Holiday Cactus - Christmas Cactus Vs. Thanksgiving Cactus Vs. Easter Cactus - What's the Difference?

The 3 main types of Holiday Cactus are all low-maintenance plants with amazing flowers that bloom throughout the different holiday seasons. From the vibrant blooms of the Christmas cactus to the festive foliage of the Thanksgiving cactus and the delightful colors of the Easter cactus, these holiday cactus plants bring a touch of nature's beauty to our celebrations.

Additionally, because they are long-lived—some of them up to 100 years old—many of these winter plants, which we refer to as holiday cacti, are passed down as family heirlooms from one generation to the next! Therefore, it's not unusual for someone to own a Christmas cactus plant whose origin is unknown. 

Let's Explore the Different Types of Holiday Cactus 

A lot of people are confused about the difference between Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Cacti for their home or indoor gardening space. Are they different or similar?

Below you will learn about the subtle differences between the 3 types of holiday cactus and discover essential care tips for these unique plants.

Each Type Blooms at a Different Time

Holiday cacti earn their names because they tend to bloom around specific holidays, adding a touch of natural beauty to our festive decorations.

How to identify the Holiday cactus Types - Basic Differences 

When it comes to identifying your holiday plants, it's understandable that there can be some confusion. 

To determine the type of Holiday cactus you have, there are 3 main things to look for:

1- Explore the Unique Shapes of Holiday Cacti:

First, take a look at the shape of the stem segments.

• The Christmas cactus has smooth and scalloped stem segments.
• The Thanksgiving cactus has more pronounced, pointed segments.
• The Easter cactus has stem segments that are more rounded in appearance.

2- Unveiling the Diverse Blooming Schedules:

Another way to differentiate these cacti is by observing the time they typically bloom. 

• The Christmas cactus blooms in late fall or winter.
• The Thanksgiving cactus blooms in late fall around Thanksgiving.
• The Easter cactus blooms in the spring around Easter.

3- Exploring the Diverse Growth habits of Holiday Cacti:

Each variety of holiday cactus has unique flowers.

• The Christmas cactus has tubular-shaped, symmetrical, and vertically oriented blossoms. 
• Thanksgiving cactus blooms are asymmetrical and hang down from arching downward stems; however, the blossoms appear more horizontally.
• The flatter, star-shaped flowers of Easter cacti often point upward.

The 3 Holiday Cactus Types 

Care for Your Holiday Cactus – Step by Step Guide

This is no ordinary cactus—this is the festive cactus. The holiday plant is a forest cactus, an epiphyte that thrives in decaying leaf litter found in tree forks and on branches in South America's tropical rainforests. While we are all familiar with desert cacti, this type is different. 

Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving Cactus Watering Needs 

When it comes to watering holiday cacti, it's important to find the right balance. All three varieties, the Christmas cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter cactus, have similar watering needs. These cacti prefer to be kept moderately moist but not overly saturated.

It's best to water them when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. During the active growing season, which is typically spring and summer, you can water them a bit more frequently. However, during the dormant period in the early fall and winter season, it's important to reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Remember, it's always better to underwater than to overwater these cacti to avoid stem rot or root rot. Frequently misting the plants aids in boosting their humidity. 

Holiday Cactus Light Requirements  

When it comes to light requirements, the Christmas cactus, the Thanksgiving cactus, and the Easter cactus have similar preferences. They all enjoy bright, indirect light. Placing them near an east or west-facing window where they can receive some morning or evening sun is ideal. However, it's important to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves.

If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow or pale, it may be a sign that they are receiving too much sun light Remember, finding the right balance of light is key to keeping these holiday cacti happy and healthy. 

Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving Cactus Optimal Soil & Fertilizers 

When it comes to soil and fertilizer needs, the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus have similar preferences. They all thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A good mix can include ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and sand. Planting them in ordinary soil will result in compacted roots, stunted growth, and most likely root rot. Instead, make or buy a well-draining potting mix, or ideally, use our specialized cactus potting mix that contains 5 natural substrates and mycorrhizae to promote the development of a strong root system that helps your winter cactus to thrive.  

As for fertilizer, they all benefit from a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer formulated for cacti with an equal mix of 5-10-5. During the active growing season, you can fertilize them once a year in the spring. Just remember to reduce or stop fertilizing during their dormant period. This will help keep your holiday cacti happy and healthy! 

Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving Cactus Hardiness Zone & More

When it comes to hardiness zones, all three holiday cacti—the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus—are typically grown as indoor plants. However, they can also be grown outdoors in suitable climates. The Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus are generally hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10–12, while the Easter cactus can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures and is hardy in zones 9–11.

Even though our homes are very different from their original rainforest habitats, they manage to survive in typical household temperatures of 65° to 70°F, with temperatures dropping to 55° to 60°F at night. When it gets below 40°F, they will require protection.

How to Make Your Holiday Cactus Bloom? 

If purchased from a florist or nursery, keep the plant in a cool, dark area until the buds are set. The Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti require 6 weeks of short days, while the Easter cactus requires 8–12 weeks. When buds appear, bring the plant to a warmer area, but avoid dropping them due to drafts, too-warm temperatures, too much water, or direct sunlight. The plants prefer bright light but not direct sunlight. The soil should be dry to one inch below the surface before watering and not fertilized or repotted during blooming. The Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti may re-bloom in the spring, but not as profusely as the holiday bloom. To encourage springtime blooms, return the plant to its short-day conditions. 

To make the plants look fuller, they can be trimmed after they bloom. It seems that holiday cacti thrive when they are partially root-bound, so wait before repotting them into larger pots.

No matter which holiday cactus you own, these plants add a splash of color to your interior during a season when not many other plants are in bloom. So, whether the color appears around Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Easter, relish it!

Final Thoughts 

Overall, the holiday cactus, including the Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus, are fascinating plants that bring joy and beauty to our homes. With their unique requirements, such as well-draining soil and balanced NPK fertilization, these cacti can thrive and bloom in our care. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant parent, these cacti are a wonderful addition to any collection. So, let's give them the love and attention they deserve and enjoy their stunning displays of vibrant flowers during the holiday season and beyond!