Do you have a Thanksgiving cactus or a Christmas cactus? Discover how to tell them apart
The holidays are unmistakably different – but how distinct are the plants? We reveal the biggest contrasts to look out for


When it comes to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the two holidays have their own traditions and quirks that make it easy for us to differentiate between these celebrations. However, when it comes to the eponymously named cactuses, the distinction is not always as clear. They are both from the genus Schlumbergera, and are closely related, but there are some important differences.
Questions surrounding these plant are already in abundance. At this time of year it's vital to know how to correctly care for and grow a Christmas cactus, and of course how to make a Christmas cactus bloom, but perhaps the most prominent question is how to differentiate the festive plant from its very similar Thanksgiving counterpart.
If you're not sure which plant you own, here's everything you need to know to tell the two cactuses apart – so you can celebrate the holiday with the right plant at the right time.
Thanksgiving cactus vs Christmas cactus: the key differences
'Whenever I go to identify a plant, the first thing to do is study the leaves,' says Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at H&G. 'The most notable difference between a Christmas cactus and a Thanksgiving cactus is the shape of their leaves.'
A Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera truncata, has sharp and claw-shaped edges at the leaf edges, whilst on a Christmas cactus, Schlumbergera bridgesii, these are scalloped and shaped like tear-drops.
'You could describe the leaves of a Thanksgiving cactus as spiky, whereas the Christmas cactus is much smoother,' says Rachel. 'Thanksgiving cactuses also tend to flower in shades of deep red or purple, whereas the Christmas alternative is often white, pink, or red in color.'
However, their differences are not limited to the aesthetic. Another key difference is the time of year each cactus blooms.
'A Thanksgiving cactus usually blooms in late fall, typically in November, and fittingly in time for Thanksgiving. Meanwhile, a Christmas cactus blooms in winter or very early spring – typically in December,' says Tenielle Jordison, H&G gardens writer and houseplant fanatic.
There is another slight difference in the shape of the plants as they mature, adds Tenielle. 'Christmas cacti tend to drape and trail more as their leaves get longer, whereas a Thanksgiving cactus can maintain a more upright shape.'
You can find Thanksgiving cactus plants available at Walmart.

Rachel is a gardening editor, flower grower and floral designer. Her journalism career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then trained and worked as a floral designer and stylist in London for six years, before joining the Homes & Gardens team.

Tenielle is a News Writer in the Gardens team at Homes & Gardens. She studied BA Journalism, Media and English Literature and MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. Before coming to Homes & Gardens, Tenielle was in the editorial department at the Royal Horticultural Society and worked on The Garden magazine. Tenielle is also a houseplant lover who is slowly running out of room for her ever-growing collection. When she isn't writing, Tenielle can be found propagating her indoor plants, helping others overcome common houseplant pests and diseases, and volunteering at a local gardening club.
FAQs
How can I be sure which variety of Schlumbergera cactus I'm buying?
Confusingly, a lot of retailers label both Christmas and Thanksgiving cactuses as 'holiday cactuses'. This is not helpful if you are looking to buy one variety in particular. Always check the plant label and look for the botanical or Latin name. If there isn't one stipulated on the label, the shape of the leaves will be your best indicator.
Do Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti have anything in common?
Yes - the two plants have a lot in common. Aside from their similar appearance, their care requirements are much the same. Both plants also require periods of darkness in order to set buds and bloom in late fall and winter.
If you positioned your Schlumbergera outside over the summer months, now is the time to bring it indoors and make sure to keep your Christmas cactus in the dark for a while, for it to bloom in time for the holidays. For maximum longevity, you can read up on how to repot a Christmas cactus to ensure you get the most from your plant and enjoy its festive colors year after year.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.

Rachel is a gardening writer, flower grower and floral designer. Her writing career began on Country Living magazine, sparking a love of container gardening and wild planting. After more than a decade writing for and editing a range of consumer, business and special interest titles, Rachel became editor of floral art magazine The Flower Arranger. She then worked as a floral designer and stylist for six years, before joining Homes & Gardens. An expert in cut flowers, she is particularly interested in sustainable gardening methods and growing flowers and herbs for wellbeing. In summer 2024, she was invited to Singapore to learn about the nation state's ambitious plan to create a city in nature, discovering a world of tropical planting and visionary urban horticulture.
-
HexClad cookware is on sale - Gordon Ramsay is a fan, but does it live up to the hype?
I tested the range for three months, comparing it to my trusted favorites – and the short answer is yes, but with some small caveats
-
Chelsea Flower Show's South African succulent garden is a masterclass in sculptural planting – the designers reveal how you can easily grow these desert plants at home
Native to an arid, hot climate, some of these unique plants can surprisingly be grown throughout the US, too
-
5 houseplants you should never place in your bedroom, according to Feng Shui and interior design experts – plus which plants to choose instead
These plants are thought to bring feelings of disruption to the most relaxing space in your home
-
Elevate your houseplant game with the ultimate desert cactus – how to grow prickly pears indoors in 3 simple steps
By following a few simple steps, you can easily learn how to grow prickly pears indoors
-
Why are the leaves of my Christmas cactus turning purple? 4 common causes and solutions
If the leaves of your Christmas cactus are turning a purple hue, it isn't too late to save them
-
How to grow and care for a crested cactus – experts share insights for these curious plants
From watering tips to advice on repotting, this essential advice will keep your crested cactus happy
-
How to propagate a pencil cactus – for more of these super structural plants
Pencil cacti are a sophisticated succulent and with the right kit are surprisingly easy to propagate
-
How to trim and revitalize a woody Christmas cactus
Revive a Christmas cactus with these expert care tips for more mature plants
-
This is the time to stop watering your Christmas cactus – houseplant experts reveal when and why to cut back
Christmas cacti will suffer if they're given the same amount of water every season
-
Christmas cactus vs prickly pear – here's how to tell them apart
Similar flowers, similar shapes - it's no wonder these impressive indoor plants get mistaken for each other