Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus Differences

on left, christmas cactus (smooth edges) on right, thanksgiving cactus (horns on edges) (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte I love Christmas Cactuses but are Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactuses the same?” — Emily

Are Thanksgiving and Christmas Cactus the Same?

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) are both popular holiday plants known for their vibrant blooms and ease of care.

While they are similar in many ways, there are distinct differences between the two species:

1. Origin and Natural Habitat:

   • Christmas Cactus: Christmas cacti are native to the cloud forests of Brazil. They have flattened stems with scalloped edges and are known for their pendulous flowers, which bloom in a variety of colors including red, pink, orange, white, and purple.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cacti are native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. They have pointed, claw-like projections on their stems and typically bloom in shades of pink, red, white, or purple.

2. Leaf Segments:

   • Christmas Cactus: The stem segments of Christmas cacti have rounded, scalloped edges.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: The stem segments of Thanksgiving cacti have pointed, claw-like projections.

3. Blooming Period:

   • Christmas Cactus: As the name suggests, Christmas cacti bloom in late fall to early winter, usually around December. The blooming period can extend into January.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cacti bloom slightly earlier, typically in late November to early December, around the Thanksgiving holiday, hence the name.

4. Leaf Segments:

   • Christmas Cactus: The stem segments of Christmas cacti have rounded, scalloped edges.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: The stem segments of Thanksgiving cacti have pointed, claw-like projections.

5. Flower Shape:

   • Christmas Cactus: Christmas cactus flowers have a more tubular shape, with pointed petals that often flare out at the tips.

   • Thanksgiving Cactus: Thanksgiving cactus flowers are usually more symmetrical and have a more rounded, crab-claw shape.

6. Cultural Requirements:

   • Both plants require similar care, including well-draining soil, indirect light, and regular watering. They prefer slightly humid conditions and benefit from occasional misting. During the blooming season, they require cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours to encourage flowering.

7. Propagation:

   • Both Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti can be easily propagated from stem cuttings. Simply cut a healthy segment of the plant, allow it to callous for a few hours, then plant it in moist soil. Given the right conditions, the cutting will develop roots and grow into a new plant.

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Charlotte

Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

tiny norfolk pines are popular holiday gifts. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I’m torn between giving my family Amaryllis bulbs or tiny Norfolk Pine Christmas trees. Will the Norfolk Pines survive and get big enough to be a live (Christmas) tree?” — Ruth

Norfolk Pine Christmas Trees

Hi Ruth, I love giving growing gifts so either one will keep on giving long past the holidays.

In terms of the tiny Norfolk Pines, I have been blessed with a couple over the years and they are now my living Christmas trees.

Some people don’t like them because they get more spindly as they grow. I like the scarce look, makes hanging, and seeing, ornaments a lot easier.

Here’s a Norfolk Pine gift from maybe 10 years ago. They are slow growers so celebrate every inch!

solar powered bee lights keep this norfolk pine christmas tree glowing all year. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

When this tree was smaller, you bet I would decorate it with a few ornaments at Christmas. Today you can also find solar-powered lights and small string lights to add so you can enjoy them all year.

Norfolk Pines like indirect sunlight and being misted daily. They don’t like getting dry; they will start dropping branches. (Ask me how I know!)

The other Norfolk Pine Christmas tree I have is now almost 7 feet tall.

My cats like to nap under it.

Not sure what I am going to do when it outgrows the room but thankfully they are slow growers.

I had this Norfolk Pine tree out on my deck for a few summers. It seemed to like rain and just being outdoors. Now it’s too big for me to move so I’ll periodically bring it rain water.

So either Norfolk Pine trees or Amaryllis bulbs will make lovely gifts. The Amaryllis bulbs will take up less space and bloom within 6-8 weeks. The Norfolk Pine trees are slower to grow. Both can keep growing and giving enjoyment for many years to come.

I know, so helpful.

For more tips on gardening, beekeeping, cooking and easy home decor, subscribe to my weekly Garden Notes.

Charlotte

Mumsettias

this is not a new holiday home decor plant but it is new for this us holiday season. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

“Charlotte, I saw a new holiday plant at a local home and garden center, have you seen Mumsettis? How do I care for one?” — Joy

Mumsettias

Hi Joy, I happened to see these in our local Menards as well. They are not a new plant variety but two favorites in the same pot: a chrysanthemum (white) and a red poinsettia.

If you like the combination keep them watered through the holiday season, then separate them into their own pots. You can keep the poinsettia indoors through winter - I love it when mine keep blooming through Valentine’s Day. With a little care, you can also keep poinsettias alive and reblooming.

The mum may be harder to keep alive inside but if you can give it sun and keep the roots hydrated the top flowers may die off but the plant itself will continue to grow. Here’s how to tell if your plant is still alive. Or you can place it in your garage, keep it watered and then plant it out in your garden in spring.

