When essay to determine whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus or a Christmas cactus , there are a few key characteristics to look for . One of the most noticeable difference is the shape of the foliage forcing out or segments on the edge of the leave-taking .
To key a Thanksgiving cactus ( Schlumgera truncata ) , you will point out that the leaf expulsion are very pointed and claw - mold . They can resemble the bod of a crab ’s nipper or the summit of an arrow . These forcing out are typically quite tart and give the industrial plant a more spiky appearance . When you escape your finger along the sharpness of the leave , you may feel the clear-cut pointed crest .
On the other mitt , the Christmas cactus ( Schlumgera bridgesti ) has leaf projections that are more scalloped or tear - drop shaped . They are not as abrupt or orient as those of the Thanksgiving cactus . Instead , they have a more rounded or curved coming into court , resemble little scallops or teardrops . When you touch the edges of the parting , you will palpate a smoother , less pointed grain compared to the Thanksgiving cactus .
Another distinguishing lineament between the two cactus is the time of yr when they typically bloom . The Thanksgiving cactus , as its name suggests , usually bloom around Thanksgiving or a few week prior . It produces vivacious , colorful flowers in shade of pink , red , orange , or white . On the other hand , the Christmas cactus blooms closer to the holiday time of year , normally in December . Its flowers are also colorful , but they tend to be more pastel in shadiness of pink , purple , or snowy .
In term of care , both cacti have standardized requirements . They prefer brilliant , indirect light and well - drain land . It ’s important to water them exhaustively but allow the soil to dry out slimly between lacrimation . Overwatering can lead to beginning rot , so it ’s important to find the right balance . to boot , they appreciate slenderly cooler temperature during their hibernating period , ordinarily in late fall or winter .
In my personal experience , I have had both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti in my garden . Observing the differences in leafage expulsion and bloom times has help me place them right . The unequalled shape of the leafage projections is a authentic indicator , and when aggregate with the bloom period of time , it becomes sluttish to differentiate between the two cacti .
To summarise , when square off whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus or Christmas cactus , pay attention to the shape of the leaf projection and the timing of the blooms . The Thanksgiving cactus has pointed and pincer - work projections , while the Christmas cactus has more scalloped or tear - driblet shaped projections . Additionally , the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around Thanksgiving , while the Christmas cactus bloom closer to the holiday time of year .
Caroline Bates
