6 Common Thanksgiving Cactus Problems and How to Solve Them
Thanksgiving cactus is a beautiful plant that can brighten up any indoor space. True to its name, it blooms in late November typically around the Thanksgiving holiday in the U.S. The vibrant tubular flowers can be pink, red, orange, white, purple, and even yellow.
The pendulous nature of this plant makes it perfect for hanging baskets. You will recognize it from the Christmas cactus by the look of its stem segments. Thanksgiving cactus have claw-like projections on their edges, which also gives it its other name, the “crab claw cactus.”
The Thanksgiving cactus is native to the coastal mountains of Southeast Brazil where they grow as epiphytes on trees and rocks.
Outside its habitat, it’s best suited for USDA zones 10-12. In colder regions, this cactus must be grown as an indoor plant or brought indoors during the winter months.
Thanksgiving cactus problems
The Thanksgiving cactus has low maintenance needs. With proper care it can live for many years, becoming a celebrated heirloom. However, like many houseplants, it can face several problems that can affect its growth and flowering.
1. Soft stems or discoloration
The Thanksgiving cactus stems feeling tender and appearing discolored is commonly a sign of root rot, usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. This is one of the major killers of most houseplants.
Excess moisture in the soil cuts the supply of oxygen to the roots. This causes the roots to suffocate and die. Waterlogged soils can also encourage the growth of fungi that cause roots to rot.
One of the main signs of root rot in holiday cacti is discoloration or mushy stems. The plant may also look droopy or shriveled.
How to fix
The first step is to remove the plant from the soil and inspect the roots. If they feel mushy, cut them off and repot your cactus in well-draining soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom and reduce the frequency of watering.
2. Failure to bloom
As said, the Thanksgiving cactus blooms in late November. Bud formation is triggered by the shorter days and cooler nights of the fall. Lack of blooming can be caused by inadequate darkness, fertilizing near the blooming period or temperatures being too high or low.
How to fix
To get your Thanksgiving cactus to bloom, provide 12 to 14 hours of darkness daily for 6-8 weeks. Additionally, move the plant to a place where temperatures are cooler such as a garage or basement. You may as well use a closet or a dark room.
Aim to maintain nighttime temperatures between 55°F-60°F (13°C-15°C) and daytime temperatures between 65°F-70°F (18°C-21°C).
Feed your cactus only during the growing season (spring to early fall) with a balanced water-soluble houseplant fertilizer. Starting in the fall, stop fertilizing and limit watering. Let the top 1 inch of the soil dry out completely before watering again.
3. Wrinkled leaves
Thanksgiving cactus stem segments, commonly known as leaves, can become wrinkled due to underwatering, heat stress, or prolonged wet conditions. Wrinkled leaves can also be a sign of insect pests such as spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs.
Inspect pests primarily feed on plant sap. This is a plant’s lifeline. It contains water and nutrients needed for the healthy growth of a plant. To get this sap, they also have to pierce the plant, resulting in serious damage to the plant’s parts.
How to fix
If you haven’t watered your cactus for a while, give it a drink. Water thoroughly until water flows through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. Also, check if your plant is receiving excessive sunlight and relocate it to a spot with bright indirect sunlight.
You should also aim to inspect your plant regularly for pests. If discovered, pests can be treated using neem oil or insecticidal soap. Be sure to check even on the undersides of the stems and treat them thoroughly.
4. Buds or flowers falling
Thanksgiving cactus buds or flowers dropping can be a big setback especially when you have been patiently waiting. This issue can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or a sudden change in temperature, light, or humidity.
How to fix
One of the bloom care requirements for a Thanksgiving cactus is to move the plant to a brighter location as soon as the buds start forming. You should also increase watering but not overwater, and mist the plant when the air becomes dry.
5. Cactus turning purple
Thanksgiving cactus stem segments turning purple is common. This condition is mainly caused by exposure to excess sunlight. Holiday cacti plants are adapted to low-light conditions. They are commonly covered by a forest canopy in their native habitats.
Cactus not receiving certain nutrients can also make its color change. Red or purple coloration can also be a sign of magnesium deficiency. As you know, holiday cacti have a higher affinity for this nutrient than other houseplants.
How to fix
If excessive sunlight is causing your Thanksgiving cactus to turn purple or brown, move it to a place with bright indirect sunlight. I recommend you place it near an east-facing window or a slightly shaded west-facing window.
You should also consider fertilizing your Thanksgiving cactus with Epsom salt during the growing season in addition to the standard houseplant fertilizer. Use 1 teaspoon of Epsom salt mixed with one gallon of water once per month but not the same week you applied fertilizer.
6. Excessive leaf drop
Thanksgiving cactus can drop segments (leaves) occasionally as they grow. However, when this happens excessively be sure to address the problem. Leaf drop or segments falling off can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
How to fix
To address the issue of leaf drop, ensure your cactus is watered properly. Keep the soil relatively moist but not waterlogged. You should also maintain temperature in the range between 60–70°F (15–21°C) during the day and 55–60°F (13–15°C) at night.
Final thought
The Thanksgiving cactus is generally easy to plant and care for. It is common for this plant to experience some problems especially when its growth conditions are not met.
We have seen that these problems can be fixed but if the solution doesn’t work it’s best to propagate your Thanksgiving cactus so that you can grow new plants from the start.
My name is Diane M Lewik, and I am the founder of this website. I am a degree holder in plant biology from the University of California – Berkeley. Over the years, I have cultivated a vast collection of succulents and I have learned a great deal about how to grow and care for these unique plants. Feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below.
