Why Does It Matter
Knowing which type of cactus you have helps ensure you’re providing the right care and encouraging blooms at the appropriate time. Although all three plants have similar care needs, subtle differences in light, temperature, and watering requirements can affect when and how often they bloom.
For instance:
- Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti benefit from cooler temperatures in the fall to trigger blooming, while Easter cacti need a slightly warmer environment.
- Watering: All holiday cacti prefer slightly drier conditions between waterings, but the Easter cactus is more prone to rot if overwatered.
- Lighting: While they all thrive in bright, indirect light, Easter cacti prefer more shade compared to the other two.
How to Encourage Blooms on Your Holiday Cactus
Regardless of which cactus you have, encouraging it to bloom year after year requires a bit of planning:
- Adjust Light Exposure:
- All three holiday cacti are photoperiodic, meaning they bloom in response to shorter days and longer nights. For Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti, this means they need about 12 to 14 hours of darkness starting in the fall.
- Easter cacti need less dramatic light adjustments but still benefit from shorter days leading up to their blooming season.
- Temperature Control:
- Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti prefer cooler nighttime temperatures (around 50-55°F/10-13°C) to encourage blooming.
- Easter cacti prefer moderate temperatures between 55-65°F (13-18°C).
- Watering:
- During the blooming period, water regularly but ensure the soil dries out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially in the Easter cactus.
- Fertilizing:
- Use a balanced, diluted fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduce feeding in fall and winter as the plants prepare for blooming.
Final Thoughts
Your holiday cactus might not be the Christmas cactus you thought it was, but now you know how to tell the difference and how to care for it properly! Whether you have a Thanksgiving cactus, a Christmas cactus, or an Easter cactus, these plants are a delightful addition to your home and can reward you with vibrant blooms year after year when given the right care.
By following these simple identification tips and seasonal care guidelines, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday cacti at their peak, no matter the time of year.
