Still, each member of the holiday cactus group has unique traits that allow us to identify them at a glance—once we know what to look for.

The Three Main Holiday Cactus Varieties

Here’s an overview of the big three:

• 🍁 Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) – The most common store-bought variety.
• 🎄 Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) – The classic heirloom type with softer features.
• 🌸 Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) – A separate genus with bright, star-shaped blooms.

1. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata)

Leaf Edges (Cladodes)

The stem segments have very clear, defined, pointed “teeth” along the edges—almost claw-like. This is why it’s sometimes called the “crab cactus.”

Bloom Time

Typically late November (around Thanksgiving). Stores commonly sell these as “Christmas cacti,” but they are not the true variety.

Flower Angle

The flowers point outward horizontally, making the plant appear wide and dramatic in bloom.

Additional Identifiers

• Often blooms earlier when nights get cool.
• Flowers are often multi-layered and brightly colored.
• Segment edges are sharp and easy to distinguish.

Expert insight: Horticulture educator Prof. Mark Benson notes, “The Thanksgiving cactus dominates commercial production because it blooms sooner and withstands transport stress better than the true Christmas cactus.”

2. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii)

Leaf Edges (Cladodes)

The edges are rounded, scalloped, and smoother than those of the Thanksgiving cactus. No sharp claws here.

Bloom Time

Mid to late December (true holiday blooming). This is the classic plant many people remember from grandparents’ homes.

Flower Angle

Flowers arch downward gracefully, almost like hanging bells.

Additional Identifiers

• Softer, drooping stems.
• Longer bloom duration when kept cool.
• Often lives for decades—sometimes over 100 years in family collections.

Note: The Christmas cactus is less common in stores today, making it somewhat of a collector’s plant.

3. Easter Cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri)

Leaf Edges (Cladodes)

Segment edges are smooth, rounded, and shiny, often with a slight “beaded” appearance.

Bloom Time

Late winter to early spring—around Easter.

Flower Shape

Star-like, bright, and vividly symmetrical. Unlike Schlumbergera, Rhipsalidopsis has flowers that open fully into a starburst.

Additional Identifiers

• Prefers slightly cooler, drier winter rest conditions.
• Often more sensitive to overwatering.
• Colors include pink, orange, red, white, and purple.

Detailed Comparison Table

Understanding Bloom Cycles

Holiday cacti bloom based on a combination of:

• Day length (photoperiod) – Shorter days trigger bud formation.
• Temperature changes – Cool evenings encourage flowering.
• Light type – They require true darkness to form buds.

Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti respond especially strongly to shortening days in autumn, while Easter cactus requires a longer rest period and cooler conditions before blooming.

Health, Safety & Handling Tips

• Holiday cacti are non-toxic to humans and pets, according to common houseplant safety references.
• Overwatering is the biggest risk—root rot can kill a plant quickly.
• Avoid extremely dry air during winter, as it can cause bud drop.
• Always handle segments gently—these plants bruise easily.

Care Tips for Each Type

Thanksgiving Cactus Care

• Bright, indirect light
• Even moisture but never soggy soil
• Cool nights (55–60°F) in fall to trigger blooms

Christmas Cactus Care

• Prefers slightly cooler and darker evenings
• Thrives in stable humidity
• Avoid moving the plant once buds appear

Easter Cactus Care

• Let the soil dry slightly between watering
• Provide brighter light in winter
• Cool rest period (50–55°F) before spring

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does my “Christmas cactus” bloom in November?

Because it’s almost certainly a Thanksgiving cactus—the most common store-bought variety.

2. Can they all be grown the same way?

Mostly yes, but the Easter cactus prefers a slightly drier winter rest period.

3. How old can holiday cacti get?

Some Christmas cactus specimens live 50–100+ years!

4. Why are my buds falling off?

Sudden moves, temperature changes, or dry air are the most common causes.

5. Can I propagate them easily?

Yes—stem cuttings root very quickly in moist soil or water.

6. Are holiday cacti toxic to pets?

No—these species are considered non-toxic, though eating them may cause mild stomach upset.

7. Why does my cactus not bloom?

It likely needs more darkness at night during the pre-bloom period.

8. How often should I water?

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

9. Do they need fertilizer?

Use a balanced or bloom-focused fertilizer during spring and summer.

10. Can I grow all three types together?

Absolutely—they make a beautiful staggered-bloom collection.

Final Identification Tip ✨

If your cactus blooms around Thanksgiving or Christmas, it’s almost certainly one of those two. Track the