Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mousetoescamper

(5,173 posts)
Thu Nov 30, 2023, 11:10 PM Nov 2023

My Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is blooming

For years I've called my plant a Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii). Turns out it's a Thanksgiving cactus!



How do I tell a Christmas cactus from a Thanksgiving cactus?
If you've ever wondered why your Christmas cactus blooms too early, it's because it is likely a Thanksgiving cactus! Thanksgiving cactus blooms about a month earlier in the fall than its fellow holiday bloomer. The traditional Christmas cactus has more delicate, breakable foliage and it isn’t as common in the retail floral industry today for that reason. The most obvious way to tell the difference between the two types is to look at the phylloclades, or flattened leaflike stems where photosynthesis occurs. The Thanksgiving cactus has pointy edges; the Christmas cactus has smooth, round edges.
https://www.gardengatemagazine.com/articles/flowers-plants/plant-guide/christmas-cactus-vs-thanksgiving-cactus/

9 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is blooming (Original Post) Mousetoescamper Nov 2023 OP
OMG! 2naSalit Nov 2023 #1
Thanks! Mousetoescamper Nov 2023 #3
I love blooming plants too. 2naSalit Dec 2023 #5
I call your flower just plain beautiful, my dear Mousetoescamper! CaliforniaPeggy Nov 2023 #2
Thanks! Mousetoescamper Dec 2023 #4
WOW!!! elleng Dec 2023 #6
Thanks! Mousetoescamper Dec 2023 #7
Beautifiul Shot justaprogressive Dec 2023 #8
Thanks! Mousetoescamper Dec 2023 #9

Mousetoescamper

(5,173 posts)
3. Thanks!
Thu Nov 30, 2023, 11:56 PM
Nov 2023

The jade's blooming for the first time was reason for celebration! When the tiny buds emerged I sent out birth announcements. The Thanksgiving cactus blooms every year, late November to early December, and sometimes a second time in February. I love having blooming plants indoors during the winter.

2naSalit

(92,735 posts)
5. I love blooming plants too.
Fri Dec 1, 2023, 12:28 AM
Dec 2023

I have a few that bloomed once and never again so far. I inherited some begonias, big ones. One bloomed right after I got it, had lovely little blossoms. The others have never bloomed for me but when I give anyone a cutting, it will bloom after they get home with it.

The spider plant blooms regularly.

I brought in a potted lobelia but I am not sure it will last much longer. I think it needs longer days. But it still has flowers and a couple new buds.

CaliforniaPeggy

(152,106 posts)
2. I call your flower just plain beautiful, my dear Mousetoescamper!
Thu Nov 30, 2023, 11:20 PM
Nov 2023

That is a stunning photo.

I admire your green thumb. I tend to neglect my indoor plants and sometimes they don't do well. Then I resolve to do better, and so do they!

BTW, thank you for the rec.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Photography»My Thanksgiving cactus (S...