Thanksgiving Cactus
Thanksgiving
cacti thrive with bright, indirect light, moist but not soggy soil, and
cooler temperatures in the fall to encourage blooming. They prefer a
well-draining soil mix and should be fertilized during the growing
season, with a reduced amount in the fall.
Not sure which festive cactus you’re caring for!! Here’s how to identify Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter cacti:
1. Christmas Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Rounded edges with subtle scalloping.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late December, perfect for the holidays.
- Color Palette: Red, pink, peach, or white.
2. Thanksgiving Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Sharp, pointed edges that resemble crab claws.
- Bloom Time: Late fall, around November.
- Color Palette: Pink, red, orange, and white blooms.
3. Easter Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Smooth, rounded segments with slight bristles at the edges.
- Bloom Time: Early spring, usually March or April.
- Color Palette: Bright pink, purple, or red flowers.
Fun Fact: Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are both available in our
greenhouse right now! Stop by to brighten up your holiday season!
1. Christmas Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Rounded edges with subtle scalloping.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late December, perfect for the holidays.
- Color Palette: Red, pink, peach, or white.
2. Thanksgiving Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Sharp, pointed edges that resemble crab claws.
- Bloom Time: Late fall, around November.
- Color Palette: Pink, red, orange, and white blooms.
3. Easter Cactus:
- Leaf Shape: Smooth, rounded segments with slight bristles at the edges.
- Bloom Time: Early spring, usually March or April.
- Color Palette: Bright pink, purple, or red flowers.
Fun Fact: Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are both available in our
greenhouse right now! Stop by to brighten up your holiday season! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To properly care for a
Thanksgiving cactus, ensure it receives bright, indirect light, water it
when the top inch of soil is dry, and maintain a cool temperature
during the fall to encourage blooming. Provide a well-draining potting
mix and fertilize during the growing season.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Light:
Thanksgiving cacti need bright, indirect light, especially during the fall and winter.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Rotating the plant regularly ensures even growth and blooms on all sides.
2. Watering:
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Water thoroughly when you do water, allowing excess water to drain out.
Reduce watering during the winter dormancy period.
3. Temperature:
Thanksgiving cacti prefer cooler temperatures, around 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and 55-60°F (13-15°C) at night, especially in the fall.
This temperature difference helps initiate flower bud formation.
4. Humidity:
These cacti appreciate higher humidity, especially during bloom.
You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water or using a humidifier.
5. Soil:
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
Avoid dense potting soil that can lead to root rot.
6. Fertilization:
Fertilize with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce feeding in the fall and winter.
7. Pruning:
Prune after the blooming season to encourage bushier growth.
You can also use the cuttings for propagation.
8. Repotting:
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
9. Blooms:
Ensure the plant gets at least 12 hours of darkness per day during the fall to encourage blooming.
Remove any spent blooms to encourage new growth.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
1. Light:
Thanksgiving cacti need bright, indirect light, especially during the fall and winter.
Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
Rotating the plant regularly ensures even growth and blooms on all sides.
2. Watering:
Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Water thoroughly when you do water, allowing excess water to drain out.
Reduce watering during the winter dormancy period.
3. Temperature:
Thanksgiving cacti prefer cooler temperatures, around 60-70°F (15-21°C) during the day and 55-60°F (13-15°C) at night, especially in the fall.
This temperature difference helps initiate flower bud formation.
4. Humidity:
These cacti appreciate higher humidity, especially during bloom.
You can increase humidity by placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water or using a humidifier.
5. Soil:
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark.
Avoid dense potting soil that can lead to root rot.
6. Fertilization:
Fertilize with a balanced, diluted fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).
Reduce feeding in the fall and winter.
7. Pruning:
Prune after the blooming season to encourage bushier growth.
You can also use the cuttings for propagation.
8. Repotting:
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
9. Blooms:
Ensure the plant gets at least 12 hours of darkness per day during the fall to encourage blooming.
Remove any spent blooms to encourage new growth.
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