Identifying a vacation cactus can be quite simple once you know what to look for . There are three popular types of vacation cacti : the Thanksgiving cactus , the Christmas cactus , and the Easter cactus . While they may look interchangeable at first glance , there are a few key characteristic that can aid you differentiate between them .
1 . Thanksgiving Cactus ( Schlumgera truncata):The Thanksgiving cactus is cognize for its pointed and hook - shaped projections on the edges of its leaves . These projection give the leafage a more angulate appearance . When the industrial plant is in bloom , it produce vibrant and glossy bloom that are usually shades of pinkish , violet , or reddened . The Thanksgiving cactus typically blooms in late drop , around Thanksgiving ( hence the name ) , and its prime last for several weeks .
2 . Christmas Cactus ( Schlumgera bridgesti):The Christmas cactus , on the other hand , has leafage projections that are more scalloped or tear - drop shaped , rather than pointed and claw - like . The leaf of the Christmas cactus are also flatter and more rounded compared to the Thanksgiving cactus . This variety blooms around Christmas metre , hence its name , and its flowers are usually white , pinkish , or red . The flowers of the Christmas cactus tend to be larger and more showy than those of the Thanksgiving cactus .
3 . Easter Cactus ( Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri):Lastly , the Easter cactus is another popular holiday cactus . It resembles both the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti but has a few clear-cut difference . The parting of the Easter cactus are not as flat as those of the Christmas cactus , and they have rounded edges with small bristles . The projections on the leave of absence are also more rounded and less pointed compared to the Thanksgiving cactus . The Easter cactus blooms in springiness , ordinarily around Easter , and its flowers come in a range of colouring material including pink , crimson , orange , and white .
In addition to these visual differences , the timing of their blooms can also help identify the case of holiday cactus you have . However , it ’s of import to note that these cacti can sometimes be mislabeled or hybrids may have mixed characteristics , so it ’s always good to bank on a compounding of foliage shape and blossom clip to accurately name them .
Personal Experience : I have had the delight of growing all three types of vacation cacti in my garden . Initially , I found it a bit challenging to make out between them , especially when they were not in bloom . However , as I observed their growth and paid attention to the figure of their leave , I quickly became more positive in identifying each eccentric .
To summarize , the key factor to identify a holiday cactus are the shape of the leave and the timing of their bloom . The Thanksgiving cactus has point and nipper - shaped projections , while the Christmas cactus has more scalloped or tear - fall shaped acoustic projection . The Easter cactus has rounded edges and rounded projections . to boot , the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around Thanksgiving , the Christmas cactus blooms around Christmas , and the Easter cactus blooms around Easter . By considering these feature , you ’ll be capable to accurately identify the vacation cactus you have in your collection .
Caroline Bates
