12/13/2025
How to Tell Apart the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Cactus
Many people mix up these beautiful holiday bloomers, but each festive cactus has its own unique features.
Here’s how to tell which one you’re growing and when to expect its cheerful blooms.
1. Christmas Cactus
Leaf Shape: The segments have rounded edges with gentle scallops.
Bloom Time: Blooms appear from mid to late December, perfectly aligning with the Christmas season.
Flower Colors: Shades of red, pink, peach, and white are most common.
The Christmas cactus tends to have a softer look overall, with flowers that hang like delicate bells at the end of each stem.
2. Thanksgiving Cactus
Leaf Shape: Notice the distinct, jagged segments with pointed tips—these resemble crab claws.
Bloom Time: Flowers typically emerge in late fall, around November, just in time for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Flower Colors: You’ll find vibrant shades of pink, red, orange, or white.
This cactus often blooms a few weeks earlier than its Christmas cousin and is sometimes mistakenly sold under the same name.
3. Easter Cactus
Leaf Shape: The segments are smooth and rounded, sometimes with tiny bristles at the tips.
Bloom Time: Expect colorful blooms in early spring, usually March or April.
Flower Colors: Bright tones of pink, purple, or red light up the plant.
The Easter cactus has a slightly different rhythm and appearance, with star-shaped flowers that open fully during daylight.
