanksgiving Cactus (S. truncata) is easily recognized by its pointed, claw-like projections along the edges of each segment, giving it an angular appearance. In contrast, the segments of the traditional Christmas Cactus (S. x buckleyi) possess smoother, more rounded, and scalloped edges, resulting in a softer silhouette that tends to droop more naturally. The Easter Cactus (R. gaertneri) features segments that are more oval or oblong, flatter, and often exhibit fine, brownish hairs at the edges.
The structure and timing of the flowers also provide clear visual cues for identification. Both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti produce tubular flowers that hang downwards, positioned almost horizontally from the stem tips. The Thanksgiving Cactus typically peaks in bloom during late November, while the Christmas Cactus flowers primarily throughout December and into early January.
The flowers of the Easter Cactus display a distinct star shape rather than a tube. These blooms are held upright at the ends of the segments and appear much later, with their peak flowering period occurring between March and April. Recognizing these differences allows for accurate identification outside of the blooming season.
Tailoring Care to Each Type
Since all three plants are jungle cacti, their overall care requirements remain similar, demanding high humidity and bright, indirect light. They all require a specific period of rest, usually involving cooler temperatures and reduced watering, to initiate the formation of flower buds. However, the exact timing and parameters for this rest period vary slightly among the types.
The Thanksgiving Cactus (S. truncata) is generally the most forgiving and easiest to prompt into bloom, needing only six weeks of short days and cool nights (around 50–60°F) to set buds. The traditional Christmas Cactus (S. x buckleyi) often requires slightly cooler night temperatures and a more extended period of complete darkness to reliably initiate its blooms. This older hybrid is less tolerant of temperature fluctuations during bud development.
The Easter Cactus (R. gaertneri) has a distinct care cycle that reflects its later spring bloom. It requires its resting period during the winter months, typically needing a few months of cool, dry conditions to prepare for its March or April flowering.