FRANKLIN CO., Pa. — Holiday cacti are popular houseplants. They add bright spots of color indoors and work well in containers and hanging baskets. There are many choices for holiday cacti flower color including white, red, lavender, pink, and orange (Figure 1). The timing of this flowering will depend on the species of holiday cactus.
There are three common species of holiday cacti: Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera × buckleyi), and Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri). All three cacti are short-day plants, needing 12-14 hours of uninterrupted darkness per day to set buds for flowering. Short days like this occur in southcentral Pennsylvania as the winter solstice approaches in late December. Exact bloom time is determined by the number of consecutive short days required for each species. Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti require 6 weeks of short days. Under natural window light in southcentral Pennsylvania, Thanksgiving cactus blooms usually begin in mid-November. Christmas cactus blooms typically begin shortly after in December. Easter cactus requires 8-12 weeks of short days, typically blooming between March and May in southcentral Pennsylvania. Exact bloom times can vary depending on light exposure and temperature. Cooler nighttime temperatures, 55 to 65°F, in late fall can promote blooming.
Holiday cacti can be identified by their leaf-like, green segmented stems (Figure 2). Thanksgiving cactus segments have pointed projections along their margins. Christmas cactus segments have scalloped-shaped margins. Easter cactus has smaller, rounded stem segments with bristly spines.
With proper care, a holiday cactus will reward you with beautiful blooms year after year, adding a festive touch of color to your home during the holiday season. For more information on holiday cacti care, visit the Penn State Extension Website.
References:
Iowa State University: All About Holiday Cacti
Iowa State University: Is it a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter Cactus?
Michigan State University Extension: How to care for and get your holiday cactus to rebloom
North Carolina Extension Toolbox: Christmas Cactus
Penn State Extension: Holiday Cacti Care
University of Illinois Extension: How to identify and care for holiday cacti and get them to rebloom
–Carol Kagan, Penn State Extension Franklin County Master Gardener
Jennie Mazzone, Penn State Extension Franklin County Master Gardener Coordinator
