How to Care for Your Thanksgiving Cactus Indoors: A Simple Guide for Beginners

The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is my favorite houseplant. Its vibrant blooms in shades of pink, red, and white pop just in time for the holiday season. I’ve grown these beauties in my home for years, and I’m excited to share how to care for them indoors.

Before we get to care, let’s clear up what a Thanksgiving cactus is. It’s a tropical cactus, not a desert one, native to Brazil’s rainforests. Unlike its prickly cousins, it’s an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants in the wild. 

Its flat, segmented stems and colorful blooms make it a standout. I love how it flowers around Thanksgiving, giving my living room a festive vibe. 

You might confuse it with a Christmas cactus. I did at first! The Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw-like segments, while the Christmas cactus has rounded ones. Its good to know that their needs are similar but bloom times differ.

See my article on. Christmas cactus vs Thanksgiving cactus differences.

Essential Care Tips for Your Thanksgiving Cactus

Living in the U.S., I find the Thanksgiving cactus perfect for indoor gardening. Our homes, with central heating and varying light, suit this plant well. It’s low-maintenance and adds color when outdoor gardens fade. Plus, it’s non-toxic to pets, which is a relief for my cat-filled house!

Here’s how I keep my Thanksgiving cactus happy indoors. Follow these tips, and yours will thrive too.

1. Provide bright indirect light

Light is key for a Thanksgiving cactus. I place mine near an east-facing window where it gets bright, indirect light. In my Chicago apartment, the morning sun works wonders. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If you’re in a sunny state like Arizona, use a sheer curtain to filter light.

If your home lacks natural light, a grow light helps. I use a full-spectrum LED grow light for 10-12 hours daily during winter. It mimics the Brazilian rainforest’s dappled light, keeping my cactus perky.

Pro Tip: Rotate your plant every few weeks. This ensures even growth, as it loves light from all sides.

2. Water consistently but moderately

Watering a Thanksgiving cactus can be tricky. I learned this the hard way after overwatering my first one! These plants like consistent moisture but hate soggy soil. In my home, I water when the top inch of soil feels dry. This is about every 1-2 weeks in spring and summer, but less in fall and winter.

Use room-temperature water. I let tap water sit for 24 hours to remove chlorine, which can harm the plant. If you’re in a dry climate like Nevada, mist the plant lightly to boost humidity. In humid areas like Florida, skip misting to avoid rot.

Pro Tip: Check drainage. I use pots with holes and place a saucer underneath to catch excess water.

3. Choose well-draining soil

Thanksgiving cacti need well-draining soil. I mix equal parts potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark for a light, airy blend. This mimics their natural habitat. In my experience, a standard cactus mix works too, but I add extra perlite for drainage.

Repot every 2-3 years or when roots look crowded. I repotted mine last spring, and it’s thriving in a slightly larger terracotta pot. American homes often have dry air from heating, so good soil prevents waterlogging.

4. Maintain ideal temperatures

Thanksgiving cacti love temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C). My home stays around 68°F, perfect for this plant. Avoid placing it near drafty windows or heating vents, common in U.S. homes during winter. If you’re in a colder state like Minnesota, keep it away from chilly windowsills.

To trigger blooming, I give my cactus cooler nights (50-55°F) for a few weeks in early fall. I set it in a spare room without heat at night. This mimics the natural drop in temperature that signals bloom time.

5. Boost humidity for healthy growth

American homes, especially in winter, can be dry due to heating. Thanksgiving cacti prefer 50-60% humidity. I place a pebble tray filled with water under my plant to raise humidity. You can also use a small humidifier, especially in arid regions like the Southwest.

I’ve noticed my cactus’s leaves look plumper when the humidity is right. If you see shriveled segments, it’s a sign to boost the moisture.

6. Fertilize for vibrant blooms

Feeding your Thanksgiving cactus keeps it blooming strong. I use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (like 10-10-10) diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer. In early fall, I switch to a bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus, like 10-30-20) to encourage flowers.

