Holiday cacti are the perfect way to add festive cheer to your home during the winter holidays. These plants are easy to grow and can even be passed down from generation to generation. I bought my first holiday cactus a few years ago, and she is still going strong. Not only has she reliably bloomed over each Thanksgiving, Betsy (yes, I named her) has also blessed me with intermittent red and white blooms throughout the year.
There are three types of holiday cacti:
First up is the Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus. These two are in the Schlumbergera genus and both bloom in the cooler seasons. Officially, both cacti need long periods of cool temperatures and darkness to bloom and require six weeks of at least 12 hours per day in cool, dim conditions before they set buds. However, Betsy has happily lived, fuss-free, on a plant table near a south-facing window for years.
The Thanksgiving cactus has clawed edges on the leaf and is sometimes called Crab cactus. The Christmas cactus has notched edges, but they are not as pointed. Both cacti have tubular, brightly colored flowers that will brighten up any room.
Here is a photo of Betsy, A Thanksgiving cactus, in all her glory:
Next, we have the Easter cactus. This beauty is in the genus Rhipsalidopsis or Hatiora and needs a much longer cool and low light period to form flowers. Easter cactus plants have flat, star-shaped flowers and smoother leaf edges with no notches. I haven’t tried to grow an Easter cactus yet but hope to add one of these to my home in January.
To care for these plants, it’s important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. They prefer bright, indirect light and should be kept away from drafts and heat sources. With proper care, these plants can bloom for many years and add a festive touch to your home not only during the holiday season, but also year-round.