I would not place it out in a winter garden, the temperature difference will be too much of an adjustment.

Let me know what you decide to do and good luck!

Charlotte

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Good Plant Gift

“Hi, I want to give a friend a growing gift but don’t know what would be a good choice. What do you recommend?” — Vivian

Good Plant Gift

Hi Vivian, that’s easy, Amaryllis bulbs are fun, interesting and affordable gifts. I’ve seen them offered at grocery stores and home and garden centers this time of year.

If you buy them in boxes, open the box to make sure the bulb has a bud tip showing and getting ready to grow.

If you buy them as loose bulbs, add a container one inch larger than the bulb. Year ago when I gave Amaryllis bulbs as gifts I also added a ruler so people could see how much the bulb grows from day to day. They can literally grow a couple of inches a day.

Also add Amaryllis bulb growing and care instructions.

Amaryllis make wonderful winter gifts, too so pick them up when marked down at the end of the season. There are few things that have large gorgeous blooms inside during cold winters!

Maybe get one for yourself, too?

Charlotte

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What is that Bee in the Daffodils?

Hand blown bee from a St. Louis blown glass art studio. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

“Charlotte is that a bee in your flower arrangements? What is that bee in the daffodils?” - Clara

What is that Bee in the Daffodils?

Hi Clara, that is indeed a handmade glass bee in my small desk flower arrangements.

I purchased it for $10 at a St. Louis glass institute. It was the only one they had. At the time I was making the rounds of St. Louis with visiting family and didn’t know what I would do with the delicate, 1-inch piece. Other people collect baseball caps, t-shirts, spoons - but I though the bee was a great memento of a family vacation.

The glass bee is about an inch long. It has a wire attached underneath so I added more wire that I can bend to the appropriate height so the bee seems to be flying over the flowers.

I also have some handblown clear glass bees made in my hometown. I use them as Christmas tree decorations. I have also used them hanging from a basket handle for some custom gift baskets we’ve put together over the years.

Glad you spotted her.

The glass bee in one of my writing desk flower bases. (Charlotte Ekker Wiggins photo)

My flower arrangements are not complete unless there is at least one bee!

Charlotte

Rose of Sharon Bouquets

This bouquet is from one of the Rose of Sharon trees I trimmed. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte, I LOVE your idea of trimming Rose of Sharon bushes into trees. I have several to trim. Can I use the flowers in bouquets?” - Marilyn

Rose of Sharon Bouquets

Hi Marilyn, glad you’re going to try to trim Rose of Sharon shrubs into trees. And yes, you can take those branch cuttings and bring them inside for cut flower bouquets. The already-blooming flowers will close and fall off so concentrate on branches with flower buds.

I also save stems with a lot of seed pods to add to outside wreaths, they add a lot of interest to a wreath.

If you have extra cut branches, share with a friend, there’s nothing more cheery than having blooming flowers around.

Let me know how your trimming project goes and have fun!

Charlotte

Updating Door Wreath

My artificial berry door wreath updated with cedar boughs. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Love your grapevine wreath ideas. I have an old fake berry wreath my mother gave me. How can I update that artificial wreath? It’s not a grapevine….” Cindy

Updating Door Wreath

Hi Cindy, I have a couple of favorite non-grapevine wreaths as well. The one I see the most is the wreath on my front door which has a variety of fake burgundy to yellow berries. I saw similar artificial berry wreaths at our local craft store.

To customize it, I kept things simple by adding a little bee skep ornament in the center and a homemade sign to celebrate my bees. I snuck in a few dried wild indigo leaves, those are the grey ones. Which reminds me, most have fallen out by now so I need to pick up a few more the next time I go walking.

I keep this wreath simple because the action of opening and closing the front door can easily knock things I weave into it.

Cedar trees produce pretty blue berries in the fall. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

The easiest addition, though, by far was adding fresh cedar boughs with blue berries. I cut several the same length and pushed them in a circle around the artificial door wreath. Having something fresh and contrasting easily and quickly nicely updated the door wreath.

Fresh cedar boughs add color add life to my artificial door wreath. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Curious to see how these cedar boughs would change my large bluebird wall wreath, I snuck a few cedar tree boughs into that grapevine wreath.

The blue berries on the cedar boughs help to balance the brightness of the orange pyracantha berries. Can you tell I love updating the wreaths with interesting shapes and colors?

Cedar boughs with blue berries in my main entrance grapevine wreath. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

The more I add to this large grapevine wreath, the more my bluebird painted gourd seems to stand out. The blue accents of the cedar bough berries pulled it all together.

Good thing it’s snowing, I think I may be running out of space to add more to the grapevine wreath.

Blue berry cedar boughs mixed in with other dried flowers in my grapevine wreath. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

Once the cedar dries out, the boughs will retain some of their green color.

