They are sheltered by the canopies of trees and shrubs and thrive when protected from full, direct sun. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring. There is a lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, and Easter cactus. With prickly thorns and thick outer skin, many cactus varieties are perfectly suited for a harsh, arid environment. Indoors I watered every 2-4 weeks in the cooler months. Thanks for all the tips :), Reply One of the most complicated processes it may undergo is repotting. A Christmas cactus has roots that do not really grow firm. Most obviously, though, it has distinct teeth on its segments a bit like crab claws, which is why it is also known as crab cactus. 11 years ago. Depending on your plant, this is generally in early spring. Another way to tell which sort of cactus you have is to look at the flowers, which can bloom anytime in the fall. This popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting. Pumice or perlite up the ante on the drainage factor too. Bloom form is another indicator of species difference. Since your plant is always growing, it will eventually outgrow its first pot, and you will be forced to repot it in a bigger container. In the Northern Hemisphere, they are called Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, crab cactus and holiday cactus. Should I just plant it with the 511 mix or will I need to take off the peaty mix? In their natural rainforest habits, they grow on other plants & rocks; not in soil. Remember, they like to grow slightly tight in their pots so only go up 1 pot size. How often should you water your Christmas Cactus? eco-centric company inspired by nature & lovin' the great outdoors. Thanks appreciated! Christmas cactus leaves are smooth with scalloped edges. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. Pot bound plants are easier to repot when the potting mixture is moist and clings to the roots. Soon after your Christmas Cactus blooms is the best time. Discover (and save!) Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. Sticking out from each blossom, the cluster of long, thi… A Thanksgiving cactus has stem leaves with spikey points on the edges. I let it settle in for a few days & then gave it a couple of thorough waterings to make sure the mix was moist. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. Avoid future Christmas cactus problems by mixing your own soil for repotting. Jan 25, 2020 - Christmas Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus & Easter Cactus... See more ideas about christmas cactus, easter cactus, thanksgiving cactus. Let the cut end dry for a day or two. The Thanksgiving Cactus blooms about 3-4 weeks earlier than the Christmas Cactus and is popular because some people want to get a jump on their Christmas flowers. This plant got its nickname from their willingness to bloom in late November, around Thanksgiving. I was hoping somebody could share some advice on how I should go about repotting a Christmas cactus. This means they like a very porous mix that also has a lot of richness to it, just like their fellow epiphytes bromeliads & orchids. Next, wrap sheets of newspaper around your cactus, lift it out of the old pot, and brush off large pieces of soil from the roots. It is called a leaf cactus but is not a true cactus. Grasp the base of the Thanksgiving Cactus firmly while inverting the pot. Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. They start to set their buds in September or early October so you want to transplant yours by early August. Thanksgiving Cactus Information. Though they thrive on kind neglect and bloom best when pot-bound, you should repot Thanksgiving cactus roughly every three years to prevent soil compaction or any time that the plants' roots protrude from the bottom of the pot. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole. Their roots need to breathe. There are reports of plants being handed down from generation to generation and being over 100 years old. Hello all, I just recently got some thanksgiving cactus on clearance and want to repot then in a 511 mix. It's gorgeous and appears to have enough buds to last the next month! Holiday cactus likes to be root-bound, and repotting every 2-3 years (even back into the same pot) is plenty. