Festive Holiday Cacti: Easter vs. Thanksgiving vs. Christmas

Holiday cacti, such as the Easter cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Christmas cactus, are popular plants that bring joy to our holiday decorations. Each of these holiday cacti has its own unique characteristics that set them apart. Let’s explore the key differences among them.

Holiday Cacti Leaf Shapes

Easter Cactus

  • The Easter cactus has rounded leaves, giving it a balanced and uniform appearance.
  • Its flowers are more star shaped.
Easter cactus leafygreens holiday cacti
Source: IG/leafygreens_
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Thanksgiving Cactus

  • The Thanksgiving cactus has the pointiest and most claw-shaped projections along the edges of its leaves, creating a dramatic and distinctive look for this holiday cacti.
Thanksgiving cactus ptbooster holiday cacti
Source: IG/ptbooster

Christmas Cactus

  • The Christmas cactus has leaf projections that are scalloped or tear-drop shaped, adding to its charm.
Holiday cacti: christmas cactus
Source: IG/_.phospheness._

Holiday Cacti Flower Colors

Easter Cactus

  • The Easter cactus produces flowers in a variety of colors, including pink, orange, red, and white.
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Thanksgiving Cactus

  • The Thanksgiving cactus also offers a range of colors, such as white, pink, salmon, orange, and even yellow.
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Christmas Cactus

  • The Christmas cactus blooms with purplish-red flowers, capturing the essence of the holiday season.
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Holiday Cacti Blooming Time

Easter Cactus

  • The Easter cactus takes longer to bloom and requires 8-12 weeks of shorter daylight hours, aligning with the Easter season.

Thanksgiving Cactus

  • The Thanksgiving cactus blooms relatively quicker, typically taking about 6 weeks of shorter days.

Christmas Cactus

  • The Christmas cactus also blooms in approximately 6 weeks, adapting to the shorter daylight hours.

Holiday Cacti Genus

Easter Cactus

  • The Easter cactus belongs to the genus Rhipsalidopsis, also known as Hatiora.

Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus

  • The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) both belong to the genus Schlumbergera, despite their distinct identities.

While the Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas cacti may look similar, their leaf shapes, flower colors, blooming times, and even their botanical classification distinguish them from one another. Understanding these differences can help you choose the perfect cactus to complement your holiday decorations. Whether it’s the Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas cactus, armed with this knowledge, you can appreciate the unique beauty they bring to your home during the festive season.

What next?

Now that you’ve mastered the art of identifying holiday cacti, it’s time to delve into the essential care practices that will keep your festive plants thriving all year round. Understanding the unique characteristics of each type of holiday cactus—whether it’s the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, or Easter cactus—is just the beginning. Proper care and maintenance are crucial to ensure that these beautiful plants continue to bloom and bring joy to your home. In the next post, we’ll explore expert tips and techniques for nurturing your holiday cacti, from optimal watering schedules to the best soil mixes and light conditions. By implementing these care strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy vibrant, healthy holiday cacti that flourish season after season. 

Let’s get into it! Holiday Cacti Care