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.
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