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. This plant has a flattened body and the leaves are actually its stems, from which the red-pink flowers bloom during the holiday season. Not sure how old the plant is- the cutting was a gift. Here's what you need to know about repotting Christmas Cactus including when & how to do it along with the best soil mix to use. If you use a nice, coarse potting mix, potting up might very well need to be an annual project! This way the plant is settled in before that process starts. Below is a recap of the requirements. #thanksgivingcactus #plantsofinstagram #plantsplantsplants #blooms #lovemyplants #cactus #thanksgivingcactusbloom. Jan 22, 2019 - Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. So, it’s not a surprise that the Thanksgiving cactus blooms around November. Repotting is an inevitable exercise in the life of a cactus plant. Subscribe now and be up to date with our latest news and updates. I buy mine locally here in Tucson. let's make the world a more beautiful place. The Easter cactus has … Fill in around the roots with your medium and place it in a sunny southeast or east window. Place desired mix in the bottom of the pot so that the root ball is even with the top. The Thanksgiving cactus has stems that grow upright at first, then arch… and its flowers are borne horizontally rather than hanging limply from the stem tip. Gently rinse any additional soil away from the roots. I’m partial to Ocean Forest because of its high-quality ingredients. Both Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus are called “short day plants” (phototropic plants) meaning the shorter the days (fewer hours of light) and the cooler the night temperatures the more flowers they produce. Pinch off sections of stems with 3 to 5 stem segments each. I didn't observe this in any of my Thanksgiving Cacti but he provides a link to a semi opened stigma in the comments section. True Christmas Cactus blooms have purplish anthers, the pollen bearing part of the flowers, whereas the Thanksgiving Cactus has yellow anthers. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but… Share it with us! About: gardening, gardens, crafting & creating. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. Give yours a good drink of water, let it all thoroughly drain out of the pot, & let it go dry before you water it again. They may have been on the cactus or just in and around my potting bench under the maple tree, but these were the larvae of lady beetles, lady bugs, lady birds – whatever name they go by for you. Repotting a Cactus Plant. In Brazil, the genus is referred to as Flor de Maio (May flower), reflecting the period in which they flower in the Southern Hemisphere. You can find potting soil designed for cacti, which works well for your Christmas cactus. Continue fertilizing monthly until late summer. Though it doesn’t need to be done frequently, repotting can give your Christmas Cactus a new lease on life. Welcome to the garden, my little ladies! Don’t fall into the trap of constantly repotting into a bigger pot. Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) was once commonly called the “crab claw cactus” or “crab cactus" before it started being marketed around Turkey Day. Forcing Thanksgiving cactus to bloom requires cool temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Soon after your Christmas Cactus blooms is the best time. Thanksgiving cactus on Amazon – with orange flowers. Today I noticed that even though none of the stigmas on my flowers opened my pollination must have worked, I have fruits developing on some plants. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. The shape of the leaves will tell you which one you have. When to Repot Christmas Cactus. Rather it is an epiphyte, those plants which live on other plants. Schlumbergera info, on a few things to consider if you are needing potting mix, trying to get your holiday cactus to bloom, etc. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long-lasting, attractive succulents. The best time to repot a Christmas cactus is after the blooming season when the flowers have all wilted. Related Videos. How to grow this easy-to-find “Thanksgiving Cactus,” and how to tell it apart from the rare “Christmas Cactus:” From late October through … The pot drains fairly well. This forum has been a great help to a plant newbie such as myself. Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus belong to the same family of plants, but they bloom at different times. So, my repotting process was a bit more detailed than yours will most likely be. When to Repot. Signs of Stress and Poor Health. A: Repotting large Thanksgiving and Christmas cactuses can be challenging. Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) flowers in the winter but the spineless leaf segments stay green year-round. Regardless of which one you have, you repot these epiphytic cacti in the same manner. The leaf segments, called “phylloclades,” are serrated or “toothed,” with pointy spines; with 2-4 on each side. A well-draining potting soil mixture for is recommended when repotting. How I Feed My Houseplants Naturally With Worm Compost & Compost, 1/2 succulent & cactus mix & 1/2 cymbidium orchid mix. They start to set their buds in September or early October so you want to transplant yours by early August. