Holiday cacti are a group of succulent plants native to rainforests of Brazil. They are known for their colorful and showy blooms, which typically appear in late fall, early winter and spring, making them popular houseplants during the holiday seasons.
The three most common types of holiday cacti are the Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (schlumbergera bridgesii), and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri).
Holiday cacti are epiphytes, which means they grow on rocks and other plants in their native home, but can also be grown in soil. They have flat, segmented stems that store water, and small, needle-like leaves that grow along the segments.
The blooms of holiday cacti are typically pink, red, white, or orange, and are produced at the tips of the stems.
Holiday cacti require bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are prone to root rot and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Additionally, they should not sit in any standing water.
Fertilizing holiday cacti every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and blooming. They also need magnesium which can be provided by fertilizing with a solution of epsom salt.
Holiday cacti are generally easy to care for and can live for many years in the right growth conditions. Insect pests and diseases can be a problem in negected plants. These plants can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and rooting them in moist soil.
Below are detailed articles on important care requirements for holiday cacti plants.
The Thanksgiving cactus is a low-maintenance houseplant that blooms in late fall around the Thanksgiving season in the United States. The beautiful flowers come in shades of yellow, pink, red, and white and last about five to six weeks under good care. To get the Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, keep it in a cool room…
The Christmas cactus is characterized by fleshy flat, segmented stems that are typically green. New growth on the plant may start red on the tip of the stem. Unusual spots on the leaves can be a sign of several issues that are affecting the plant’s health. Yellow spots on a Christmas cactus might form due…
The Christmas cactus is a stunning houseplant that blooms in the dead of winter producing colorful flowers. Christmas cactus leaves turning purple is commonly a sign of distress from an issue that’s affecting its health and growth. Reasons for Christmas cactus discoloration may include overwatering, too much direct sunlight, nutrient deficiency, and extreme temperature. Generally,…
Easter cactus leaves wrinkled
The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a popular houseplant known for its colorful blooms that appear around the Thanksgiving holiday. Propagating the plant is a great way to increase your houseplant collection or to share the beauty with friends and family. Thanksgiving cactus can be propagated through several methods, including stem cuttings and division. No…
Christmas cactus is known to bloom from December to January, allowing the owners to enjoy beautiful flowers during the winter holiday. This short-day plant typically blooms in response to changes in light and temperature. So, why is my Christmas cactus blooming in June? The Christmas cactus can bloom any time of the year if overexposed…
Christmas cactus and Easter cactus are popular holiday plants due to their colorful blooms during the winter holidays. While they share many similarities, they also have some notable differences. Typically, they are different in their blooming time and the shape of their leaves. The Christmas cactus blooms in mid-winter, around Christmas, and has flat stem…
The Christmas cactus is popular for its beautifully segmented stems and colorful flowers that form during winter. The cactus comes in different variations that bloom in shades of pink, red, purple, orange, and white. If you just bought or gifted a Christmas cactus, perhaps you are wondering, how often does it bloom? The Christmas cactus…
Beautiful blooms are what make a Christmas cactus a renowned houseplant. The plant brightens many homes during the winter holidays, and every owner keeps looking forward to the memorable moment. However, if your Christmas cactus is not blooming, there could be a problem. Common causes include insufficient light, overexposure to direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, improper…
Christmas cactus is a popular house plant that blooms over the winter holidays. This plant has fleshy green segments that join together to form stems. When blooming, flowers appear at the tips of the stems. When aging, a Christmas cactus undergoes several changes, particularly in appearance. The stems can become woody and less flexible, and…