Like the Christmas cactus, The Thanksgiving cactus has a higher affinity for magnesium. Apply Epsom salt solution during the growing season as well. Mix 1 teaspoon of the salt per one gallon of water. Do not apply the same you fertilized the cactus.

Stop fertilizing in late fall when buds form. I made the mistake of overfeeding once, and my cactus dropped its buds! Less is more during the bloom season. 

7. Encourage blooming

Getting a Thanksgiving cactus to bloom is my favorite part. To trigger flowers, I give it 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness nightly for 6-8 weeks starting in September. I cover mine with a cardboard box from 6 PM to 8 AM or move it to a dark closet. This mimics the shorter days of fall.

Keep temperatures cool (50-55°F at night) during this period. I live in a busy American household, so I set a reminder to cover the plant nightly. Once buds appear, stop the dark treatment and enjoy the show!

Pro Tip: Avoid moving the plant once buds form. It’s fussy and may drop them if disturbed.

8. Prune for a fuller plant

Pruning keeps your Thanksgiving cactus bushy. I trim mine in spring after blooming by twisting off a few segments at the joints. This encourages branching. I use the cuttings to propagate new plants—more on that here!

Sanitize your hands or scissors before pruning to avoid disease. I once skipped this, and my plant got a fungal spot. Lesson learned!

9. Propagate to share the love

Propagating a Thanksgiving cactus is easy and fun. I’ve shared cuttings with friends across the U.S.! Here’s how I do it:

• Twist off a healthy segment (2-3 sections long).
• Let it dry for 1-2 days to form a callus.
• Plant it in moist, well-draining soil.
• Keep it in bright, indirect light, and water lightly.

In 4-6 weeks, roots form. I propagated a cutting last year, and it’s now a mini cactus in my kitchen!

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with great care, issues can arise. Here’s how I handle common Thanksgiving cactus problems:

• Bud Drop: This happens if the plant is moved or temperatures fluctuate. Keep it stable once buds form.
• Wrinkled Segments: Underwatering or low humidity. Check soil moisture and add a pebble tray.
• No Blooms: Not enough darkness or cool temperatures. Start the dark treatment in September.
• Root Rot: Overwatering is the culprit. Ensure good drainage and let the soil dry between waterings.

Most common Christmas cactus pests, like mealybugs, scale, and fungus gnats, can also be found on the Thanksgiving cactus. So, inspect your plant regularly. As you know, pests sack sap from the plant, making it look unhealthy and damaged.

My take on cactus placement

Living in the U.S., our homes vary by region. In the Northeast, winter heating dries out air, so I use a humidifier. In the South, high humidity means less misting. If you’re in a small apartment, place your cactus on a windowsill or shelf with indirect light. For larger homes, a bright corner works great.

Seasonal changes affect care too. In fall, when Thanksgiving cacti bloom, I adjust watering and light based on shorter days. In summer, I protect mine from intense AC drafts.

I love getting creative with my cactus! Here are fun ways to display your Thanksgiving cactus:

• Suspend in a macramé hanger for a boho vibe.
• Place in a decorative pot for Thanksgiving dinner.
• Pair with other succulents for a modern look.

I use a colorful ceramic pot to match my fall décor. It’s a conversation starter at holiday gatherings!

Final thought

Caring for my Thanksgiving cactus is rewarding. Its blooms brighten my home when the days get shorter. I’ve learned its quirks, from dark treatments to perfect watering, and it’s taught me patience. Whether you’re in a bustling city apartment or a quiet suburban house, this plant fits right in.

• Be consistent with light, water, and humidity.
• Mimic its natural habitat for best results.
• Enjoy the process—it’s a forgiving plant!

If you’re new to indoor gardening, the Thanksgiving cactus is a great start. It’s low-maintenance and, perfect for busy lifestyles. Have questions? Drop them below, and I’ll share more tips from my experience!