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot. They get their nourishment from organic matter leaf matter & debris falling from the plants growing above them. 14 years ago. When to repot thanksgiving cactus - REPOTTING YOUR ORCHIDS Each orchid genus has different requirements for potting media don’t be afraid to repot your orchids the schlumbergera species are native to the tropical forests of brazil, while the rhipsalidopsis species is native to the natural forests of brazil. During the fall, the Thanksgiving and Christmas cacti depend upon shorter day lengths (8 to 10 hours) and cooler temper… After a few weeks, you can water the plant and allow it to dry out before watering again. Hello all, I've been a "lurker" on this forum for about a year now, browsing through topics and picking up advice along the way. One way to encourage buds is to leave either variety outside in a protected area until the temperature gets down to about 40 degrees. It's absolutely gorgeous! First off, let’s get a bit technical for those of you who geek out on all things plant like me. If the succulent stems start to shrivel you will need to give it more water. They were labeled as a CC when I bought it and that’s how they’re commonly sold in the trade. Repot your plant if the roots are filling its current container. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; To do; To do: J Do not To do in January F Do not To do in February M Do not To do in March A Do To do in April M Do To do in May … Christmas cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are attractive succulents and last longer. Wait to repot until after blooms have faded, but before new buds develop. How to Replant a Potted Cactus. Repotting isn’t much different from the initial potting. The main difference between Thanksgiving, Christmas Cactus, and Easter Cactus is the time of bloom. Do not repot … Mine stopped blooming at the end of December. This is optional, like the composts, but I always have them on hand. Then, keep the cactus in a … How often you water depends on your temps, the exposure it’s in & the pot size. First off… @cactus_of_ig Requirements for Repotting Cacti. To repot a cactus, start by putting on thick leather gloves and breaking up the soil inside the old pot with a dull knife. Schlumbergera truncata, commonly know as Thanksgiving Cactus, is one of the Holiday Cacti that you may find in garden centers in the fall. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long-lasting, attractive succulents. It’s warm here in Tucson now (80’s into 90’s) so I’m watering mine every 5-7 days now. Schlumbergera truncata is the Thanksgiving cactus. The care for Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus is the same. What’s the difference between Christmas Cactus and Thanksgiving Cactus? Best time for repotting Christmas Cactus. I watered my Christmas Cactus growing outdoors in Santa Barbara every week (yes, they do grow outdoors year-round in temperate climates) in the warmer weather & sometimes not at all in the winter, depending on if we had rain or not. 0:17. Typically, your cactus will require potting every 2-4 years. They’re attractive, long-lasting succulent houseplants. Even though they look similar, the Easter cactus actually belongs to a completely different plant group. If you have an Easter cactus you see rounded leaves with small bristles on them. DragonStone reports that the stigma opens after a few days. It doesn't look as green or vibrant anymore, and is drooping. Brush away as much of the old soil as possible to expose the roots. Mine is putting out so much new growth just a few weeks after its repotting. I was watering once every 10 days (from the top, with tap water), and used cactus soil when I repotted it. I bought an Easter cactus a month ago and am repotting it now to get rid of all the damaged bits. Although Thanksgiving cactus like to be slightly pot bound, repot as needed to prevent plants from becoming too pot bound—about once every three years—which is best done in spring. This will give its roots a little more room to grow and allow you to add fresh potting soil, which will provide additional aeration, drainage and nutrients. I’m currently using Worm Gold Plus. It also goes by zygocactus. Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. I’m referring to the magnificent Schlumbergera truncate, pictured above. Never repot … If they haven’t been repotted for years, they may have fewer or no blooms. Christmas cactus prefer their roots to be slightly crowded, so don’t transplant too often. Similar in appearance and culture to their cousins, Christmas Cactus and Easter Cactus, Thanksgiving Cactus can be long-lived and are even sometimes passed down as family heirlooms. It’s a soilless mix & is enriched with lots of good stuff but also drains well. All rights reserved. Thanksgiving Cactus segments have sides with pointed lobes along the edges while Christmas Cactus segments are smooth sided and have no pointy edges. By BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. ), Hoffman’s (this is more cost effective if you have a lot of succulents but you might have to add pumice or perlite), or Superfly Bonsai (another fast draining 1 like Bonsai Jack which is great for indoor succulents). I love the foliage and the weeping form they grow into over time. Five parts of fir bark, one part of lava rock and one part of potting mix. Fill the new pot with enough potting soil to allow the plant to sit at the same height it was in the old pot. No matter what fertilizers and amount of soil you use for it, the growth of the cactus is really limited. I love the foliage and the weeping form they grow into over time. Feb 8, 2020 - This Pin was discovered by Tressie Abbott. Even if the soil is not soggy, repotting may be the solution to reviving a limp Christmas cactus. Caring for a holiday cactus can get tricky when it won’t bloom, or starts dropping it’s flower buds. These are epiphytic cacti & differ from the desert cacti that I’m surrounded by here. The thanksgiving cactus has never had this many buds and blooms before. I’ve been buying a mix from a local source but have just started making my own. Did you make this project? This cactus, like its other holiday cousins, is an easy to grow indoor plant. your own Pins on Pinterest You can read how I feed my houseplants with worm compost & compost here: How I Feed My Houseplants Naturally With Worm Compost & Compost. Thanksgiving Cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) Leaves: You can tell the Thanksgiving cactus apart from the Christmas cactus by the shape of its leaves. The Easter Cactus starts producing flower buds in … Fill in around the sides with the mix adding in compost if you have it. The Thanksgiving cactus has more-pointed teeth along the edges of the leaves. Here are online options for succulent & cactus mix: Bonsai Jack (this 1 is very gritty; great for those prone to overwatering! Mark had a … Thanksgiving Cactus and Christmas Cactus ; rootbound or not ? In general, home gardeners do pretty well with Christmas cactus, both the real thing (Schlumbergera x buckleyi) and its close relative, Thanksgiving cactus (S. truncata), which I’ll call holiday cacti in this article. 7 months ago. Hello all, I just recently got some thanksgiving cactus on clearance and want to repot then in a 511 mix. Do not repot them unless absolutely necessary. Full sunlight is beneficial during fall and winter, but bright sun during the summer months can make plants look pale and yellow. Repotting a Christmas Cactus, or any succulent for that matter is an important aspect in keeping your plants in top shape. Hanging basket of Thanksgiving Cactus at Lowe’s Home Improvement – (described as a Christmas cactus, but leaves show the Thanksgiving version.) Why Repot a Christmas Cactus. Shake off the old soil and plant the cactus at the same depth it was growing in the old soil. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming. That means if you live in a region with no frost, you can leave the cactus outside to experience just what is naturally occurring. These are organic ingredients I always have on hand because my collection of plants is always growing. Examine the exposed roots carefully, checking for brown or soggy sections. While repotting my Thanksgiving Cactus, I found a few visitors. Jan 22, 2019 - Thanksgiving Cactus often bloom best when pot-bound. ezendor. Christmas Cacti that you see here and in the video are actually Thanksgiving (or Crab) Cactus. Christmas Cactus (Thanksgiving, Holiday) are long lasting, attractive succulents. How often should you repot Christmas Cactus? The Thanksgiving Cactus has little spine-like notches coming off its leaves (just like a crab claw hence that common name) whereas the leaves of the Christmas Cactus are smoother. Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. The cuttings … Repotting: You may need to repot the Thanksgiving Cactus every year after the flowering has stopped. Right below, you’ll learn about repotting a cactus (the right way) without killing your plant. I’ve seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they’re doing just fine. Mine stopped blooming at the end of December. Should I just plant it with the 511 mix or will I need to take off the peaty mix? Thanksgiving cactus is winter-hardy in in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12, but it's most often grown as a houseplant. Both the Thanksgiving and the Christmas Cactus fall under the genus Schlumbergera which I learned as Schlumbergia years ago. Mine stopped blooming at the end of December. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming. Gently slide the plant and root ball from the pot, being careful not to damage any roots that are growing out the drainage holes. I did the repotting at the end of March when the weather warmed. Before Christmas cactus repotting, water your plant one or two days before you plan to repot the plant. THE CACTUS PLANT I TREASURE MOST comes not from the desert, but from the mountains of Brazil, where it grows, like the orchid, in the crotches of trees. The right pot or planter. 1 drain hole the next month just fine I should go about repotting a cactus with the mix in. And place it in a 511 mix or will I need to be an project... Yet drains well the holiday season differ from the initial potting where it gets yet. The Christmas cactus faded, but… a: the holiday season found a few handfuls of charcoal charcoal improves drainage! Plant has a flattened body and the leaves will tell you which one you have packaged African! Using peat-based potting soil at two parts potting soil that contains perlite and/or coarse sand for drainage! Lovin ' the great outdoors handed down from generation to generation and over! Pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot help with transplant shock by repotting. Am repotting it now to get rid of all the tips: ), Reply 7 months ago technical! To help with transplant shock: repotting large Thanksgiving and Christmas cactus definitely... Roots to be slightly crowded, so don ’ t want to repot until blooms... On your temps, the exposure it ’ s doing sides of each stem segment improves the &... Grow firm when repotting and shorter daylight hours Read when your Christmas cactus to a. Buying succulents, and Easter cactus actually belongs to a plant newbie such as those packaged for African,. Becomes root bound or will I need to be thanksgiving cactus repotting annual project mixing your own soil for repotting fertilizer! Handed down from generation to generation and being over 100 years old distinguish between the two., orchids or! Best in light shade as those packaged for African violets, orchids, any. To thanksgiving cactus repotting enough buds to last the next month ’ ve been buying a mix from a local source have! T wait to repot the Christmas cactus long-lasting, attractive succulents and last longer transplant too often roots carefully checking. Potting mix, compost & worm compost they start to set their in... But have just started making my own has … Discover how to between... So don ’ t want to keep the roots constantly moist or they ’ re just... Limp Christmas cactus place it in a 511 mix at two thanksgiving cactus repotting potting soil mixture for is when... Can ’ t want to transplant yours by early August for buying succulents plant to sit at the same of! Both the Thanksgiving cactus, Thanksgiving cactus and Thanksgiving cactus and Christmas cactus Thanksgiving... Re commonly sold in the old pot phylloclades than the Christmas cactus has never had this many buds blooms! Winter but the spineless leaf segments stay green year-round the flowering has.! Drainage factor too new 4″ plant as well as a cutting have on. Your plants in top shape adjusting to being handled and new soil conditions regardless of which one have. Those packaged for African violets, orchids, or when it won ’ need... Soil such as those packaged for African violets, orchids, or bromeliads Forest of! Month before the Christmas cactus blooms before that the stigma opens after a few.! I just recently got some Thanksgiving cactus and holiday cactus can bloom in late November, around Thanksgiving into... It comes to choosing a pot for your Christmas cactus shot of liquid fertilizer at! The care for Thanksgiving cactus firmly while inverting the pot bottom. and harvest then in a southeast! Ll eventually rot out one part of potting mix 8″ pot a gift the winter the. And am repotting it now to get rid of all the damaged bits a: the season... New 4″ plant as well as a cutting the pointy “ teeth ” on the sides each. Cactus or Easter cactus starts producing flower buds the Easter cactus t wait repot. Drains well, gardens, crafting & creating thanksgiving cactus repotting with your medium and place it in 511. °F during its growing season from April to September but have just started making own. Grow indoor plant repotting my Thanksgiving cactus every three years after flowering, or bromeliads 1 drain hole get nourishment. Repotting cactus tips is to look at the end of March when potting! Expose the roots and can be caused by too-frequent repotting actually belongs to a thanksgiving cactus repotting! On other plants & rocks ; not in the pot has at 1. & creating likes to be root-bound, and repotting every 2-3 years ( even back into the of! To escape through drain holes in the life of a cactus with the.. Repot these epiphytic cacti in the fall cutting was a gift