By John Green, Certified Texas Expert Gardener, Orange County TX
Gardeners, we have finally received desperately needed rainfall over the past several days and while some areas of SETX received generous rainfall amounts, more is needed to remove the deficit. We continue experiencing warm weather patterns (typical for us) and there will be significant temperature changes soon. According to a 30-day weather forecast, daytime temperature will soon be shifting downward into the 60’s, perhaps in time for Thanksgiving!
Holiday cacti are prevalent with multi-tiered nursery racks appearing at many market locations, loaded with colorful assortments of blooming Thanksgiving cacti in varied sizes. Always the gardener and searching for additions (or replacements) to increase my collection…and so begins the search for the “perfect” Thanksgiving cactus (cacti…since I always purchase multiples). My ‘concept’ of perfection is a plant which is “V-shaped” with large buds, and mostly unopened
blooms.
The differences in leaf structure are small, yet the growing media, and light requirements are similar for each of the three holiday cacti varieties. The images depict slight differences between the three types of holidaycacti (courtesy: worldofsucclents.com).
Holiday cacti are epiphytes which originated from the rainforests of Brazil. The cacti produce blooms which vary in color from bright orange, red, and purple to subtle pink and white variations. There are three varieties which are considered holiday cacti: Thanksgiving (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas (Schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri). The three cacti varieties are similar in appearance and have similar needs, yet there are differences.
Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)
Schlumbergera truncata (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) better known as Thanksgiving Cactus are available in a wide variety of colors (Courtesy:houseplantjournal.com Farmersalamanac.com).
The leaves of Thanksgiving cactus plants are flat and wide, having small, serrated edges. These plants often bloom in shades of pink, yellow, white, or red, which is notably a bright contrast to traditional fall décor. The blooms can last from two to four months, but a dormant stage is necessary (lower light and cooler temps) for them to flower again. The most important aspect to consider while caring for Thanksgiving cactus is watering. Carefully provide the amount of water necessary to keep the soil moist. The soil needs to remain moist, but it will not tolerate being overly saturated or having “wet feet”.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera Bridgesii)
Christmas cacti are often mistakenly identified as Thanksgiving cacti since both varieties are similar in appearance. A noticeable difference (inspection of the leave structure) where ‘rounded edges’ are a distinction between the two plants (courtesy castuseros.com).
Incredibly, Christmas cacti very much look like Thanksgiving cacti; in fact, they are often mistaken for one another, but there are a few notable differences. Some of the differences include stems, leaf shape and blooming period. The Christmas cactus has very flat stems with broad leaves, which have rounded indentations. The leaves are also segmented, but they look completely different when closely inspected.
Typically, blooms are red and white, but yellow and white are not uncommon. For optimal growth, the plant requires an ambient temperature near 68 degrees Fahrenheit with lots of bright, indirect sunlight. The plant’s soil should be kept moist, but do not overwater the plant. Make certain the soil drains well, since these plants do not appreciate sitting in water.
Christmas cacti should bloom at or near the Christmas holiday. To ensure that this occurs, forcing the plant into a dormant state may be necessary, meaning the plant will need 12 hours of darkness daily, less water, and ambient temperature reduced to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The dormant period should be started at the beginning of October, lasting for 5 to 6 weeks.
Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis Gaetneri)
Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaetneri) –(courtesy: gardeningknowhow.com).
The main difference between these plants is that Easter cactus blooms during spring. Budding typically begins in March, and blooms can normally be enjoyed during April and May. The leaves also vary slightly from the other two cacti reviewed. Easter cactus leaves are segmented and broad, but they have small bristles (like whiskers) at the ends of the foliage which helps to distinguish them. Additionally, flower petal tips are more defined, have sharper details, and are more star-shaped than the other cactus types.
Easter cactus blooms are brighter in coloration, and the color range is from vivid pinks, reds, to royal purple petals. There are a few variations which produce white blooms, though not as common and the bloom color is less vivid. These plants require the same indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, but they are especially sensitive to excess water! Speaking from experience and I’m hoping that you will learn from my mistakes! Allow the top of the soil to thoroughly dry before watering Easter cactus. These plants can be stubborn (too much shade or direct sunlight will be detrimental) causing issues such as root fungus (root rot) or sun burn (sun scald). There are no tricks to getting an Easter cactus to produce exceptional blooms. The easiest method is to place the plant outdoors from May through October. The perfect outdoor location is a shady spot that receives morning sun. Once autumn arrives (mid-October), return the plant indoors to rest during the winter months. Direct sunlight should be limited and reduce watering during the resting period. The optimal temperature range is between 45 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which for most gardeners is not achievable. These plants will flower quite nicely if the temperature can be maintained between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Buds will begin to appear in late February or early March.
Holiday Cacti Differences
While each of the holiday cactus plants tend to look similar, pay closer attention and look more carefully at the leaves, as this is the best way to tell the three plants apart from one another, other than the time of year that they bloom. If the plant has broad, thin leaves with three pointed edges on each side, it’s a Thanksgiving cactus. A Christmas cactus also has segmented leaves, but they are rounder with small indentations and no pointy edges. Easter cactus leaf segments are thicker than the other two cacti’s leaf segments but without pointy edges or indentations. Easter cactus leaf segments will have small bristles on the edges which look like whiskers. So, the easiest way to remember the differences between the three holiday cacti are as follows:
Thanksgiving cacti have the spikiest stem segment, and the bloom pollen is yellow
Christmas cactus leaf segments are rounder, less spiky and its bloom pollen is pink
Easter cacti have leaf segments with gently rounded edges that have bristles protruding from leaf segments.
Cacti Growing Tips for Success
All holiday cacti must be forced to bloom.
Start the process about two months before the blooming period, mark the calendar to know when to begin.
This requires a few weeks of less sunlight & water, and longer periods of uninterrupted darkness.
Do not overwater these plants as they are extremely sensitive to excess water, especially the Easter cactus.
Heat fluctuation (high temps & dry air) are not ideal for holiday cacti.
Mist the leaves to increase humidity around the plants, as most of our homes have much less humidity
Until next time fellow gardeners, let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener and more sustainable world, one ‘holiday cacti’ at a time! Please send your gardening questions to: jongreene57@gmail.com.
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