How to Tell Thanksgiving Cactus from Christmas Cactus

If you’ve ever proudly announced, “Look at my Christmas cactus blooming already in November!” …there’s a good chance you were actually showing off a Thanksgiving cactus. These two holiday favorites look so similar that even garden centers mix them up. The good news? Once you know what to look for, telling a Thanksgiving cactus from a Christmas cactus is surprisingly easyand a little bit fun, like plant detective work.

In this guide, you’ll learn the key visual differences, how bloom time and flower shape can give you extra clues, and why it actually matters which one you have (hint: timing and expectations). We’ll also walk through simple care tips that work for both, plus some real-life experiences that will help the differences “stick” in your memory.

Meet the Holiday Cactus “Twins” (That Aren’t Really Twins)

Same rainforest roots, different personalities

Both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti belong to the genus Schlumbergera. They’re tropical epiphytes from Brazilian rainforests, where they grow on trees or rocks, not in sandy deserts. That’s why they prefer bright, indirect light, evenly moist soil (not bone-dry), and a bit of humidityvery different from what you’d give a typical desert cactus.

Botanically speaking:

• Thanksgiving cactus is usually Schlumbergera truncata.
• Christmas cactus is typically Schlumbergera × buckleyi (sometimes listed as S. bridgesii).

Because S. truncata is easier to ship and blooms earlier, it’s the one most often mass-produced and sold as “Christmas cactus” in storeseven when it’s technically a Thanksgiving cactus. That’s why so many people think they own a Christmas cactus when they really don’t.

Quick Visual Cheat Sheet

If you only remember one thing, make it this:

• Thanksgiving cactus = sharp, pointy, clawlike stem edges.
• Christmas cactus = smooth, scalloped, rounded stem edges.

Once you see the difference in segment shape, you’ll never un-see it. But let’s break it down in more detail so you can be 100% sure.

1. Look at the “Leaves” (Stem Segments)

Thanksgiving cactus: spiky and clawlike

Those flat green “leaves” on your plant are actually stem segments called phylloclades. On a Thanksgiving cactus, each segment has 2–4 pronounced, jagged projections that look a bit like tiny crab claws or sharp teeth. The overall outline is angular and spiky.

• Edges look pointed or hooked, not soft.
• The tips can look like little pincers facing outward.
• When you run a finger along the edge (gently!), you can feel those distinct notches.

This is why Thanksgiving cactus is sometimes nicknamed “crab cactus.” Once you notice those claws, you’ll understand why.

Christmas cactus: smooth and scalloped

Christmas cactus segments are softer-looking overall. Instead of sharp projections, the edges are:

• Rounded, scalloped, or teardrop-shaped.
• Smooth to the touch, without those obvious spikes.
• More “wavy” than “toothy.”

Think of the Thanksgiving cactus as having a spiky haircut, while the Christmas cactus is rocking soft waves. Same basic shape, very different outline.

2. Check the Bloom Time (But Don’t Rely on It Alone)

Thanksgiving cactus: earlier in the season

In ideal conditions, Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in November, often right around the Thanksgiving holiday. Some plants may even start in late October and carry into early December.

Christmas cactus: later and closer to Christmas

Christmas cactus usually blooms a bit laterlate November through December, sometimes continuing into January. It lines up more with Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

However, bloom time isn’t perfect as an ID tool. Indoor conditions, light exposure, and temperature can shift the flowering schedule. You might have a Christmas cactus that gets going early or a Thanksgiving cactus that’s fashionably late. Bloom time is a helpful hint, but stem shape is still your number one clue.

3. Study the Flowers Like a Plant Nerd (It Helps!)

Thanksgiving cactus flowers

Thanksgiving cactus blooms are often described as more asymmetrical and tend to stick out more horizontally from the segments.

• Flowers are tubular but a bit one-sided.
• They often flare outward in a “directional” way, like they’re pointing somewhere.
• The pollen is frequently yellow.
• Colors can be vivid: red, magenta, pink, orange, white, and bi-color varieties.

Christmas cactus flowers

Christmas cactus blooms tend to look more symmetrical and can hang or droop a bit more gracefully from the stem tips.

