Difference Between Thanksgiving & Christmas Cactus

Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus look remarkably similar, but there is one easy way to tell them apart: look at the edges of their green stem segments. Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw-like edges, while Christmas cactus has smoother, rounded edges. Although commonly called leaves, these flat green sections are actually modified stems.

Both are popular holiday houseplants that produce beautiful, colorful blooms. However, their botanical names, flower shapes, and typical blooming seasons are slightly different. Use the illustrations below to identify which holiday cactus you have.

What Is the Difference Between Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus?

The biggest difference is the shape of their stem segments. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) has pointed projections along the edges, giving it a claw-like appearance. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi) has rounded, scalloped edges without prominent points.

Their flowers also differ slightly. Thanksgiving cactus typically produces more horizontally oriented flowers, while Christmas cactus flowers tend to hang downward. Both can bloom in shades of pink, red, purple, and white, depending on the variety.

Thanksgiving Cactus vs Christmas Cactus Bloom Time

Thanksgiving cactus generally blooms in late fall, often during October and November. Christmas cactus typically flowers later, around December and January. However, indoor temperatures and daylight exposure can affect when either plant blooms, so stem shape is a more reliable identification method than flowering time.

Why Are Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus Often Confused?

Many plants sold as Christmas cactus are actually Thanksgiving cactus. Thanksgiving cactus is more commonly grown commercially because it can be produced to bloom during the holiday shopping season. As a result, the names are frequently used interchangeably in stores.

Even if your plant was labeled Christmas cactus, check the stem segments to confirm its identity. Pointed edges usually indicate Thanksgiving cactus, while rounded edges indicate Christmas cactus.

Do Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus Need Different Care?

Fortunately, both holiday cacti have nearly identical growing requirements. Unlike desert cacti, they are tropical plants that naturally grow in humid forest environments.

• Sunlight: Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid intense afternoon sun.
• Watering: Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry. Avoid letting the roots sit in water.
• Soil: Use a loose, well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark.
• Temperature: Average indoor temperatures are suitable, but cooler nights can encourage flower buds.
• Humidity: Moderate humidity helps keep the plants healthy.
• Blooming: Cooler nighttime temperatures and long, uninterrupted periods of darkness in fall help trigger flowering.

For more growing advice, visit our Cactus Care Guide to learn about watering, fertilizing, sunlight, and other essential care tips.

Which Holiday Cactus Do You Have?

If your cactus has pointed, claw-like stem segments, it is most likely a Thanksgiving cactus. If its segments have smooth, rounded scallops, it is most likely a Christmas cactus. Flowering time can provide an additional clue, but the shape of the stems is the simplest way to tell them apart.

Whichever one you grow, both are beautiful, long-lived houseplants that can brighten your home with colorful flowers for many holiday seasons.