A Thanksgiving cactus has serrated leaves with pointy appendages that slightly resemble crab claws.
A Christmas cactus has more rounded leaves with scalloped edges.
The leaves are more rounded like Christmas cactus, but they also have very tiny serrated edges.
Thanksgiving Cactus (left) & Christmas Cactus (right)The Spruce / Adrienne Legault & Kara Riley
The Thanksgiving cactus blooms late fall through midwinter, and theChristmas cactus bloomsearly winter to midwinter.
The Easter cactus blooms from late winter to early spring.
The Christmas cactus in particular benefits from this strategy.
Thanksgiving cactusThe Spruce / Adrienne Legault
This also helps promote more blooms.
For all of these flowering plants, a well-draining, rich potting soil is the best growing medium.
A mix of organic soil and perlite works well, or apotting soil made for succulents.
Christmas cactusThe Spruce / Kara Riley
Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus plants benefit from frequent watering to keep the soil evenly moist.
Allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings.