• Flowers are still tubular, but more balanced and layered in appearance.
• The pollen is often pink instead of yellow.
• Flower colors tend to be in the pink to magenta-red range, though hybrids are changing that over time.

If you’re unsure which cactus you have, turn the flower slightly and look at the pollen color and overall symmetryit can be a surprisingly reliable tie-breaker.

4. Notice the Growth Habit

Thanksgiving cactus: upright and energetic

Thanksgiving cacti often grow more upright at first. The segments can angle upward, giving the plant a somewhat bushier, more vertical form when it’s young or freshly pruned.

Christmas cactus: arching and trailing

Christmas cacti tend to have more arched, drooping branches. Over time, the segments cascade over the edge of the pot, creating a soft, trailing effect. This makes Christmas cactus especially beautiful in hanging baskets or on plant stands where the stems can spill over the sides.

Again, this won’t be your primary ID method, but if your plant is dramatically cascading and has smooth, scalloped segments, it’s likely a Christmas cactus.

5. Don’t Forget the Tag (But Also Don’t Trust It Blindly)

Plant labels are useful when they’re correctbut holiday cacti are notorious for being mislabeled. Many stores slap “Christmas cactus” on every Schlumbergera they sell, even if nearly all of them are Thanksgiving cacti.

Use the tag as a hint, not proof. If the tag says “Christmas cactus” but your plant has jagged, clawlike segments and blooms in early November, your plant did not get the memoit’s probably a Thanksgiving cactus.

Why It Actually Matters Which One You Have

Do you have to know if it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus to keep it alive? Not really. Their care is very similar. But knowing what you’ve got helps you:

• Manage expectations: You won’t panic when your “Christmas cactus” blooms in November if you realize it’s actually a Thanksgiving cactus doing its job perfectly.
• Time your decorating: If you like your plants to be in full bloom for a specific holiday, knowing the true identity helps you plan light and temperature adjustments.
• Share accurate cuttings: If you give or trade cuttings with friends and family, it’s nice to label them correctly.

Holiday Cactus Care Tips That Work for Both

Whether your plant is a Thanksgiving or Christmas cactus, these care basics will keep it happy and blooming for years (or even decades).

Light: bright but indirect

Both plants thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, or a bright spot with filtered sun. Hot, direct afternoon sun can scorch the segments, especially behind glass.

• Too little light = fewer blooms, weak growth.
• Too much direct sun = pale, yellowed, or sunburned segments.

Water: more like a tropical plant than a desert cactus

Holiday cacti like their soil to stay slightly moist but never soggy. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot. Always empty the saucer so the roots don’t sit in water.

• Overwatering can lead to root rot, limp stems, and dropped buds.
• Underwatering can cause shriveled segments and fewer flowers.

Soil and pot choice

Use a well-draining potting mixmany growers like a blend of regular indoor potting soil with added perlite, bark, or cactus mix to improve aeration. A pot with drainage holes is non-negotiable.

Temperature and humidity

Ideal temperatures are around 65–75°F (18–24°C) during the day, a bit cooler at night. They appreciate household humidity, and they don’t love dry, heated air in winter. A tray with pebbles and water underneath (without the pot sitting directly in water) or a humidifier nearby can help.

Getting them to rebloom

To encourage blooms each year, both Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti benefit from a “rest period” in fall with:

• Long nights: about 12–14 hours of darkness.
• Cooler temperatures: around 55–60°F (12–15°C) at night.
• Steady care: slightly reduced watering but not bone-dry soil.

After several weeks of this routine, you’ll see small buds forming at the tips of the segments. Once buds are set, avoid sudden changes in light, temperature, or wateringstress can cause buds to drop.

Common Myths and Mistakes with Holiday Cacti

Myth 1: “They’re desert cacti, so barely water them.”

These plants are rainforest epiphytes, not desert dwellers. Treating them like a prickly pear or barrel cactus is a quick path to crispy segments and zero blooms. They like consistent, moderate moisture.

Myth 2: “If it blooms in November, something is wrong.”

If yours blooms in November, it might simply be a Thanksgiving cactus living its best life. Early blooms are not a crisisthey’re a clue to its identity.

Myth 3: “If it’s labeled Christmas cactus, that’s what it is.”