You should be able to find cedar boughs in your own backyard. This time of year, fresh wreaths will also soon be available. You could cut evergreens out of those wreaths if you can’t find any in your own garden.

Charlotte

How Long Do Wildflowers Bouquets Last

This bouquet of mostly wildflowers has been on my table for two weeks. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“…You’ve inspired me to pick more wildflowers and bring them inside to enjoy. How long do wildflowers last as cut flowers?” - Emily

How Long Do Wildflowers Bouquets Last

Hi Emily,

So glad you are going to enjoy more wildflowers inside, I truly can’t imagine not having fresh flowers around every day.

This is the mostly wildflowers bouquet sitting on my den table, I have had it for about two weeks and have refreshed the water every other day. I also cut off the bottom of the flower stems to ensure they are taking up water.

It is hard to say how long the wildflowers will last because it depends on several factors:

1. How early in the blooming process did you pick them. When I cut flowers in bud form or just blooming, they tend to last longer.

2. Some wildflowers work better as cut flowers than others. The white Beards Tongue is a hardy cut flower while the Ox-Eye Daisies fade much faster.

3. Some flowers are not easy to mix with others. Daffodils, for example, have a toxin that kills other flowers mixed in with them so they have to be kept in separate water for a couple of days until the toxins drain before mixing.

4. It’s better to pick the wildflowers early morning so you are getting them when they look the best and heat hasn’t deprived them of water.

   My suggestion is pick wildflowers from your garden and get to know which ones are better cut flowers. For example, although I love self heal, a pretty purple mint that is native to Missouri, it does not make a long lasting cut flower. I still will cut a few and include them in bouquets knowing full well I will need to pull them out after a couple of days.

Can you identify the flowers in this bouquet?

Orange Oriental Lily; Beards Tongue; Ox-eye Daisies; Speedwell and Dame’s Rocket. The Oriental lilies and Speedwell are perennials. The rest are considered Missouri wildflowers.

The Dame’s Rocket is a surprise, they have been blooming since end of March in my garden and these little flower sprigs are the last vestiges of their bloom.

Enjoy, Emily!

Charlotte

What Do You Recommend for a Wedding Gift?

"Hi, I really enjoyed reading through your blogs. My best friend is a big - I mean HUGE - gardener. She's getting married to another crazy outdoor person and I want to give them a gift that will reflect their love of nature and the outdoors. What do you recommend for a wedding gift?" -- Samantha

What Do You Recommend for a Wedding Gift?

Charlotte: Lucky you to have both in a couple loving to be outdoors, usually this question is about one person loving the outdoors and the other one scared to death of anything that moves.

Our customer's favorite wedding gift is a traditional double wedding ring quilt, either in a throw size or a bedspread size. Our made in USA double wedding ring throws are oversized - we call it snuggle size - so two people can comfortably curl up with it. 

If the groom is tall, think about getting a twin size quilt for a nap quilt. The extra length will make sure his toes are covered, such as this Vintage Lime Double Wedding Ring Twin Quilt.

The best selling of all of our double wedding ring quilts is our Country Double Wedding Ring Quilt. The fabrics can fit into most bedroom colors.

The second most popular double wedding ring quilt is a blue one, a testament to blue still being a favorite master bedroom color.

Regardless of what quilt you choose, custom embroider their names and wedding dates to make your gift extra special.

Personalize your quilt of choice with custom embroidery of the couple's name and wedding date.

Some of our customers just add the first names and dates, others include the last name and even more add a favorite quote, Bible verse or saying.

You are only limited by what you can imagine doing!

Charlotte

Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?

Native Black eye susans are long-lasting cut flowers and are one of my favorite summer flowers.

"Where Do You Get Your Inspiration?" -- Marie

Charlotte: Some people shop; I go out into my garden. Whether it is something to celebrate a special day, or moment, or cheer someone up, I can usually find something on my one-acre Missouri hillside garden.

It's not always flowers but those aren't a bad choice. Flowers are always welcome, especially ones we have "grown ourselves."

My garden also inspires me in terms of colors. Nature in a garden has a way of blending colors beautifully, a wonder place to be inspired when stumped selecting quilt fabrics.

I also enjoy my garden for all of the living creatures it hosts. Now when I look at a flower, I also look for its tenant, whether a spider or frog or ladybug. If I'm lucky, it's one of my honeybees visiting to pick up pollen. I sometimes stop for a minute. That is all it takes for some scene to unfold right before my camera eyes, if I'm lucky enough to remember to take my camera. Now I try to have it in hand at all times; I don't want to miss what my certified wildlife garden and monarch way station has to offer. 

So what else can you get inspired to do? 

Let's see, a jar of fresh herbs is a wonderful gift for a cook; a plant start is always welcome to a gardening friend. I will also share recipes to make gifts from the garden, and I look forward to hearing about the garden gifts you make. 

What kind of gifts do you like to give from your garden?