Thanksgiving Cactus vs. Christmas Cactus: How to Tell Them Apart

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Is your Christmas cactus blooming before Christmas? You might actually have a Thanksgiving cactus! These two popular holiday houseplants look remarkably similar, but there is an easy way to tell them apart.

The biggest difference between a Thanksgiving cactus and a Christmas cactus is the shape of their flattened stem segments. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) has pointed, claw-like edges, while the true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi) has smoother, rounded, scalloped edges.

Blooming time can also provide a clue. Thanksgiving cactus generally flowers earlier in the fall, while Christmas cactus typically blooms closer to December. However, temperature and light exposure can affect when either plant flowers.

I have grown both types for years, and I’ve noticed that many plants sold as Christmas cactus in garden centers are actually Thanksgiving cactus!

In fact, I have several beautiful Thanksgiving cacti in different colors, but my true Christmas cactus originally came from a cutting of my mother’s plant.

If you’ve ever wondered which holiday cactus you have, I’ll show you exactly what to look for, using photos of my own plants to make identifying them easy.

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Thanksgiving Cactus vs. Christmas Cactus at a Glance

Feature	Thanksgiving Cactus	Christmas Cactus
Botanical Name	Schlumbergera truncata	Schlumbergera × buckleyi
Stem Shape	Pointed, claw-like edges	Smooth, rounded, scalloped edges
Typical Bloom Time	October–November	November–January
Flower Direction	Blooms extend outward or slightly upward	Blooms generally hang downward
Flower Shape	Asymmetrical, with swept-back petals	More symmetrical, drooping flowers
Anther Color	Usually yellow	Typically purplish-brown
Availability	Commonly sold in garden centers	Less commonly available commercially
Growing Conditions	Bright, indirect light; well-draining soil	Bright, indirect light; well-draining soil

One important detail worth mentioning is that many modern holiday cacti are hybrids, so their characteristics can sometimes fall between the traditional types.

3 Easy Ways to Tell Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus Apart

Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus look so much alike that it’s easy to confuse them. To make matters worse, many garden centers and grocery stores sell Thanksgiving cacti labeled as Christmas cacti!

Fortunately, there are a few simple differences you can look for to identify which holiday cactus you have.

And you don’t have to wait for your plant to bloom to figure it out!

1. Look at the Stem Segments (The Easiest Way!)

The easiest and most reliable way to tell a Thanksgiving cactus from a Christmas cactus is to examine the shape of its flattened green stem segments.

Although we commonly call these leaves, they are actually modified stems that perform the same job as leaves.

Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Thanksgiving cactus has distinctly pointed, claw-like projections along the edges of its stem segments.

These little points give the plant a somewhat jagged appearance, which is why Thanksgiving cactus is sometimes called Crab Cactus or Lobster Cactus.

The pointed edges are especially noticeable on mature stem segments.

Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi)

A true Christmas cactus has smoother, more rounded stem segments with gently scalloped edges.

Instead of the sharp, claw-like points found on Thanksgiving cactus, the edges form soft, rounded curves.

The overall appearance is a little more delicate, and the stems often have a graceful, arching growth habit.

My Tip: If you’re unsure which holiday cactus you have, don’t worry about when it blooms. Just look closely at the edges of the stem segments. Those pointed or rounded edges are usually all you need to identify your plant!

I have both types growing here at Flower Patch Farmhouse, and when you see them side by side, the difference becomes quite obvious.

Here is a photo of mine. Can you tell the difference?

2. Compare the Flowers

If your holiday cactus is blooming, its flowers can provide another clue to its identity.

Both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti produce gorgeous, tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, white, and other colors. The flowers may look similar at first glance, but their shape and growing direction are a little different.

Thanksgiving Cactus Flowers

Thanksgiving cactus flowers typically extend outward or slightly upward from the ends of the stem segments.

The blooms are asymmetrical, with petals that sweep backward, almost giving them a winged appearance.

