Thanksgiving Cactus vs Christmas Cactus: How to Tell Them Apart
Quick answer: Thanksgiving cactus typically has pointed, claw-like edges on its flattened stem segments, while Christmas cactus has smoother, more rounded or scalloped segment edges.
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Care tools both can use
- Long-spout watering can (paid link)
- XLUX T10 moisture meter (paid link)
- Espoma Organic Perlite (paid link)
Thanksgiving cactus
Schlumbergera truncata has more pointed segment edges and commonly flowers earlier in the holiday season.
Christmas cactus
Christmas cactus types generally have smoother, more scalloped segment margins and often flower later.
Care is more similar than different
Both prefer bright filtered light, good drainage and a watering routine that is more moisture-tolerant than desert cactus care.
FAQ
Why are Thanksgiving cacti sold as Christmas cacti?
Thanksgiving cactus is widely sold during the holiday shopping season and is often broadly labeled as Christmas cactus.