Thanksgiving Cactus
The False Christmas Cactus
Unique care requirements separate this cactus from its spiny, desert-dwelling cousins.
The Thanksgiving cactus, also known by the latin name Shlumbergera truncata, is a type of cactus native to the cool, moist and humid rainforests of Brazil, where it clings to rocks and tree branches instead of growing in the ground. Despite belonging to the same scientific family called Cactaceae, these are not the stereotypical prickly, spiny, heat-loving plants that most people associate with cacti. Instead, the Thanksgiving cactus has soft, fleshy, flattened leaf-like stems and tubular, 1-3 inch flowers that come in shades of pink, red, white, orange, and golden yellow. Plants typically bloom from November to January, and may occasionally rebloom again in the spring.
How do I care for a Thanksgiving cactus?
A Thanksgiving cactus is very easy to care for and does well as an indoor houseplant. It prefers bright, indirect light - make sure to avoid direct sun, or the stems will “sunburn” and turn purple.
Water every 1-2 weeks, when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely, and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Fertilize plants monthly in early spring and summer with an all-purpose, water-soluble 20-20-20 indoor plant fertilizer (Like Jack’s Classic All Purpose). Prune in late winter, when flowering has finished, by pinching off the stem segments with your fingers.
The Thanksgiving cactus prefers to be pot bound, and can be repotted every 3-4 years in the spring. In its native environments, these cacti are often found growing on trees or rocks rather than in soil, drawing nutrients and moisture from the air and organic matter around them. To replicate these conditions in cultivation, it's essential to provide a well-draining and free-flowing potting soil mix. Use a potting blend that has approximately 80% cactus potting soil mix and 20% perlite, and make sure the pot has drainage holes. Drainage holes are a must for preventing waterlogged roots.
To encourage your Thanksgiving cactus to develop buds and rebloom, it should have 6-8 weeks of lower temperatures (55 - 65 degrees), and 14 hours or more of continuous darkness per day. To create these conditions, move the plant into a cool, dark closet or garage for 14 hours or more per day, or place a box over it. After 6-8 weeks of this treatment, buds should form and the plant can be moved back to its regular home, just in time to bloom for the Thanksgiving holiday.
When cared for correctly, Thanksgiving cacti can be extremely long-lived plants, often living up to 100 years and getting passed down through family generations!
Where can you get a Thanksgiving cactus?
Each year, starting in early November, the Thanksgiving cactus is readily available in plant shops, local nurseries, grocery stores, and big box centers. Plants are frequently shipped to stores either heavily budded and ready to bloom, or already in bloom. The Thanksgiving cactus is frequently labeled incorrectly and sold as a Christmas cactus. However, a true Christmas cactus is not commonly available to purchase in most retail settings due to having fragile, breakable foliage.
To encourage flower bud development, move your Thanksgiving cactus into a cool, dark closet or garage for 14 hours or more per day.
What is the difference between Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus and Easter cactus?
The Thanksgiving cactus can easily be confused with cousins Christmas cactus (Shlumbergera bridgesii) and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri). The Thanksgiving cactus has pointy tips on each stem segment, and blooms around Thanksgiving time; a Christmas cactus blooms a month later, and has rounder stem segments; an Easter cactus blooms in the spring time and has rounder, smooth stem segments and a more delicate, pointy, star-shaped flower.
The Thanksgiving cactus has pointy tips on each stem segment.
Is the Thanksgiving cactus poisonous to cats and dogs?
Thanksgiving cacti are non-toxic to cats.
The Thanksgiving cactus is non-toxic to cats and dogs. Unlike some other types of cacti that may have spines or irritating substances, Thanksgiving cacti are typically safe for pets. However, it's always a good idea to monitor your pets around plants and consult with a veterinarian if you have specific concerns or if your pet shows any signs of illness after contact with the plant.
Learn more about plants poisonous to dogs and cats in “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs?” and “Does your Cat Eat your Houseplants?”, or visit the ASPCA’s website.
Why is my Thanksgiving cactus turning purple?
Bright, direct light - too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves of the Thanksgiving cactus to produce an overabundance of the purple pigment anthocyanin. Thanksgiving cacti generally prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Try moving your plant to a location out of harsh, direct sun.
Nutrient deficiency - a lack of essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, can result in changes in leaf color. Consider fertilizing your Thanksgiving cactus with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer designed for houseplants during the growing season.
Temperature - Thanksgiving cacti tend to appreciate cooler temperatures during their resting period. Exposure to excessively high temperatures from direct sun or heating vents can sometimes lead to discoloration. Try moving your cactus to a spot away from these triggering situations.
Improper watering - Overwatering or underwatering can stress the plant and lead to changes in leaf color. Water every 1-2 weeks, when the top inch of soil feels dry. Do not let the soil dry out completely. Good drainage is a must - make sure the pot or planter has drainage holes so water can drain freely out the bottom, and use a potting mix that is loose and well-draining. For a good ratio, mix 80% potting soil with 20% perlite.
The leaves of this Thanksgiving cactus are turning purple. Time to assess the plant’s location, watering and fertilizing schedule!