Thanksgiving Cactus

Light Needs

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

1-2 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Feature

Bring color to the shortest days of the year with Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata). Flattened, scalloped stems arch gracefully and burst into vivid blooms right around late fall and early winter—often continuing into the new year. It’s compact, long-lived, and easy to keep happy indoors, making a cheerful accent for windowsills, shelves, and tabletops.

This tropical cactus prefers bright, indirect light and steady indoor temperatures. Set it a few feet from a sunny window where it gets plenty of ambient light but not harsh afternoon rays. Water thoroughly when the top inch of mix feels dry, then let excess drain; consistently soggy soil can cause root issues. Average home humidity is fine, though slightly higher humidity helps prevent bud drop in very dry rooms. Use a well-draining potting mix labeled for cacti/succulents or an indoor blend amended with extra perlite. Feed monthly in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength, then pause feeding in early fall to encourage buds.

To trigger blooming, provide short days and cool nights in early fall: aim for 12–14 hours of uninterrupted darkness each night for about six weeks, with nighttime temperatures around 55–65°F. Once buds form, return the plant to its regular bright spot and keep watering consistent. Try not to move or rotate the plant while it’s budding or blooming, as sudden changes can cause buds to drop.

Quick Specs

• Light: bright, indirect; avoid strong afternoon sun

• Water: when top inch is dry; drain thoroughly, never waterlog

• Temperature: 60–75°F indoors; cooler nights (55–65°F) help set buds

• Humidity: average home levels; slightly higher reduces bud drop

• Soil: well-draining cactus/succulent mix or indoor mix with perlite

• Feeding: monthly spring–summer at half strength; stop in early fall

• Habit/Size: arching, compact; typically 12–18 inches wide over time

FAQs

When does a Thanksgiving Cactus bloom?

It typically flowers from late November through January, with peak blooms around the holidays. Good light, slightly cooler nights, and a short-day routine in early fall help ensure a reliable display.

How should I water it?

Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, then empty the saucer so roots never sit in water. Reduce watering slightly in early fall to help initiate buds, and keep the mix lightly moist during bloom.

Why are buds falling off?

Bud drop is usually caused by sudden changes in light, temperature, drafts, or irregular watering. Keep the plant in a stable spot away from vents and avoid moving it once buds appear.

Does it need special soil or a bigger pot?

Use a well-draining mix (cactus/succulent or indoor mix with added perlite). Repot only every few years in spring, moving up one pot size if roots are snug; shallow, wide containers suit the plant’s root system.

Can I grow it indoors year-round?

Yes. It’s an excellent houseplant. Provide bright, indirect light, regular but careful watering, and occasional feeding outside the fall bloom-initiation period. With steady care, the same plant can bloom beautifully for decades.

SKU:

SEA-CHR-CAT-LGL