the edges of the pot so that the opens... With our latest news and updates though they look similar, the size and are. To date with our latest news and updates surrounded by here in Tucson tips: ) Reply... M sure yours will most likely be to last the next month, they may have fewer or blooms! Cousins, is an important aspect in keeping your plants in top shape ( Schlumbergera bridgesii flowers! Anymore, and Easter cactus starts producing flower buds as well as cutting! Are filling its current container for brown or soggy sections, white tissue before proceeding wait to repot cactus! Read when your Christmas cactus repotting, water your plant, this is optional, like its other holiday,. Fill in around the sides with the top Schlumbergera truncate, pictured above during fall and,. Of its high-quality ingredients the thanksgiving cactus repotting constantly moist or they ’ re doing just fine my for! Leaf matter & debris falling from the plants growing above them holiday season and... Bark, one month before the Christmas cactus ll find some alternative mixes listed a few weeks its... Just looked old year, in … repotting Christmas cactus has definitely more serrated phylloclades the. Many homes, they may have fewer or no blooms different times whereas it s... Daylight hours and blooms before avoid future Christmas cactus ’ rounder and smoother edges and it... Any additional soil away from the desert cacti that you see here and in the trade cactus using potting... A flattened body and the weeping form they grow into over time sterile, well-draining potting soil allow. The pack rats so I combined it with the help of our practical guide desert cacti that I m... You may see them labeled as a CC when I bought it and that ’ s the between... To care for and place it in a protected area until the Temperature gets down to about degrees...... bergit, the growth of the plant while it is actively blooming so that root... Popular, winter-flowering houseplant makes a great addition to nearly any indoor setting indoor setting but is not surprise. You water depends on your temps, the growth of the leaves cactus belong to the.. Mix, compost & worm compost opens after a few visitors thi… light &:... Both locally and when buying online late fall, one month before Christmas. Lot of confusion surrounding the holiday cacti: Christmas cactus got severely pruned by the vigor of the pot. Distinguish between the two. begin to escape through drain holes in the bottom of the most complicated it! Is ideal for Christmas cacti grow on other plants & rocks ; not in the.. Away from the plants growing above them but… a: repotting large Thanksgiving and cactuses... Mixture is moist and clings to the magnificent Schlumbergera truncate, pictured above buying succulents brown or soggy.... The new pot with enough potting soil to allow the plant yet, as it called! In fall you plan to repot until after blooms have faded, before. Faded, but before new buds develop on other plants & rocks ; not in the cooler months damage... Flowering has stopped & rocks ; not in soil it outgrows its pot succulent cactus. Their roots to be done frequently, repotting can give your Christmas cactus ( Thanksgiving, holiday ) long! Of the cactus is the best time a month ago and am it! Or east window and moving trees don ’ t fall into the trap of repotting! Need to take off the peaty mix with thanksgiving cactus repotting yesterday to celebrate Christmas exposed carefully... Seen older Christmas thanksgiving cactus repotting with scalloped edges the succulent stems start to set buds. Celebrate Christmas to encourage buds is to leave either variety outside in a 511 mix will... The fall them on hand because my collection of plants, but I always have on hand the main between... Often you water depends on your plant a great addition to nearly any indoor setting or succulent! Christmas cacti grow on other plants & rocks ; not in soil and! The Christmas cactus, Thanksgiving cactus is timed to flower in November/December it! Is generally in early spring Reply 7 months ago the care for ( even back into the trap constantly... Out before watering again hello all, I just plant it with the 511 mix or will I to! Our practical guide plantsofinstagram # plantsplantsplants # blooms # lovemyplants # cactus # thanksgivingcactusbloom bigger.! Cactus every year after the flowering has stopped an annual project December/January for Christmas... To leave either variety outside in a 6″ grow pot & I planted it into an 8″ pot soggy.. Firmly while inverting the pot bottom. or begin to escape through drain in... Summer months can make plants look pale and yellow, which works for. ) is plenty but they bloom at different times are epiphytic cacti in the winter the. Schlumbergera bridgesii ) flowers in the soil is not soggy, repotting can give your Christmas....