If you look closely at the center of the flower, you’ll usually notice yellow anthers. These are the little pollen-bearing structures at the ends of the stamens.

I have several colors of Thanksgiving cactus, and each one is beautiful in its own way.

One of my favorites is a white variety with flowers that almost seem to shimmer in the light. I also grow a colorful variety called Exotic Dancer, with its gorgeous mixture of orange, red, and fuchsia-pink.

These plants put on such a lovely show when much of the outdoor garden has finished blooming for the season.

Christmas Cactus Flowers

True Christmas cactus flowers generally hang downward rather than extending outward.

Their petals are arranged in a more symmetrical pattern, giving the blooms a softer, drooping appearance.

Another difference is the color of the anthers. On a true Christmas cactus, they are typically purplish-brown rather than yellow.

My true Christmas cactus came from a cutting of my mother’s plant, which makes it especially meaningful to me.

While I enjoy collecting different colors of Thanksgiving cactus, there is something wonderful about growing a plant that has been passed along through the family.

Keep in mind: Flower characteristics can vary somewhat among hybrids, so I still recommend examining the stem segments for the most dependable identification.

3. Pay Attention to Blooming Time

The third way to distinguish a Thanksgiving cactus from a Christmas cactus is by observing when it flowers.

However, this method comes with a little warning!

Although their common names suggest specific blooming times, these plants don’t always follow the calendar.

When Does Thanksgiving Cactus Bloom?

Thanksgiving cactus generally begins blooming in late fall, often from October through November.

This is why so many people are surprised when the plant they purchased as a Christmas cactus starts setting buds well before December.

Chances are, they have a Thanksgiving cactus instead!

When Does Christmas Cactus Bloom?

True Christmas cactus generally flowers a little later, often beginning in December and sometimes continuing into January.

But here’s where things get interesting.

Blooming time is influenced by growing conditions, especially temperature and the length of uninterrupted darkness. Holiday cacti need 12- 14 hours of darkness to set blooms.

Cooler temperatures and shorter days encourage holiday cacti to form flower buds.

This means a Thanksgiving cactus can bloom at Christmas, and a Christmas cactus may flower earlier or later than expected.

In fact, my own holiday cacti have surprised me by blooming again in June!

What I’ve Learned From Growing Holiday Cacti

I don’t go to great lengths to force my holiday cacti to bloom.

During the summer, I keep them outdoors in a bright location protected from strong, direct sunlight.

As nighttime temperatures begin dropping in the fall, I bring them into my studio cottage or house.

Here in Northern California, that usually happens sometime in October, depending on the weather.

Often, the plants have already started forming flower buds before I bring them inside.

I’ve found that providing suitable growing conditions and allowing the plants to respond naturally to seasonal changes works well for me.

So while blooming time can help you identify your holiday cactus, it shouldn’t be the only characteristic you consider.

What About Easter Cactus?

There’s actually a third holiday cactus that often gets confused with Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti: the Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri).

Although they look similar, Easter cactus has a few distinguishing features.

Its flattened green stem segments have rounded, gently scalloped edges, somewhat like a Christmas cactus. However, Easter cactus segments often have tiny bristles at the tips and along the edges.

The flowers are another giveaway! Unlike the tubular blooms of Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, Easter cactus produces more open, star-shaped flowers in shades of pink, red, orange, or white.

And, as its name suggests, Easter cactus typically blooms in spring, often around March or April.

Like its holiday cousins, Easter cactus appreciates bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.

Quick Tip: If your holiday cactus has rounded stem segments and produces star-shaped flowers in spring, you may have an Easter cactus rather than a Christmas cactus!

Which Identification Method Is Most Reliable?

If you’re trying to determine whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus or a true Christmas cactus, start by examining the stem segments.

Pointed, claw-like edges usually indicate Thanksgiving cactus, while smooth, rounded edges are characteristic of a true Christmas cactus.

