Holiday plants and cacti
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Christmas Cactus vs. Thanksgiving Cactus: How to Tell Them Apart

Though often confused—and frequently mislabeled—Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus are distinct holiday favorites with unique traits. Both belong to the Schlumbergera family and produce vibrant blooms, but a closer look reveals clear differences in their appearance, timing, and growth habits.

Bloom Time
The most reliable way to distinguish them is by their flowering season. Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in late fall, often from mid-November through early December. Christmas cactus, on the other hand, usually flowers closer to late December and into January. Their bloom times reflect their natural rhythms and give each plant its own seasonal charm.

Stem Shape
Their segmented stems—called cladodes—are another easy identifier. Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw-like edges on each segment, giving it a more jagged appearance. Christmas cactus features smoother, scalloped edges that appear rounded rather than sharp.

Growth Habit
Thanksgiving cactus tends to have a more upright, arching growth habit, while Christmas cactus grows with softer, more pendulous stems. This gives Christmas cactus a cascading look that's especially striking in hanging baskets.

Whether you prefer the earlier blooms of the Thanksgiving cactus or the classic holiday timing of the Christmas cactus, both offer long-lasting color and charm—making them treasured additions to winter plant collections.