We’ve already broken this one. The label is often just a marketing shortcut. Always verify by looking at the segments.

Common mistake: moving the plant around once buds appear

Holiday cacti really dislike sudden changes when they’re budding. Moving them from room to room, letting them get blasted by hot air vents, or overwatering at this stage can trigger bud drop. Once you see buds, treat the plant like a celebritygently, with minimal chaos.

Real-Life Experiences: Learning to Spot the Difference

One of the reasons Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti are so beloved is that they’re often “family plants.” People inherit them from parents or grandparents, pass cuttings to friends, and move them from house to house like leafy heirlooms. That also means many plants come with a name (“Grandma’s Christmas cactus”) that doesn’t always match their true identity.

Imagine this very common scenario: Someone proudly points to a sprawling, decades-old plant on their windowsill. It blooms reliably every year in mid-November. The segments are sharp and clawlike, and the blooms shoot out horizontally in bright fuchsia. They’ve called it a Christmas cactus since the 1980s. Then one day, they read about leaf shapes, look more closely, and have a revelation: this “Christmas cactus” has been a Thanksgiving cactus all along. The plant didn’t changeonly the owner’s understanding did.

Another typical experience happens right after the holidays. You pick up a “Christmas cactus” on clearance in early January because it still has a few buds left. At home, you notice those segments are very jagged, and the plant seems to stand upright instead of draping. The next year, it bursts into bloom well before Thanksgiving. Instead of being disappointed that your “Christmas” show is early, you can smile and say, “Ah, so you’re a Thanksgiving cactus. Good to know.”

People who grow both types side by side often report that identification gets easier every year. They’ll mark one pot “T” and the other “C,” then watch how each behaves:

• The “T” plant sharpens its claws and puts on a show in November.
• The “C” plant trails more dramatically and waits for December to shine.

Some growers even use their plants as a seasonal timer. When the Thanksgiving cactus starts setting buds, they know the holidays are truly on the way. When the Christmas cactus joins in, they shift into full winter celebration mode. It becomes less about strict labels and more about rhythmthe way each plant marks its part of the year.

Another useful habit is to take photos of your plant each season. Snap a close-up of the segments, a picture of the flower color and shape, and a quick shot of the whole plant. Over time, you’ll build your own visual reference library. You’ll be able to scroll back and see patterns: “Oh, it bloomed around the same week last year,” or “Look how much more droopy and trailing it looks now compared to three years ago.” That’s plant ID meets scrapbook.

New plant parents often share the same “aha” moment: once they’ve seen one clear Thanksgiving cactus and one clear Christmas cactus in person, the differences become obvious. Pictures help, but seeing the segments up closethe teeth versus the smooth scallopslocks the knowledge in. Many people then go through a mini-obsession phase where they inspect every holiday cactus they encounter, mentally sorting them into “T” and “C” like a secret game.

Over time, you may start to appreciate that the exact label matters less than understanding what your particular plant prefers. Maybe your so-called Christmas cactus blooms in late November every single year, no matter what. Maybe it likes a slightly cooler room than the others, or tends to set buds on only one side if you don’t rotate it. These small, personal observations turn general care tips into a custom manual for your plant.

That’s ultimately the best “experience-based” advice with Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti: learn the textbook differences, then pay attention to what your individual plant does. Use the spiky vs. smooth segments to identify it, note its bloom pattern, and keep a mental (or actual) journal of what works. Within a couple of seasons, you’ll go from confused to confidentand you’ll never mix up those holiday cacti again.

Final Thoughts

Telling Thanksgiving cactus from Christmas cactus doesn’t require a botany degreejust a good look at the segments, a glance at the flowers, and some awareness of when your plant likes to bloom. Sharp, clawlike edges and early blooms? Thanksgiving cactus. Smooth, scalloped segments with a more trailing habit and later blooms? Christmas cactus.

Once you know who’s who, you can better time your holiday displays, share accurately labeled cuttings, and impress your plant-loving friends with your new ID skills. And no matter which one you have, the basics are the same: bright, indirect light, moderate moisture, a little cool darkness in fall, and a lot of appreciation when those colorful blooms show up right on cue.