Flower shape and blooming time can provide additional clues, but they aren’t quite as dependable on their own.

And remember, regardless of which holiday cactus you have, both are wonderful, long-lived houseplants that can provide beautiful blooms for many years.

Why Are Thanksgiving Cacti Sold as Christmas Cacti?

Have you ever purchased a Christmas cactus only to have it bloom weeks before Christmas? There’s a good chance you actually brought home a Thanksgiving cactus!

Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is much more commonly sold in garden centers, grocery stores, and big-box stores than the true Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi).

One reason is that Thanksgiving cactus is well suited to commercial greenhouse production. Growers can schedule its flowering for the holiday shopping season, making it a popular choice for stores.

And since most shoppers are familiar with the name Christmas cactus, these plants are often marketed under that name regardless of which type they actually are.

This has caused plenty of confusion over the years!

True Christmas cactus is less commonly found in stores. Many of the older plants have been passed down through families, shared as cuttings between friends, or grown for generations.

That’s how I got mine. My true Christmas cactus came from a cutting of my mother’s plant, and I treasure it just as much for its history as for its beautiful flowers.

My Tip: The next time you see a Christmas cactus for sale, take a close look at the stem segments. If they have pointed, claw-like edges, you’re probably looking at a Thanksgiving cactus, no matter what the label says!

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with either plant. Both are beautiful, easy-to-grow houseplants that can brighten your home when the outdoor garden is winding down.

Related: Best Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus Care Tips

Do Thanksgiving and Christmas Cacti Need Different Care?

The good news is that Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus have very similar growing requirements. So, whether you’ve discovered that your Christmas cactus is actually a Thanksgiving cactus or you have both types, you can care for them in much the same way.

Unlike the desert cacti many people are familiar with, these holiday cacti are native to the tropical forests of Brazil, where they grow in trees and rocky crevices.

That means they appreciate bright, indirect light, a well-draining potting mix, and regular watering without staying constantly soggy.

How I Grow My Holiday Cacti

I like to move my holiday cacti outdoors during the warmer months, where they can enjoy the fresh air and bright light.

I keep them protected from strong, direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch their stem segments, especially during our hot Northern California summers.

As the weather begins cooling in the fall, I watch the nighttime temperatures and bring my plants inside before frost threatens.

Often, they’ve already started developing flower buds by then!

I don’t fuss over complicated schedules to force them into bloom. The naturally shortening days and cooler fall temperatures usually do the job for me.

Once they’re indoors, I give them a bright spot away from excessive heat and try to keep their growing conditions reasonably consistent.

Sudden changes in temperature, watering, or light can sometimes cause developing flower buds to drop, so I avoid unnecessary stress while they’re getting ready to bloom.

A Few Simple Care Tips

Whether you’re growing Thanksgiving cactus or Christmas cactus, remember these basics:

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh afternoon sun.
• Water: Water when the upper portion of the potting mix begins to dry, rather than keeping the roots constantly wet.
• Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix that allows excess water to escape easily.
• Temperature: Protect plants from freezing temperatures and extreme heat.
• Flowering: Shorter days and cooler temperatures help encourage flower bud formation.
• Repotting: These plants don’t need frequent repotting and often bloom happily when slightly snug in their containers.

I’ve found that holiday cacti are surprisingly forgiving plants once you understand what they need.

And one of the things I love most about them is how easily they can be propagated from cuttings. That’s how so many of these treasured plants get passed along from one generation to the next.

If you’d like more detailed instructions, including watering, feeding, repotting, and encouraging those beautiful holiday blooms, visit my complete [Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus Care Guide].

Whether your plant blooms in November, December, or even surprises you with flowers at another time of year, it’s a lovely addition to your houseplant collection.

Want to know how I rooted my cuttings? I have 100% success rate!

  Or I could just give them a good prune, click here if you want to see how that is done.

Happy Holiday Cactus Growing!

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