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The Schlumbergera’s pointy leaf margins indicate a Thanksgiving cactus.

Holiday cactus do not like to be overwatered. Let dry between watering and protect from freezing temperatures if located outdoors.

The trick to developing flowers all over the Christmas cactus plant is to ensure it gets at least 12 hours of darkness for six weeks in the fall.

Holiday cactus blooms are so peculiar. They are like a flower that bloomed and decided it did not bloom enough. They look like fireworks, stopped for days midair at the peak of wonder. With over 200 cultivars, you can find a variety of colors in white, red, pink, peach, orange or fuchsia.

These plants can also play more than the part of beauty. They often engage memories, tied profoundly to loved ones. Have you ever heard of the generational poinsettia inherited by a grandchild? No, not really. However, Christmas cactuses are celebrated in some families as enduring memories of a life well-lived. Or, due to the weight that the holidays can put on us emotionally, they bloom just in time to bring a small spark of joy and presence of those we miss dearly.

The houseplant is native to tropical, coastal mountain forests of Brazil. The origin of the cactus, an epiphyte, clarifies its care as a patio or houseplant. Epiphytes grow in trees or in rocky spaces. They obtain moisture from rain or humidity and grow in nooks and crannies that have accumulated well-drained organic material, like leaves and moss. This medium can dry out quickly, which explains why they do not like to have wet feet or stay consistently moist.

Schlumbergera are spineless cactuses that have stems resembling leaves. The flattened stem segments (cladodes) photosynthesize as they arch up and downward away from the base. Flowers emerge from the tip. This is a cactus that does not prefer dry, hot conditions. Humidity is a necessary ingredient.

There are three types of holiday cactuses that are often referred to as Christmas cactus. Each one is different and blooms around the time of their given name — for the most part.

To add confusion, stores will sell plants under the name Christmas cactus, even when they are not that species. Chances are, what you have is a Thanksgiving cactus, as they are more common. Luckily, the life hack of identifying the stem works!

Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is the only one with pointy tips around the succulent stems. You may need to see the comparison with the Christmas cactus (S. x buckleyi) and its rounded or scalloped edges to note the difference. Easter cactus (Hatiora gaertneri) stems are unlike the other two, as they are rounded at the ends and small clusters of hairs adorn the top. The latter is not as common in stores.

A short-day plant means it needs a certain amount of darkness to initiate budding, requiring cooler temperatures, along with longer nights. Flowers will live longer if the temperature is closer to 68 degrees. Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses require at least 12 hours of darkness for six weeks. Easter cactus require eight to 10 weeks of darkness.

One common complaint with the Christmas cactus is that a plant is producing few blooms on one side. The side that buds is typically the one facing a window, away from artificial lights that have been turned on in the evening. To increase blooms all over, move to an unused room or space that will allow natural sunlight and darkness for the recommended time.

Harris County Master Gardener Baxter Swenson has no shortage of blooms on the plants that live outdoors. “I leave them on my partly shaded east exposure patio and move them to the western exposure front porch just before Christmas,” Swenson says. “They bloom for a couple months. I only bring indoors if there is going to be a heavy frost or freeze.”

Holiday cactuses prefer bright light if indoors, or light shade if outdoors.

Water when the top layer of soil is dry. Do not overwater or let sit in water.

The plants bloom best if slightly rootbound. Sometimes, just cleaning old soil away and planting in new soil in the same pot is suitable. This is done in late spring.

Fertilize lightly in the spring when new stem growth begins and taper off into the fall.

Move indoors below 50 degrees, especially if there is a frost or freeze coming.

Add humidity by misting or sitting on a saucer of pebbles. Add water to just below the top of the rocks.

This is a holiday plant that adds character to a home, not just color. Swenson recalls his grandmother passing one along to his mother; that plant now lives with his brother. He estimates it is around 60 years old.

Another friend’s mother gifted her one. When it blooms, it brings her joy and comfort with a sense that her mother is still nearby. There are so many family stories like these that accompany the Christmas cactus.

Who knew that a quick, holiday purchase can turn into a living heirloom?

Brandi Keller is a Harris County horticulture agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

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