Thanksgiving Cactus - 'Christmas Cactus'
Best vibrant plant for effortless home beautification.
The Thanksgiving Cactus, also known as Christmas Cactus or Crab Cactus, is a popular winter-flowering houseplant native to the tropical rainforests of southern Brazil. Unlike typical cacti, it thrives in high humidity and dappled sunlight, growing epiphytically on tree branches. This trailing plant is easy to propagate and care for, making it an ideal holiday gift. It blooms in late fall, adding vibrant color to your home during the holiday season, with a potential for reblooming in February. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture during its blooming season.
$11.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
8834
/ 10323
#8834 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-77%
Below average
Color
..
/ Green serrated margin stems called cladodes Bloom tubular flowers in shades of pink, red and cream
Who it's for
- Home decorators seeking festive, low-maintenance seasonal color
- Plant enthusiasts desiring a durable, generational houseplant
- Busy individuals wanting beautiful blooms without constant attention
Who should skip it
- Beginners hoping for effortless, guaranteed annual flowering
- Gardeners accustomed to frequent watering schedules
- Households with active pets or children, or those prone to accidental bumps
Performance breakdown
Bloom Reliability
Requires specific light cycles, but rewards patience with vibrant seasonal color.
Care Simplicity
Forgiving nature makes this an ideal choice for beginner plant parents.
Pet Safety
Non-toxic foliage ensures peace of mind for households with curious pets.
Longevity Potential
With proper care, this hardy succulent can thrive for several decades.
Light Adaptability
Versatile enough to handle low light, though bright indirect sun is preferred.
Propagation Ease
Simple stem cuttings allow for effortless expansion of your indoor collection.
Key Specs
Color
Green serrated margin stems called cladodes. Bloom tubular flowers in shades of pink, red and cream.
Size
Can grow 6-12" tall and 12-24" wide
Soil
Well-draining cactus mix
Water
Consistent watering during blooming season and high humidity. Allow to slightly dry before watering but not completely.
Light
Requires bright indirect sun during blooming season. Minimum of 13hrs of uninterrupted darkness in order to bloom.
Fertilize
Fertilize during periods of growth or blooming. Do not fertilize during periods when buds appear till they bloom or during dormancy period.
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Insects & Pests
Aphids, red spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common insect pests.
Know before you buy
Yes, this plant is non-toxic and pet-friendly, making it a safe choice for homes with cats or dogs.
It prefers bright, indirect light. While it is adaptable to lower light conditions, it needs bright, indirect sun during its blooming season to produce the best flowers.
To trigger blooming, the plant requires at least 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness each day and cooler temperatures. Once buds appear, keep the plant in a stable environment to prevent them from dropping.
Keep the soil consistently moist during the blooming season, but allow the top layer to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this plant prefers higher humidity than a typical desert cactus.
No, you should pause fertilization once buds appear and continue to hold off until the flowers have fully bloomed. Fertilize only during active growth periods, avoiding the dormancy phase.
They are very closely related and often confused. The Thanksgiving Cactus is a specific variety that typically blooms earlier in the fall, though the care requirements for both are nearly identical.
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