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Liz Bickel | all galleries >> Themed Galleries >> Themes: Multiple Galleries >> Everything: Multiple Galleries >> F >> Flora: Multiple Galleries >> Christmas Cactus >> Christmas Cactus 2019-2029 > Christmas in Late May 5-27-25
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27-May-2025 copyright Elizabeth Bickel

Christmas in Late May 5-27-25

A Christmas Cactus

Blooming like it lived in the Southern Hemisphere

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Schlumbergera (generalized botany name) is a popular houseplant known for its vibrant, tubular flowers that bloom in late fall or early winter in North America. Unlike typical desert cacti, this species originates from the tropical rainforests of South America, where it thrives in humid environments.

There are two generic species that are both sold at holiday time in the US, with both usually being sold as a Christmas Cactus.
However, while Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cacti (Schlumbergera truncata) look similar, they do have distinct differences:

Key Differences:
Leaf Shape:
Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, serrated edges (like crab claws).
Christmas cactus has rounded, scalloped edges.

Bloom Time:
Thanksgiving cactus blooms in November, around Thanksgiving.
Christmas cactus blooms in December, closer to Christmas.

Flower Position:
Thanksgiving cactus flowers stand upright.
Christmas cactus flowers hang downward.

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Some hybridizers will sell named, different colored (specially bred) varieties of both kinds of Schlumpbergers.

The one above is a generic plant purchased at Home Depot November many years ago. It bloomed profusely in November/December of 2024 as it usually normally does each year. This extra May 2025 blooming is a bonus and out of the ordinary.

Canon EOS R6 ,Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
1/125s f/18.0 at 100.0mm iso20000 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
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comment
Bryan Murahashi03-Jun-2025 03:34
A beautiful off-season bloom.
Nick Paoni02-Jun-2025 22:27
Terrific colors, comp and light.
Danad02-Jun-2025 14:55
Wonderful close-up ! Light and textures are exquisite.
*V*
Helen Betts02-Jun-2025 11:37
Beautiful flower, although interesting that it's blooming in May with a name like that.
joseantonio02-Jun-2025 08:18
lovely bright colors.V